Jr AJK. i JL 



PURPOSE OF THE SYNOPTIC KEYS 



The keys here presented will serve two ptirposes: First, they will enable the 

 student to classify qtdckly a breed that is new to him. And second, they will serve 

 to indicate the distinctive characteristic of a breed and permit the ready comparison 

 of breeds much alike in general appearance. Suppose the student is confused 

 regarding our three very common buff breeds of chickens,— Buff Rocks, Buff 

 Wyandotte, and Buff Orphington, An examination of the key to chickens, page 9, 

 will indicate that the Buff Rocks and Wyandottes are easily separated by the fact 

 that the Rocks have single comb and the Wyandottes a rose comb. Both breeds 

 have yellow legs, while the Qrphingtons do not. In Kansas, we have the Berk- 

 shire and Poland China hogs, alike in color and markings. The key on page 24 

 win indicate how readily they are distinguished, the former with erect ears, the 

 latter with drooping ears. 



