128 THE CALL OF THE HEN. 



Now and then the objection reaches us that the high-type roosters 

 referred to cannot be found. I have found them, as others have, and 

 I believe there are nearly or quite as many in proportion as there are 

 of the 250 and above hens; but we do not save all the roosters as we 

 do all the pullets, and they are correspondingly scarce among mature 

 males. By selecting always from large numbers of males before they 

 are killed off this objection will be largely and quickly overcome. 



The fact that males of this class can be selected is of itself a dis- 

 covery sufficient to revolutionize the whole poultry business without 

 the examination of a single hen were time enough taken; but the two 

 together bring absolute and immediate results. 



In the hands of a slightly experienced or an at all competent person 

 the element of chance is entirely removed by this method of selecting 

 layers and males; and one is just as sure of the results sought as that 

 a hen will die if her head is cut off. 



We ask but one thing: that judgment be withheld till method 

 be tried. If the tests are fairly conducted, there can be no failure. 



Crude infringements and imitations of this discovery and System 

 as of everything else of value that has cost years of investigating and 

 experimenting are liable to spring up, but the safety and economy of 

 going direct to the fountain-head need scarcely be suggested. 



Dated November 20, 1904. 



PROPER TIME TO CULL LAYERS AND BREEDERS. 



As far as vitality is concerned, a practical poultryman should cull 

 his chickens from the time they are hatched until they are sold or dis- 

 carded. Continually eliminate sick and diseased birds and those show- 

 ing weakness of any nature whenever you see evidences of same. 



As far as culling for egg production is concerned, the best months 

 in which to do this are from June until December 1st. In the warm 

 climates culling should begin in April and May. Other conditions being 

 equal, culling should continue throughout the summer. This will enable 

 you to eliminate your unprofitable birds and greatly reduce your feed bills. 



LESSON 10. 



ON SELECTION AND BREEDING FOR EGG- PRODUCTION. 



1. What four things influence egg production or largely deter- 

 mines the number of eggs a hen will lay? 



2. What is "capacity," and how is it measured or determined? 



3. What outside factors or environments are largely responsible 

 for the "condition" of any hen? 



4. How does the breast of the hen appear when she is in good 

 "condition?" 



5. The first joint of the forefinger is divided into how many parts 

 for the purpose of determining "condition," or represents how many 

 fingers out of "condition?" 



6. If a hen has a one-finger abdomen or "capacity" and is three 

 fingers out of "condition," about how many fingers abdomen of "capac- 

 ity" would she have if the same hen was in "condition?" or, in other 



