230 FARM MANAGEMENT 



The usual method of figuring to show the profit on 

 pure-bred stock is to count only the increased receipts 

 and forget the increased feed, care, interest, and deprecia- 

 tion. The interest and depreciation on a $40 cow is $4 

 per year ; on a $200 cow it is $36. One must give atten- 

 tion to both sides of the question. In general, the extra 

 profits to be derived from pure-bred stock are largely offset 

 by the higher cost. Pure-bred stock usually pays better, 

 but not so much better as to justify one who is very short 

 of capital in sacrificing too much at other points in order 

 to have pure-breds. 



150. "Grading up" pure-breds. It is just as easy 

 to take pure-bred stock of ordinary quality and improve 

 it by the use of a good sire as it is to improve common 

 stock. After the improvement has been made, the pedi- 

 gree goes with it. Many times it pays a young man who 

 is short of capital to buy some low-priced pure-breds and 

 improve them so that, in the course of time, he will have 

 an excellent herd. Most of the noted breeders of pure- 

 bred stock started in just this way. It is a very modest 

 way of starting, but if one is patient, it may pay well in 

 time. 



Many beginners make the mistake of buying high-priced 

 stock when they have neither the experience nor capital nec- 

 essary to make a success of it. Only experienced persons 

 who keep large numbers can afford to buy high-priced 

 animals. The beginner had best buy low-priced or medium- 

 priced animals and test his ability in improving these while 

 he is learning the business. 



151. Pure-bred poultry. Poultry multiplies so fast 

 that any one can keep pure-breds, if he desires, with very 

 small cost in starting. If only a few hens are kept for home 

 use, the chickens are usually raised by hens, and it is nee- 



