Four Leading Breeds 29 



More than One Breed. — The general conclusion 

 must be that to maintain a faifly even supply of 

 eggs through the year, more than one breed is 

 necessary. While it is unwise to scatter our atten^ 

 tion, it is good judgment to plan for two breeds. 



There is an increasing tendency for poultry 

 keepers to do this, and to select the Leghorns in 

 combination with some American breed. The 

 American bird keeps the eggs coming during cold 

 months and the Leghorns have their turn in the 

 warm weather, while the heavier birds take a 

 summer vacation. 



The personal element in selecting between the 

 three American breeds is, perhaps, as important 

 as the breed itself, for they have merits that are 

 very nearly equal. If one bird suits your fancy 

 more than another, it would be wise to give that 

 preference due consideration. It is easy to make 

 one flock do better than another merely by the 

 interest taken, as hens respond quickly to personal 

 attention. 



Cost of Feed. — The weight of a fowl seems to be 

 an accurate indication of what she will eat. This 

 is certainly true- of the four breeds here described. 

 The heavy Rocks eat the most, and the others 



