Breeding for Eggs 205 



ties. Then examine your houses, your feed, your 

 methods. Bring them up to date and keep your 

 strain pure. If your line is strong you may safely 

 breed grandchildren and nieces of the same stock. 

 There is no need of getting "new blood" and 

 danger in doing so. Careful tests show that new 

 blood of the best adds little to a line which is itself 

 good. 



Follow Hatching Results. —Keep track of mat- 

 ings, and see how results develop. If a mating 

 brings especially good results, hold on to that 

 group. You can use it several years, or until you 

 get a better combination. 



Study Types. — Finally get acquainted with your 

 breed, not from books but from flocks. Visit 

 prominent breeders and shows. Learn the points 

 of the breed till you can tell the best birds .at a 

 glance. The greenhorn will pick out a Smooth, 

 sleek, handsome ne'er-do-well right oflf. After a 

 while you can tell much about a bird at a single 

 glance. 



Don't think you can breed 



From a cull or a runt, 

 And ever succeed 



With a flock, for you won't. 



