204 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



associate with a single cock, when the quality of a breed is a 

 matter of interest. Three would be the better number for 

 restriction, but five is the furthest limit which can be safely 

 assigned. 



Most persons, in obtaining a single vigorous cock and hen of 

 a desirable variety, find their anticipations more than realized 

 in the production of a fine progeny. The plumage is brilliant, 

 and the chickens are of increased size, and remarkably strong 

 and healthy. This happy state of things continues so long as 

 the cock is restricted to a small number of hens. So soon, 

 however, as his harem is enlarged, different effects are mani- 

 fested, and a deterioration in the stock is clearly observable. 

 This is not to be attributed to close breeding, but to the 

 increased disproportion of females to the male, and the conse- 

 quent overtasking of his virile powers. 



In breeding-time great cleanliness should be observed in the 

 lodgings of the fowls, and the quantity and quality of the food 

 is a matter of great consequence. They should not be suffered 

 to feed to repletion, and such kinds of food as are most nutritious 

 should be carefully provided. Variety of food is essential, and 

 a proper proportion of animal and green food should be given 

 with their usual fare. 



Suitable arrangements should, of course, be made to prevent 

 any intermixture of different breeds. A ceaseless vigilance in 

 this respect is the price of success, and when all proper pre- 

 cautions are taken, the breeder may rest in a perfect security 

 that his anticipations will be realized. 



In the report of the Committee of Supervision, at the late 

 Convention of Fowl Fanciers and Breeders, are many remarks 

 which deserve attention. The following, especially, are of 

 permanent value, and are inserted with pleasure as a suitable 

 conclusion to this chapter : 



" Generally, the system of breeding poultry is conducted in 



