106 THE HOME POULTRY BOOK 



fraternity of poultry fanciers covers the whole coun- 

 try and its members are enthusiasts. They are or- 

 ganized into a national body known as the Amer- 

 ican Poultry Association and most of the popular 

 breeds are represented by specialty clubs. 



In order to have poultry eligible for admission to 

 a show, one must work along somewhat different 

 lines from the utility breeder. The birds must con- 

 form to certain requirements set down in a book 

 called the American Standard of Perfection and if 

 they possess various defects in form or otherwise 

 will be disqualified at the start and receive no. con- 

 sideration. The birds in some shows are judged by 

 comparison and in some shows scored. Scoring is 

 an advantage to the amateur, as it shows him in what 

 points his birds are weak. 



If money counts with the amateur, the ability to 

 breed birds scoring high and winning important 

 prizes will prove a source of no little profit. The 

 writer enjoys the friendly acquaintance of a clergy- 

 man who keeps about ioo thoroughbred Plymouth 

 Rocks on a town lot. A few years ago he began 

 showing a few birds each year and was gratified 

 to be awarded a number of premiums. Other 

 breeders noted his birds and his winnings and be- 



