BREEDING AND BREEDS 95 



they may seem to overcome their weaknesses there 

 is the risk of transmission to progeny. Even when 

 such a move may demand the disposal of an entire 

 flock and the commencement with new blood, this 

 will be found desirable and economical in the end. 

 One of the best ways to mark such fowls is with 

 aniline dye. The color will remain until new 

 feathers come in. According to Prof. J. E. Rice 

 the more important characteristics which distinguish 

 weak from strong fowls are as follows : 



"The actions of a fowl probably best indicate the 

 physical condition. The physically weak is inactive 

 and dopey and more likely to squat than to stand. 

 It does not scratch or forage actively. It is the last 

 to get off the perch in the morning and the first to 

 go to roost at night, and frequently is found on the 

 perch during the day. 



"The loudness and the frequency of the crow of 

 the male or the song or cackle of the female is a 

 remarkable indication of strength. The weak fowl 

 seldom crows or sings and is less likely to do so 

 in the presence of a strong individual of the same 

 sex. Gallantry on the part of the male is shown 

 in generosity and consideration toward the females 

 as indicated by his calling them and giving them 

 the tenderest morsels to eat. This is one of the 

 surest indications of physical vigor on the part of 

 the male. The shape of the body is closely related 

 to the health and physical vigor of the individual. 

 The deep, thick, compact body with large fluff 

 shows greater vigor than the slender, long-jointed, 

 more delicate body of the same variety. This is 

 particularly noticeable in comparing strong and 

 weak males. (See cut on preceding page.) 



"There is an interesting correlation between the 



