HOW TO GET EGGS 103 
keep to your chosen type as regards shape, size, etc. Do not have 
a collection of types and sizes. Select rigorously for character 
and stamina, 
‘“BREEDING AND SELECTION 
“Tn fixing any desired character recourse must be had to line- 
breeding, or, as it is sometimes called, inbreeding. Inbreeding is 
a term that always savours of indiscriminate, incestuous mating. 
Line-breeding may be just as close, but in my meaning refers 
to selective mating only. Brother and sister mating should be 
avoided as much as possible. In fowls mating sire to daughters 
or son to dam and dam’s sisters is the approved method, and 
should be done in sufficient matings to give a chance of avoiding 
continued close mating. Many hold that close breeding is to 
be avoided at all costs. As regards poultry-breeding for egg- 
production, without initial close breeding, and careful mating after- 
wards, no permanent improvement can be expected. Crossing is 
always held to restore stamina and vigour, but what is the use of 
stamina and vigour if you have lost your laying strain—that is, 
if your birds have lost the character for high laying? The most 
competent writers can find no fault with inbreeding scientifically 
conducted. I have always held that you can breed delicate and 
non-productive stock, the result of crossing, if due care be not 
exercised. In all matings you must work under the following rules. 
Single-test your hens for twelve months and keep a daily record. 
You require fully that time in which to learn something abou 
each hen. Reject as a breeder any hen which during that test fails 
in any direction or shows traces of any undesirable character. 
Exercise the utmost care in selecting the breeding stock from which 
your male birds come. The old idea of gradually accumulating 
alterations in stock as the result of generations of breeding has been 
discarded. 
«You may feed and house ever so carefully, but unless your stock 
carries the character for high egg-production you will not breed 
layers. That is not to say, however, that good housing, food and 
methods of feeding have not a great influence on the egg-production 
