EGG-LAYING COMPETITIONS 121 
This encouragement to produce a better standard is felt by the 
breeder, for immediately reliable records are available a higher 
price is obtainable for his stock, and instances of very high figures 
being realised have been brought to our notice where birds have 
done well in the laying competitions. 
That the effect upon the poultry industry is very valuable is 
generally agreed, and the following figures will demonstrate the 
great improvements which have been brought about since com- 
petitions were inaugurated. 
The first Twelve Months’ Competition was held by the Utility 
Poultry Club in this country in 1907-1908, but subsequently only 
short winter competitions were held until the college commenced 
in 1912 to hold twelve months’ trials. 
Twelve Months Ten Months 
a _ only 
1907-8 1912-13 1913-14 IQI4-I5 
Average yield per pen . 7956 QILIS 1123-6 IOII-I 
ss 5 ge bitd 1326 151-9 187-2 168-5 
Average value per pen. £3 9 9 £4 6 5 £514 2 £5 3 10 
» 9) bird . 12 7% 4 5 19 OF 17 3% 
Best pen of birds produce #419 9 £7 0 34 £7 6 Ft £7 0 O 
As usual, White Leghorns were at the top, closely followed by 
the White Wyandotte. The fact that both are pure white birds 
naturally makes one wonder whether there is any necessary con- 
nection between colour and fecundity. In a recent laying com- 
petition in Australia the Black Orpington beat every other heavy 
breed. The chances are that the usual success of the Leghorn and 
Wyandotte is due to the fact that they have been the medium 
of patient selection through generations for egg-production 
only. 
To breed only from hens that have laid large numbers of eggs, 
and to employ male birds from prolific mothers, is a sure means 
of increasing the egg-yield. Of course, one must also consider 
stamina and vitality. It would be better to breed from a bright, 
