CONDUCTING BREEDING INVESTIGATIONS 603 
Poultry may likewise be marked in two different ways either with web 
punches or with aluminum bands which fit around the shanks. For large 
numbers the latter method is preferable. 
Recording Data.—The keynote of any system of recording data 
should be simplicity. This requirement must be met in scientific work; 
it is, however, particularly important in practical breeding for herdsmen 
have but limited time at their command for keeping records. 
The time necessary for recording data may often be very much cur- 
tailed, if properly devised, printed forms are used. They are superior 
PIGEON DESCRIPTION - DorsAL 
FoLttow SHEET No. Sex. _ No. 
WISCONSIN Aaric. Expt. STATION- DEPT. EXPER. BREEDING 
Fig. 235.—Pigeon description sheet in use in experimental breeding at the Wisconsin 
Agricultural Experiment Station. (Devised by Leon J. Cole.) 
to other less accurate methods of registering data not only because they 
make it easier to set down the data, but because by having items indicated 
on the sheets or cards, it is very easy to see at any time just what data 
remain to be determined. The methods in all cases should be those 
which are best adapted to the particular conditions which obtain in the 
case in hand. We may summarize in brief the requirements of a good 
system of record keeping by discussing the several features of it. 
The Individual Sheet—By the individual sheet is meant a sheet 
upon which is recorded vital data for a particular individual. This sheet 
should have places for recording such data as the date of birth of the in- 
dividual, its date of death or disposal, from whom acquired and to whom 
disposed of, and other data of a similar character. This sheet may con- 
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