THE FARMER'S FI,OCK. 69 



ior specimens and mate the balance with pure-bred 

 males. If it is desired to increase the size use males 

 a little larger than the common stock. Very large 

 males should never be used with small or medium 

 hens. If the hens are large and heavy use a male a 

 little smaller. This process may be continued to ad- 

 vantage each year, but always use pure-bred and 

 never the cross-bred males. The pure-bred birds may 

 be hatched from eggs bought or they may be pur- 

 chased late in summer or autumn from breeders who 

 will sell such as are slightly off color, or have some 

 slight defect in comb or in other minor points that do 

 not affect their value as a farmer's fowl. 



In planning and erecting farm buildings too little 

 attention is given to providing proper shelter for 

 poultry. While elaborate and 

 costly structures are not re- 

 quired, they should be storm 

 proof, free from drafts in 

 cold weather, have ample 

 ground-floor space, and be 

 convenient for the attendant. 



The last point should not be overlooked, since a very 

 little saving of time and labor each day of the three 

 hundred and sixty-five, amounts to a considerable sav- 

 ing in the year, and this may be accomplished by a 

 small additional outlay at the start. 



The style, size and cost must be determined by the 

 builder's needs, taste and pocket-book. There is no 

 " best " house for all situations and all persons. A few 

 are given rather as suggestions than as models to copy. 



The style illustrated by Figure I is economical of 



