cocker's manual. 19 



a breeder until she is two years old, as pullets' eggs have a tendency 

 to produce weakly chickens, and also claim the same in breeding from 

 too young a cock. We always have our breeding stock full grown if 

 possible ; if not we prefer to breed cocks to pullets and hens to stags. 

 If the fancier's object is breeding to feather, great care should be 

 taken in selecting his breeders or otherwise the object sought will not 

 be obtained. If it is desired to preserve a particular color, the hen 

 selected for the purpose should be the same in color as the cock but of 

 different blood, that is to say, not closely or nearly related. Some 

 claim the principle in breeding to be observed is, "like produces 

 like," but still this is not an unerring guide as we can breed from any 

 stock of fowls, and not unfrequently an extra fine specimen will ap- 

 pear, and by breeding such specimens or pairs we cannot obtain their 

 like in all cases, at least a portion of their progeny will possess the quali- 

 ties distinguishing the originals. If, however, we select the best pro- 

 duced by such fowls as breeders and continue from season to season 

 selecting the best samples we shall in time arrive at our desire and ob- 

 tain a permanent improvement on the original stock. If size and 

 strength are desired the selections should include large hens or pul- 

 lets with good build, legs and general make. If intended for the pit 

 special attention should be given to abtaining a breed of good size 

 with large bone and muscle — the cock well set upon his legs, broad at 

 the shoulders, wing strong and of good length and a tough wiiy 

 feather, one that continually urges the battle and gives his adversary 

 no rest, and a stock whose gameness you have often seen tested. With 

 such a cock placed with hens selected for the many fine points which 

 they possess, being good layers and setters, the chickens will be noted 

 for their courage and gameness. Some like a cock to be full of mo- 

 tion while in hand and continually talking and chatting, with his legs 

 drawn close up to his body. 



CARE OF BREEDERS. 



All fanciers must bear in mind that great care and attention must 

 be paid to our breeding fowl during the breeding season. Particular 

 attention should be given to our breeding cocks, as they must be in 



