CHAPTER XXXIV 

 PREPARING BIRDS FOR THE SHOW 



Educational Value. — Next to the poultry press, the show room 

 has done more for the poultry industry than anything else. It is 

 probably the most potent educatioHal factor, and one of the 

 greatest advertising mediums. Without these annual displays 

 interest in poultry affairs would be dwarfed. The strongest 

 proof of their popularity lies in the fact that the number of shows 

 increases every year. 



Every one who raises good poultry should take an active in- 

 terest in poultry shows, especially in the local shows. This 

 includes the utility breeder as well as the fancier. The man who 

 discredits the value of the show room simply because he raises 

 chickens for eggs and meat is short-sighted. The progressive 

 utility breeder is one who opposes mongrelism. For any pur- 

 pose he appreciates that pure breeds are superior. In the show 

 room not alone fine feathers and correct markings are displayed, 

 but the qualifications that go to make the egg or meat type of 

 bird are also shown. 



Exhibit whenever possible, but whether you are an exhibitor 

 or not you will find it to your advantage to patronize the shows, 

 to be in attendance, and to contribute any assistance at your 

 command. One may not carry off blue ribbons, and yet win 

 many things of even greater value. You can obtain a closer 

 friendship with your fellow breeders, a broader view of the con- 

 ditions that make for success, poultry wisdom, some new points 

 on salesmanship or advertising, a better knowledge of how to 

 mate next season's contestants, an exhibition of the latest im- 

 proved apparatus, and last, but not least, a good time. 



It is not always the poultry association with the largest mem- 



457 



