104 PROFITABLE POULTRY PRODUCTION 



likely to flag. Too much emphasis cannot be placed 

 on the fact that there is a satisfaction which comes 

 from the knowledge of possession of good stock 

 that cannot be gained in any other way. It is need- 

 less to say that stock should be bought from 

 breeders who have their reputation at stake, and that 

 it is in the highest degree desirable not to mix 

 strains, but to purchase new blood from one breeder 

 from time to time so as to prevent the breaking up 

 of strains and the loss of valuable characteristics, 

 especially with respect to egg laying. Probably it 

 is most economical in the spring to buy eggs for 

 hatching and in the fall to purchase cockerels and 

 pullets. Above all things, it is desirable to keep 

 only one breed at a time on the farm. 



In raising poultry for market or egg production 

 the purchase of cull fowls is not necessarily un- 

 desirable. Culls are frequently fowls that show a 

 defect only in plumage or form, and are not dis- 

 qualified for anything except the show room. It is 

 highly undesirable to do any cross breeding, because 

 the ideals of different breeders are often so radically 

 unlike that the cross secures few of the best points 

 of either parent. This subject is already evident 

 from the discussion on breeding. 



THE BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCK 



is undoubtedly more extensively bred and used 

 for general utility purposes than any other breed. 

 It has won its way in popular favor strictly on its 

 merit. Some qualifications which make it so desir- 

 able for farm purposes are : Size, which is the happy 

 medium between the heavy Asiatic and the light- 

 weight breeds. The standard weights are cock, 



