to make money, and not how to waste it. And as you can't be much of 

 a figure the first two years anyway, you might just as well (yes much bet- 

 ter) go easy, and learn things the least expensive way. Learn what? 

 Well here are a few things experience can teach you without much expense 

 if you "make haste slowly:" What agricultural and poultry magazines 

 are most profitable for your breed to be advertised in. What prices are 

 most profitable for you to ask for stock and eggs. What shows and clubs 

 are best for yeu to work with. What line of printing and advertising is 

 best to employ. What shipping boxes and coops give best results. And 

 a lot of other details, besides the mastery of the peculiarities distinctive 

 of your chosen breed. 



And there's a vital point, — The breed! Every breeder will tell you 

 to start with his breed; but don't let the other fellow decide for you. 

 There are certain things to consider as generalities before you consider 

 breed, and I state them first as being most important. Those breeds are 

 most popular and consequently in greatest demand, and ever will be, that 

 produce the most eggs. Other things to consider are color of eggs, hardi- 

 ness of both the fowls and little chicks, quick development, adaptability 

 to your method of culture, cost of feeding, etc., etc. Some writers advise 

 taking up the breed that you most admire, but that is a very weak de- 

 cision, for you are not breeding fowls just to satisfy your own admiration 

 (or if you are, you don't need any help from us) but you want your flock 

 to pay, and these things must be taken into account. The advantage of 

 a popular breed is that it is being brought into prominence, and therefore 

 a great demand is created ; also the country is not so full of breeders who 

 can supply the same thing, and consequently the competition is not so 

 keen as in the older breeds that have been estabHshed for generations. 



When you have investigated the merits of the several breeds, decide 

 on one breed, and one only. And then get the best parent stock that 

 you can. Don't pick up a few birds from a miscellaneous lot of breeders, 

 but buy from a reliable and well established breeder, and be willing to 

 pay a good price. If a pen costs more than you want to invest, then buy 

 a trio. Or if you prefer, buy a sitting of eggs. It don't make so much 

 difference how or when you start, if you only start right. 



Study your breed, both in your own yard, in some other breeders' 

 yards, in the show room and in the poultry books and magaziaes. Learn 

 how to mate, what points to breed for and what things to avoid. Become 

 expert in your chosen breed. Join the Specialty Club that is exploiting 

 your breed; it is doing an invaluable service to the cause, and merits your 

 hearty co-operation and loyal support. 



Exhibit at your home poultry shows and state fairs. Also at two or 

 three large poultry shows and state fairs, each year. 



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