122 PROFITS IN POULTRY. 
by encouraging those who make it the business of their 
lives. 
It is especially advisable that farmers should at least 
procure pure-bred cocks or cockerels for breeders, yet 
such a thing is the exception rather than the rule. In 
regard to this matter, Mr. Evans says: Many of the 
farmers can readily realize that it pays to use pure-bred 
bulls, or pure-bred rams, or pure-bred boars in their 
herds and flocks of cows, sheep, and swine; but they do 
not seem to realize that the same rule holds good with 
poultry, and also that the benefits are secured very 
quickly. This infusion of pure-bred blood amongst a 
flock of good common hens is sure to be of great benefit, 
as the constitutional vigor of the common stock intensi- 
fies the good qualities derived from the thoroughbreds, 
producing in point of early maturity, size, and laying 
qualities something both desirable and _ profitable, 
though these half-bloods cannot with anything like uni- 
formity transmit these improved qualities to their off- 
spring. First-class pure-bred cockerels can be bought at 
a moderate figure, and we do not see how farmers can 
afford to use the common ones in preference, no matter 
how good they may be. If large size is most desired, 
the Asiatics will be found to answer well, while for laying 
qualities principally we commend the Leghorns. , 
The popular breeds of the day may be classed among 
either the Asiatic, Kuropean, or American varieties. 
