POULTRY expe;rime;nts. 115 



are now filled with birds of both sexes, that have six generations 

 of mothers and fathers before them, that were bred under these 

 rigid rules of selection. 



The stock commenced with in 1898 had been laying about 120 

 eggs each per year for several years, as shown by the flock 

 records. During the last two years, the hens have averaged 144 

 eggs each, during their pullet year. There seems to be reason 

 to conclude that the producing capacities of the hens have been 

 increased by about 2 dozen eggs per year. Perhaps this increase 

 is not all due to the selection and breeding. The dry feeding 

 and open air housing, doubtless, have contribu-ted to the 

 improvement. But, reason about it as one may, the fact remains 

 that not a drone or small producer, backed only by beauty of 

 form, feature, or color has had a place in the breeding of these 

 birds in any of the last 6 generations. 



The purpose of this work must not be misunderstood. The 

 attempt is not to produce a stock of birds that shall average to 

 produce 200 eggs per year. If by continued work a famnly of 

 birds can be permanenth^ established that with reasonable treat- 

 ment, will yield 12 dozen eggs each per year in flocks of 100, it 

 will be a matter of great consequence to the poultry industry. 

 These yields are already being obtained in the Station flocks. 

 There is no reasons why the stock should not yield as well in 

 other hands, but in order for succeeding generations of birds to 

 do so, it will be necessary to at least use male birds whose breed- 

 ing has been based on performance. 



The question is frequently asked if the stock is not likely to be 

 weakened by inbreeding, since male birds are not purchased 

 from outside flocks. There is no reason to go outside for fresh 

 blood. This season there are 82 hens in the breeding pens, each 

 of which has yielded 200 to 251 eggs in a year. The different 

 matings made with so many birds makes easy the selection of 

 only distantly related males and females when making up the 

 breeding pens. The number of the breeding birds carried 

 makes easy the avoidance of inbreeding, and this is strictly 

 guarded against, as it is doubtful if the inbred hen has sufficient 

 constitution to enable her tc withstand the demands of heav^.' 

 egg yielding. 



During only one season, and then with but two small pens, 

 have birds as closely related as first cousins, been bred together. 

 Line breeding is followed ; the matings being only with distantly 



