164 Farm Poultry 



and is recognized as "sure," that is, it rarely fails to 

 bring a reasonable crop, yet under the most favorable 

 conditions would not produce a maximum crop. 

 Under the most favorable conditions other varieties 

 may outyield this hardy one, but under adverse 

 conditions would not be able to withstand the severe 

 test endured by it. So we find pure-bred stock, in 

 some respects, resembles the improved and more 

 productive but less hardy varieties of grain. Under 

 the most favorable conditions the pure breeds will, 

 undoubtedly, prove most remunerative. Under 

 adverse conditions, where hardiness is the all-impor- 

 tant consideration, the useful qualities cannot remain 

 so highly developed. 



It is frequently said that if pure-bred stock is 

 good for anything it should prove superior in the 

 same conditions under which common stock is 

 usually kept; but the owner of common stock says 

 that he does not believe in pampering his fowls. 

 This is a serious mistake, and one that frequently 

 prevents the true appreciation of improved breeds. 

 It should not be forgotten that the best of improved 

 breeds have reached their superiority through years 

 of skilful feeding and breeding. Food has always 

 played an important part in the formation and 

 improvement of all noted useful breeds. Abundant 

 feeding and good care have produced an organiza- 

 tion that is capable of digesting and assimilating 

 large quantities of food and turning it to good 



