254 PROFITS IN POULTRY. 
up common poultry is, however, not so profitable in 
most cases as cross-breeding. This is, properly, the in- 
terbreeding of two pure varieties. We have, however, 
usually no pure breed of fowls upon the farm, and of 
course wish to utilize those which we have. Therefore, 
the first thing to do is to grade up the flock. After two 
or three years, when they have the looks and qualities 
of pure-breds, the hens may be crossed with cocks of 
FIG. 99. CROSS-BRED GEESE (Wild Gray and African). 
another breed, and then most of the advantages of cross- 
breeding will be realized. In this use of pure-bred cocks 
which we recommend, no male bird should run with the 
same flock more than two years. If he is healthy and 
vigorous, end his progeny of the first year take strongly 
after him, in form as well as feather, he may well be 
kept the second year to run with pullets of his own get. 
After three years the blood of the original flock will be 
