54 THE AMERICAN BREEDS OF POULTRY 



A somewhat larger proportion of males show poorer build and less 

 symmetry and finish, than females. 



Fully mature breeding birds of both sexes when mated together 

 are the more dependable producers of the truly masculine type of 

 male, which is necessary if a cockerel is to display that vitality, 

 strength of bone, substance of body and finish of plumage that is 

 required in the 1st prize winners at the leading shows. A successful 

 breeder of males recently remarked that every fall he "puts away" 

 some of his best pullets and "forgets about them" until they are 

 hens, when they are employed in the breeding yards. 



The function of breeding is to put potential qualities into that new 

 organism which is to develop from the germ and bursts its envelope 

 and usher forth into the world, and accompanying its inheritance 

 of shape and color must be a vital strength that will enable the 

 chick to make a full and successful development. This pronounced 

 vitality cannot be acquired, it too must be inherited from thrifty, 

 mature breeding stock. 



