2 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



On the other hand, there is rare pleasure in 

 watching the movements of a little flock in which 

 every cock and hen has the size, shape and markings 

 typical of a recognized breed. For that reason, and 

 because his poultry keeping ought to be a recreation 

 and a joy, the beginner is urged to make his start 

 with representatives of a breed which he has found 

 to approach bis ideal of what a good hen ought to 

 look like. He will be limited to some extent in his 

 choice, as will be seen when the chapter on breeds is 

 reached, but he may rest assured that almost any 

 breed which he may decide upon will give him & 

 plentiful supply of eggs if intelligently cared for. 

 And in the long run, it is safe to say that the well- 

 bred bird will prove more profitable than the scrub. 

 Moreover, a flock of handsome, stylish hens is al- 

 most certain to receive better care than an assort- 

 ment of mismatched fowls which make no appeal to 

 the eye. 



The time to begin keeping hens is just when the 

 opportunity offers. There are several ways in 

 which a beginning may be made. In the Fall, it is 

 customary to buy a few pullets which were hatched 

 fairly early in the Spring, — March if the breed 

 chosen is about the size of Wyandottes or Plymouth 



