CHAPTER XV 



THE TOWNSEND TESTS 



For a number of seasons I have been conducting a series of Im- 

 portant tests in the interests of the poultry industry 



Unlike all other tests at home or abroad there are no ulterior 

 motives in these. They are not conducted to advertise a newspaper 

 nor a college. No admission fee is charged. Breeders who enter 

 their good birds — and only birds of quality are accepted — such breed- 

 ers receive, as they deserve, the full benefits of the publicity achieved. 

 These tests are not confined to laying as are others. They cover a 

 multitude of interesting and valuable questions — ^laying, hatching, 

 vitality, fertility, diseases, feeding, growth, housing, appliances and 

 so on and on. 



These tests are absolutely inpartial. If the birds entered by famous 

 breeders make big showings — as have those of TJ. R. Fishel, the late 

 Robert C. Tuttle, Lester Tompkins, Wm. Cook and Sons, F. A. Teck- 

 tonius and others of their class — it is their good fortune. If a new 

 breed, unknown and unheralded, wins first honors as did a pen pf 

 Partridge Plymouth Rocks entered by S. A. Noftzger, well and good. 

 Known or unknown, big or little; all are free to enter; and there is 

 no charge for so doing. 



These tests are practical. Facts are sought, not fancies; results, 

 not theories. And the results thus far have been satisfactory in every 

 way. 



Among the facts established are these: That little chicks do not 

 require feeding five or six times a day. We fed once a day, and the 



