.58 



kept of their relationships, the most distant being bred together, it 

 is possible to go on much longer than is generally supposed ; pro- 

 vided, of course, that none but the strongest and finest specimens 

 are bred from, and they have good runs, &c. On the other hand, 

 some breeders are always crossing, and our American cousins cross 

 as much as possible, and exclaim against inbreeding as the source 

 of all evils. 



In breeding game fowls the male bird has not so much influence 

 as in some other breeds. The limit of weight for cocks was for- 

 merly 3 lbs. 6 ozs. to i lbs. 8 ozs., when in condition to fight. 

 Birds in ordinary condition would be about 1 lb. heavier, although 

 there were always much larger birds bred, as at present, which 

 were known as turnouts or shakebags, and usually fought in single 

 matches. The cock has most influence in colour of plumage, head 

 and fancy points. 



The hen usually gives size and shape, and if spurred, so much 

 the better. Cockerels resemble the father, pullets the mother, as a 

 rule, to a certain extent. None but birds of strong constitution and 

 in perfect health should be selected to breed from. An old author 

 on the subject says, " Eottenness requires no cure, but total 

 eradication." 



Of course a quiet place, with a good range away from other 

 fowls, is the best place to breed game fowls, and although they may 

 be bred in small runs they never do so well, indeed close confine- 

 ment for any length of time destroys their constitution, and the hens 

 cease laying. If they have houses to roost in, see that they are 

 clean, well ventilated, and free from draught ; also that they are 

 lighted in some way, as fowls will not resort to a dark house unless 

 compelled. The perches should be round, about the thickness of a 

 man's wrist, fir poles with the bark left on are suitable. If higher 

 than four or five feet from the ground the fowls have not room to 

 fly down, as they have from a tree in the open ; consequently they 

 bruise their breasts or feet. The floor should be covered with road 

 sweepings, sand, ashes, or peat moss litter, and the nests for the 

 hens on the ground as secluded as possible, and hidden by a board 

 or other means, that the hens may be quiet and unobserved when 

 they wish to lay. Birds having full liberty will require little besides 

 a few handfals of corn night and morning, clean water, and cleanli- 

 ness in the house and surroundings, without which no birds will 

 retain their health long. Barley and wheat are the best corn for 



