PROBLEM OF HIGHER FECUNDITY 



121 



Production 



Number 



Heavy 10 



Medium 18 



Light 19 



Average weight 

 1 pounds 

 6 " 

 5 



First y ear t Two years 

 141.1 236.1 



163.4 268.5 



173.7 293.5 



The eleven heaviest layers, those hens laying over 200 

 eggs each averaged in weight 5% pounds. 



It would be a serious 

 mistake, however, to 

 select year after year, 

 the smallest individuals 

 for breeding purposes 

 without regard to other 

 considerations. Vigor 

 and health must always 

 be uppermost. Con- 

 tinued selection of the 

 smallest would, in the 

 Leghorn breed, for ex- 

 ample, finally evolve a 

 Bantam type so far as 

 weight is concerned. On 

 the other hand, it is a 

 mistake to pick out the 

 nice large hens and the 

 nice heavy males and 

 save them for breeding, 

 better send them to the 

 pot. 



Shape or Conformation. Much, importance cannot be 

 attached to various theories regarding shape as indicative of 

 laying qualities. The good layer, however, is usually 

 medium to long in body, and rather deep and broad. These 

 are relative terms and subject to breed differences. Em- 



LADY SHOWYOU 



White Plymouth Rock hen, laid 281 e 

 in the Missouri Contest in 1911-12. 

 record was made in her second year, 

 wide-awake, active temperament. ' 

 pounds. 



iff 



Note 

 Weight 6 



