PROBLEMS OF THE POULTRY BREEDER 223 
produces more and better flesh in a given time, hence yielding a 
larger return when put on the market, this particular type should 
be selected and improved for market poultry. 
The aim should be to choose the type of machine best adapted 
to the desired purpose; then, by breeding and selection, to develop 
this machine into the most economical transformer of raw material 
into the desired product that it is possible to secure. 
Great Aim in Poultry Breeding.—The foremost aim in poultry 
breeding should be the improvement of poultry in those qualities 
which have a definite market value; as, increased egg production, 
quality and quantity of flesh growth, and perfection of color pat- 
tern. All these qualities are associated more or less with perfection 
of proportion or symmetry of the individual, and any improvement 
which is continuous and which progresses toward a given ideal 
will materially improve the general appearance of the progeny 
and conduce to uniformity. 
The Problems of the Poultry Breeder.—Poultry breeding 
operations may legitimately be divided into two classes: First, 
breeding for commercial results. This is an operation practiced 
by all commercial poultrymen. Second, experimental breeding 
which is an operation practiced by persons who are interested in 
studying the laws of breeding, and the mode of inheritance of 
certain characters. The commercial breeder studies such problems 
with an effort to increase egg production, to bring about greater 
stamina, size and vitality in his birds, and to perfect color pattern 
of plumage. The experimental breeder cares little for the com- 
mercial results attained, but makes many crosses and studies the 
results of same, with an idea of learning or determining definite 
laws. When laws governing mode‘of inheritance are determined, 
the practical poultryman can apply them for commercial results. 
There is a great need for more extended and careful breeding, for 
little is known of the complex laws governing inheritance of com- 
mercial characteristics in poultry. 
* The following are some of the more important problems which 
are at present being investigated. 
1. The mode of inheritance of different commercial characters 
and the deduction of laws governing same. 
2. The inheritance of acquired characters. Are characters 
which are developed by an individual due to its environment 
inherited? If so, why? 
3. The future possibilities resulting from selection. 
