256 PROFITS IN POULTRY. 
inclined to sit; if they sit at all, they will probably be 
broody only for a few days, and as producers of eggs no 
doubt the flock will be more satisfactory. 
GUIDE TO CROSS-BREEDING. 
By careful selection of the breeds, desirable qualities 
of both may be combined in the cross. Defects in one 
side may be counterbalanced by strong points in the 
other, and the chicks excel either parent in practical 
qualities. The best results are usually obtained upon 
the first cross, and the cross-bred male should not be 
used for breeding. Breed the cross-bred pullets to pure- 
bred males. Experiments after the first cross often 
show defects of remote ancestors. 
The most profitable use of cross-breeding on the farm 
is grading up the flock of common hens with pure-bred 
males of general purpose breeds, or if eggs are specially 
desired, males of the laying breeds. The best plan is to 
use the pure breed each season, raising the cross-bred 
stock. This is the only kind of pure-bred poultry that 
the ordinary farmer will find it worth while to buy, 
namely, the pure-bred males for grading up the flock. 
A selection of the best individuals is of more importance 
than the breed, even. It is best to visit a large flock 
noted for egg production and choose for oneself. Hardi- 
ness and vigor are of more importance than other points. 
The effect of a cross between pure breeds can only be 
determined by experience. While some breeds combine 
well, others, apparently as well adapted for crossing, do 
not give good results; hence the results of actual tests 
must be studied. The objects to be obtained by crosses 
for table use are yellow legs and skin, hardiness, quick 
growth, early maturity, compact shape, abundance of 
breast meat. Some of the most common crosses among 
producers of market poultry are the Leghorn and Light 
Brahma, the White Wyandotte and Brahma, and Plym- 
