78 POULTRY. SECRETS REVEALED. 



The buffi color in all varieties is a difficult proposition. Buff is 

 a "made" color — a combination of red, white and black. To blend 

 them into that "rich, golden buff," required by the Standard, demands 

 skill and experience. White is the hardest to combat. There is only 

 one way, if you do your own m^ating, and that Is to spend a season 

 in making test hatches. The work is so intricate, so difficult that I 

 advise the beginner to purchase either tested birds from a reliable 

 breeder, or else secure eggs from such birds 



Rhode Island Reds breed very true to type, and very untrue to 

 color. The "secret" of securing good color in these birds varies with 

 the different breeders. Each has his own. But the following general 

 rules are necessary in all cases: The Standard calls for red undercolor 

 throughout in both sexes. But if your birds are sound in hackle, wings 

 and tail, and if the male and female are reasonably matched in surface 

 color you need not fear a little smut in the undercolor of the female. 

 Indeed, it will be an advantage if the male is a clear, bright red, as 

 it will prevent the chicks from running into buffs. 



In mating Reds it is best to use a male that is under exhibition 

 weight. Otherwise you are likely to get stilty, "gamey" cockerels. 



Houdans are not as popular in America as their merits deserve. 

 They are good layers of large eggs, non-sitters and excellent table 

 fowls. 



In breeding this variety regularity of plumage should be carefully 

 considered. Too often this is overlooked. The Standard requires that 

 the suiface plumage in each sex should be glossy black, and that about 

 one feather in five be tipped with white. This proposition should be 

 carried out regularly. To secure it breed from evenly marked speci- 

 mens. I have got the best results from males that were somewhat 

 lighter than the females, though this does not follow in all cases. It 



