246 BOARD OF AGKICULTURE. [Jan. 



I fancy the breeder of Spanish classes will realize as much 

 for the white ones if they are as carefully selected, and free 

 from stains. The difference in quality of eggs is not in 

 color of shell, but in the food supply from which they are 

 constructed. Flavors come from the food in eggs, as well 

 as milk. 



In selecting breeding stock, be assured the hens are not 

 an accident, but have been bred for generations from stock 

 possessing positive virtues. Let the breeding be to fix the 

 predisposition of heredity. Increased size, early maturity, 

 desired form and greatest production Avill in this way be se- 

 cured, an upward tendency being all the while maintained. 



I have not urged pure-bred stock, because I am here to 

 enforce, if I may, the one lesson of possible profits for the 

 farmer, and not to speak for the specialists ; but it must not 

 be construed that mixed grades of any and all breeds are to 

 be brought together, for this can never satisfy. Each breed 

 •represents a peculiar idea ; each has its own individual char- 

 acteristics, and excels in some particular. 



For the average farmer or mechanic, wantino- egsrs and 

 poultry, and without time to study the problem of breeding, 

 and cultivate and improve on the work of the specialist, 

 high grades will give better results than pure-bloods. It is 

 easier to improve with grade hens of one variety, and a pure- 

 bred male, than to hold an even keel with pure-blood stock. 

 Never use a grade male. There can be no uniformity, no 

 satisfaction. Secure, yearly, a male pure in breeding, rich 

 in inheritance, strong and healthy ; and, making use of the 

 best hens, there will surely come a steady advance in the 

 type and productiveness of the flocks. Avoid all violent 

 outcrosses. Use a male of one variety, and so reach after 

 and secure the highest possible profit. It is business in the 

 poultry yard we are discussing to-day, — business for the 

 farmer with his many cares, for the tradesman or mechanic 

 having only limited time ; and for these reasons I urge high 

 grades. There is money in the business of breeding })ure- 

 bloods, but more time and attention are necessar}--, a more 

 critical study of the tastes and recjuirements of other breed- 

 ers is demanded; and, because of. this, the great majority 

 of farmers who keep hens solely for profit, cannot do more 



