GOOD ANIMALS STIMULATE PRIDE 59 



Plymouth Rock. If the breed was formed as it is 

 asserted, then a more appropriate name for these fowls 

 would be Plymouth Leghorns. 



If, then, as has been stated, a pedigree may be long 

 or short, may be deficient or complete on the dam's 

 side, may contain many, few or no distinguished an- 

 cestors, is it still helpful and valuable, and if so, in 

 what ways? If a pedigree be scanned closely it may 

 reveal first the time which has elapsed since the breed 

 took on well - defined characteristics. Other things 

 being equal, the longer the breed has been established 

 the greater are the chances that the offspring will 

 closely resemble, in all of its characteristics, its ances- 

 tors. If one is familiar with the breed under con- 

 sideration, he will quickly recognize the names of the 

 superior animals recorded in the pedigree. This will 

 naturally lead to a study of the history and per- 

 formance of these animals as set forth by the best 

 informed writers who have been or are interested in 

 the breeds; it gives assurance that the animal whose 

 pedigree is being considered is pure bred and not a 

 grade or a nondescript, and enables one to ascertain 

 whether the animal in question is descended from su- 

 perior specimens of the breed. It helps one to become 

 acquainted with the methods practiced by the most 

 successful breeders. A good knowledge of pedigrees 

 and the possession of recorded animals are powerful 

 stimulants, which are likely to result in an endeavor 

 to improve the breed along one or more lines; and 

 this in turn serves to stimulate an honest pride in the 

 breeder's profession. 



