THE DOMESTIC FOWL 43 



Pure bred birds are those which have been bred for a 

 number of generations until a particular type has been fixed. 

 A large percentage of the progeny from pure bred birds will 

 resemble the parents. 



Standard bred birds are those which have been recognized 

 by the American Standard of Perfection, and of which a 

 standard description has been published, and it is to this 

 standard that all breeders should attempt to conform. 



There are many breeds that have not as yet been admitted 

 to the American Standard of Perfection. 



Value of Pure Bred Birds. — For any purpose pure bred 

 birds are more valuable than mongrels. In the first place, 

 there is greater certainty in breeding. The progeny in greater 

 numbers will show the characteristics of their parents. Pure 

 bred birds are also more efficient. For instance, the egg 

 breeds are bred and grown for egg production clone. They, 

 therefore, are much better producers of eggs than the meat 

 breeds. On the other hand, the Brahmas and the heavier 

 breeds, from the fact that they have been bred for genera- 

 tions for meat production, are quiet in disposition, and their 

 feed tends to promote flesh growth. Pure bred birds yield 

 a greater uniformity in production. This applies to shape, 

 color, and size of egg, also to quality and amount of flesh 

 production. A uniform flock of pure bred birds will show 

 the same body form and color. They are much more attrac- 

 tive and interesting to work with than mongrels, while the 

 cost of securing them is not materially higher, nor that of 

 feeding and caring for them any greater. The demand for 

 pure bred birds is large, and far in excess of any call for 

 birds of mixed breeding. The young poultrsnnan starting 

 out with pure bred birds can reap a considerable revenue 

 by selling eggs for hatching, in addition to that from the sale 

 of adult birds. 



Getting Started. — ^As with all other lines of business the 

 road to success for the poultry keeper is to start in a small 



