Figure 2 shows males of four varieties of poultry in pairs, one- 

 strong and one weak, of each of the varieties. You will notice by the- 

 contrast in shape, in size and the various other physical characters that 

 I previously described the difference between the weak and the strong. 

 The weak individual has a long, slender, spindle-shaped body as com- 

 pared with the deep, heavy, meaty type. The same contrast is shown 

 here in all the breeds between Barred Rocks and Buff Rocks and 

 White Leghorns, etc. I think you will be able to pick out quickly, 

 after carefully comparing these four studies, the high from the low 

 vitality. This Leghorn group especially w,ell illustrates the point in 

 regard to the way a fowl shows timidity or fear. Lack of courage is 

 a common characteristic of low vitality. Fear is indicated, for in- 

 stance, by the way in which they carry their tail feathers. In the case 

 of high vitality the tail feathers are nearly always carried erect, the 

 body stands upright and the fowl is full of courage, while in the case 

 of fowls of low vitality, weak or undeveloped, there is a tendency for 

 the tail feathers to droop. It is not an infallible rule, but one that 

 usually will be found and usually indicates a point of weakness. No- 

 tice also in all of these males of low vitality the general tendency to 

 a flat, long beak and thin flat head and small comb, while with those 

 of high vitality they have a large comb and short, heavy curved beak, 

 strong upright body and good general development. 



Figure 3. A capon and a cockerel of the same variety. Note the difference in 

 type. The cockerel possesses unusual vigor. The capon, although larger, is sluggish. 



(Fig. 3.) Here we have an instance as to whether size is always 

 an indication of high vitality. These are two Barred Rocks, essentially 

 the same age, both large and of the same breeding, one having been 

 caponized when about one and one-half pounds in weight, the other 

 one being full-sexed. The capon has grown large, soft and punky and 

 the cockerel is a perfect picture of vigor and masculinity. This 

 picture shows wonderful alertness and vigor that stands out in every 

 pose and every action. The two head studies of the same individuals 

 show in a large way the heavy round full head with fine comb, full 

 round eye and a short heavy thick curved beak of the cockerel as 

 compared to the longer, thinner beak and head and less general in- 

 dications of masculinity of the capon. 



