BREEDS AND BREEDING 83 



overfat is the rule, and not the exception. Fat hens, 

 are poor breeders, usually laying small eggs, and show- 

 ing a very poor percentage of fertility. Plenty of 

 green food and exercise will remedy this to a great 

 degree. Here again we want size. I believe in large 

 females, and can never be induced to breed from small 

 ones. Fully developed, fully grown females are the 

 'best. This is one reason why so many breeders prefer 

 yearling hens to pullets to breed from. Development 

 means strength, and strength in both males and 

 females means strong chickens. Fine points in the 

 females are important. Good shape is of the greatest 

 importance. 



Inbreeding, which is practiced most successfully 

 by experts, should never be attempted by amateurs. It 

 is much better to buy new male birds every year. Keep 

 the general health and vigor of the stock up to a high 

 pitch. Mating breeds of solid colors, such as white 

 and black, is carried on on simple lines, and usually on 

 the single mating plan, which is one mating to produce 

 both males and females. The mating of colored breeds, 

 such as Barred and Buff Plymouth Rocks, Buff 

 Cochins and Buff Leghorns, is usually done by the 

 double mating system which means a separate mating 

 to produce males, and another to produce fe- 

 males. It must not Ije understood, however, that 

 good chickens cannot be produced by general 

 mating. Too much skill and too much science are apt 

 to discourage the small breeder. Careful breeders 

 make up pens and keep them separate during the entire 

 breeding season, gathering and marking the eggs, and 

 even marking the chickens when hatched, in order ta 

 keep track of them for future notice. A good flock of 

 fowls all of one breed, and of course all thoroughbreds 

 (no other kind is worth mentioning), may be let run at 

 large with sufficient male birds, say one to ten females. 



