LESSO^^ XIV 

 Mating 



ExPEEiMENTS have proved that it is best to keep the 

 various breeds and varieties pure. It is a rislcy business 

 to attempt cross-mating. Those wlio practise it usually 

 fail, and find it necessary to begin all over again. Those 

 who wish tu ex2)eriment, should try cross breeding with only 

 a few chickens. The main flock, to produce the best results, 

 should be kept pure. 



In order to improve the farm flock, it is a good practice 

 to select the best fowls and place them in a pen by them- 

 selves, and to hatch from this pen only. If eggs for hatch- 

 ing ai'e taken from the entire flock, the results are uncertain, 

 and failure is likely. Only those fowls should be selected 

 which have constitutional vigor. It is not necessarily the 

 largest chickens that are the best. Other characteristics 

 than size should be considered. The fowls should have 

 clear voices, and prominent, clear eyes. They should stand 

 firm, with their feet flat on the ground and their toes well 

 spread. The toes should have short nails, and the knees 

 should be set well apart. If the chickens are in good con- 

 dition, they should lie cpiick and active, and should get out 

 early in the morning and stay out late at night. 

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