CHAPTER XXIII. 
BREEDING AND CROSS-BREEDING. 
The foundation of the breeding of fowls is the same 
as that of the other domestic animals; the rule that 
like produces like, or the likeness of an ancestor. That 
is, if the parents and grandparents are what is wanted, 
the chick will almost always be what is wanted. Find 
two parents that represent the idea that you are breed- 
ing for, and the chick will repeat that idea. 
When show birds are to be bred the sire must be of 
strong constitution, and perfect in color and symmetry. 
The vigorous red color of his head should denote strong 
vitality. Not only should the individual be perfect, but 
his pedigree should be such as to show that his qualities 
are a family trait. It is thought the male influences the 
color of the chicks more than does the female, while the 
female has fully as much influence in deciding the prac- 
tical qualities of eggs and flesh-making. 
The tendency of the mixed color breeds is to run 
lighter, if left to breed for themselves. Hence, males 
with faded or light plumage should not be used for 
breeders. Males that are darker colored than wanted can 
often be used to good advantage by mating with light- 
colored hens, thus striking the balance; but matings 
of light males with dark females are not usually successful. 
Do not select overgrown specimens. Those which 
come up to about the average of the breed, and are not 
too fat, will give best results. This rule applies espe- 
cially to the larger breeds, but may often be disregarded 
with the smaller ones. 
RULES OF I. K. FELCH. 
The following matings are among those recommended 
for some of the leading breeds, by Mr. I. K. Felch, the 
well-known authority : 
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