46 THE BIRDS 



LABORATORY EXERCISES 



Exercise No. 5. — Secure for study a representative of 

 the egg, meat, and general purpose type of fowl; go over each 

 individual slowly, pointing out the characteristics which are 

 peculiar to each type as described in the text. 



Exercise No. 6. — Have present in the classroom as 

 many varieties of one breed as it is possible to secure. Call 

 attention to the similarity in body shape and form. Empha- 

 size the distinguishing variety feature of color or comb 

 character. 



Exercise No. 7. — If possible, allow the pupil to study at 

 close range the differences in color and type existing be- 

 tween three birds; one a mongrel or bam yard chicken, 

 another a cross bred bird, and the other a well bred bird 

 of some standard breed. Note the imiformity of color and 

 form in the standard bred bird. Explain to the class what 

 could be expected from the chicks hatched from eggs laid 

 by each of these three types. 



Exercise No. 8. — Secure a number of hens representing 

 good and poor birds. These may be placed in one large 

 coop or pen. The pupils can then look them over carefully 

 and designate the healthy, vigorous birds from the inferior 

 ones. This exercise should be conducted with the idea of 

 choosing birds which are to be used for foundation stock 

 from which the chicks for next year are to be raised. When 

 making the above selection the factors of health, vigor, 

 weight, and age should be given special attention. 



THOUGHT QUESTIONS 



1. Define the term "domestic fowl." 



2. Give examples of the common species of domestic fowl. 



3. Describe the habits and haunts of "Gallus Bankiva." 



4. What was the Malay or Aseel fowl? 



5. Describe briefly the probable origin of our common domestic fowl. 



6. Define the term "poultry." 



7. Give the definition of the term which is given by the American 



Poultry Association. 



