BREEDING AND SELECTION. 



(A.) GENERAL APPEARANCE. 



When one considers the individual fowl as it stands and compares it in weight, 

 form, quality, condition, and style with the ideal, we term the same judging the 

 general appearance. 



I. WEIGHT. 



Weight is given first consideration on the score-card. Too heavy birds are 

 usually lazy or less active and show a decided tendency to utilize their food for 

 forming flesh. Birds below weight seldom reproduce as prolific progeny as they are 

 themselves. Decidedly underweight males are poor breeders, whilst decidedly under- 

 weight females are not persistent layers. 



Whilst much time has been spent in breeding heavy and light birds, we have 

 come to the conclusion that best results will be obtained along commercial lines by 

 ushi birds coming nearly within the weights mentioned in this score-card at 

 breeding-time. 



A type of underweight male. 

 II. FORM. 



A great deal of controversy still takes place relating to the different types to be 

 used in breeding. We have come to the conclusion that, allowing for the breed and 

 time of season handled, breeding stock should have a form balanced in all sections. 



One desires a form somewhat rectangular in appearance. This form will be 

 seen at its best when a female is in full lay or when a male is in his strongest 

 breeding period. The female will at this time have a large spread between the two 

 pelvic bones and a good depth between the two pelvic bones and the keel. The 

 oviduct at this time is enlarged to its full working capacity. The development of 

 the reproductive organs and softening of the inembrances causes the sternum and 

 keel to drop. The two wings of bone on either side of the body paralleling the back- 

 bone and the hinged ribs allow of this action. The same action takes place in male 

 and female. This action is more marked in the female naturally, owing to the 

 development and laying of the egg. The pelvic bones open at this season as well, 

 due to the same cause in both male and female. The hen laying small eggs does 



