of the originals; hence it cannot be said that green eggs are al- 

 ways proof of an outcross. Whether the American Standard 

 Runners lay green eggs or white ones, the alien blood is there, 

 and they are not true Runners. They cannot be reliably depended 

 upon to reproduce themselves, as some are light fawn, some dark 

 with penciling and a part of the drakes have dark head and rump 

 markings like the true Runners. Many are almost white and even 

 pure white ones are numerous, from which most of the so-called 

 White Runners in this country have sprung. For proof of this 

 one has only to observe the lack of Runner type and character and 

 to see their Pekin-like appearance and plumage, this being longer 

 and not so close-set as in real Runners. They are poorer layers, 

 not so good foragers and they are lacking in the home instinct; 

 are liable to stay away nights when on free range, being unlike 

 the English Runners in that respect. This is a grave fault. 



The only strong talking point of the Standard Runners is 

 that they are already described in the Standard ; but no one need 

 hesitate to invest in penciled Runners for they are having classes 

 made in all the important shows, where they win cash prizes and 

 they no doubt will soon be admitted to the Standard. As tastes 

 differ, some may prefer the light solid fawn color to that of the 

 true fawn of the real Runners ; but most people do not favor imi- 

 tations, when they know them to be such and look with disdain 

 upon usurpers, of whatever nature. 



American Standard breeders complain that the 1910-1913 

 edition is unsatisfactory and say breeders must ignore its dictates 

 because the word "light" is omitted and because it calls for darker 

 head and rump markings of drakes. It seems breeders are taking 

 the advice, for they still advertise and sell light fawn birds. Of 

 course if they were breeding strictly to Standard, these light fawn 

 and white birds would be fit only for market purposes. But if it 

 is not to be accepted as an actual guide in breeding, a Standard 

 might as well be used to kindle a fire. The English or Penciled 



136 



