122 RREFDIXa AND EXHIBITION OP PRlZK POULTRY, 



knowledge of this fact will save much time in "breeding 

 back " to the original strain, and much disappointment in the 

 effect of the cross. For instance, if it be desired to increase 

 size, a cross with a hen of foreign breed should be employed, 

 and the same if it be sought to introduce a more prominent 

 breast, or any other peculiarity 'of shape ; but if it is the 

 plumage which is to be modified, it is the male bird who 

 should be thrown in. In breeding the cross out again, or in 

 retaining any new characteristic, so as to form a fresh variety, 

 the same rule must be kept in mind. 



We believe that much disappointment and uncertainty in 

 the results of crossing has been owing to a neglect or ignorance 

 of this simple principle, and breeding from either sex in- 

 differently. If this be done, the result will often be disappoint- 

 ing, and in every case the time consumed will be greater than 

 is necessary ; but if scientifically conducted, we believe crossing 

 would improve many of our older breeds in size, hardihood, and 

 utility, without in any measure detracting from those qualities 

 for which they are valued. 



The care and preservation in good condition of valuable 

 fowls is an important point. With regard to mere health, 

 nothing can be added to what has already been treated of in 

 the preceding section. But it frequently happens that, on 

 account of the high price, only a single pen of three first-class 

 birds can be afforded j and if such a family be penned up by 

 itself, the frequent attentions of the cock will soon render the 

 hens unfit for exhibition, or even cause temporary paralysis or 

 sterility. To avoid this, a couple more of ordinary hens 

 should be added, taking care that the eggs be of a different 

 colour, or otherwise easily distinguished from those of the 

 breeding-pen itself. The plumage and health of the hens 

 or pullets will then be preserved, without injuring the character 

 of the progeny. The same precaution must be observed in 

 spring if hens are absent from the run on account of broodine,ss ; 



