374 Chickens and Rabbits. [jul\\ 



first-cross birds from pure strains The cross-bred is not a 

 better egg-producer ; its merit lies in its superior vigour. 

 The losses at hatching and at all stages of life are very much 

 smaller, and this is an important point, because one cannot 

 expect the majority of small raisers to be highly skilled. Even 

 if the cross-bred were a poorer layer, the ultimate advantage 

 would lie with it, because, generally, it does so much better. 



In his researches on rabbits. Professor Punnett points to the 

 necessity of getting rid of comparatively unproductive or 

 valueless breeds and concentrating upon the production of 

 fur and flesh. For the first purpose, he advises close consulta- 

 tion with furriers. The quality of the skin results from the 

 presence of various types of hair, and research on Mendelian 

 lines has not yet advanced far enough to provide a structural 

 analysis that will make results sure. There are many qualities 

 of fur. At present we know nothing of the inheritance of fur 

 " quality " as opposed to " colour." " Colour " analysis is 

 fairly complete, although there are still some points to unravel. 



Quality " analysis is only beginning. Further points urgently 

 requiring experimental research are early maturity, size of 

 litter and time of moult. At present. Professor Punnett is not 

 investigating any of these, because his plant is not big enough 

 to permit of such experiments. These questions ought, how- 

 ever, to be undertaken as early as possible, so that this country 

 may be in a position to capture its share of the trade in natural 

 rabbit fur, which is going to develop very rapidly, owing to 

 the world shortage of fur generally. " Blues " and " Choco- 

 lates " are the best skins on the market, and the result aimed 

 at is an increase of size with a maintenance of quality. 



It is clear from Professor Punnet t's work that if we are to 

 make the best of our poultry and rabbits, the old methods 

 will suffice no longer. The cost of food and labour has risen 

 so much in the past few years that the expenditure made upon 

 live stock must be such as will produce a commensurate return. 

 Utility stock costs as nmch to keep and to care for as the most 

 carefully selected strain, but the return from the market is 

 comparatively trifling. Few people realise that if they will 

 take the trouble to study the work that is being done on their 

 behalf by men whose interests are entirely scientific and have 

 no association with commerce, they can learn to turn their 

 hobbies to the best advantage. Many of our best-equipped 

 men of science are now investigating problems of vital interest 

 to the beginner who keeps a few head of stock in his garden, or 

 on his allotment. Will he turn and consider what they have 

 to teach him ? 



