IMPORTANCE OF CONDITION 



459 



particular purpose. They don't stand round with their hands in 

 their pockets, giving advice, and paying some one else to do the 

 work. Except for the judges' fees, prizes, hall rent, feed, light 

 and similar expenses, there are no other charges ; in consequence 

 the show is a financial success. 



Selecting Specimens. — There was a time when a breeder could 



iCourtesy Missouri Experiment Station) 



Fig. 292. — Catching coop for fowls. It is placed in front of a small door in 

 the main house, through which the birds are driven into the coop. 



look over his birds, select the most promising specimens, and 

 without any further ado pack them off to the show and win. 

 That day is past. To-day, though a specimen ranks high in 

 size, shape, color and most of the other points that contribute 

 to the ideal, if it is not shown in perfect condition the chances 

 for a ribbon are limited. In fact, it is the art of conditioning 



