12 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
It will be thoroughly understood that we have a decided preference for pure-bred birds for economic 
purposes, though startling differences of opinion will occur on the subject : but the argument holds good that, 
as in Fancy Poultry, selection and preference have definitely fixed certain traits and characteristics sought to 
be gained, the matter is easily worked out on the same lines with Market Poultry, whether for egg- 
producing or table requirements, and it never pays to persist in keeping miserable or ze/eedy4coking specimens either 
of Fancy or Utility Fowls. The "survival of the fittest" is the motto to act upon with the management of 
all Poultry ; and in the end this rule, followed out rigidly, will bring the best returrts, and in the shortest 
time. 
In selecting the stock birds of any variet)', strong, vigorous specimens only should be bred from. Ex- 
perience has proved that it is impossible to obtain strong healthy chickens from stock birds whose systems 
have been undermined by disease in some form or other. The natural consequence, in breeding from un- 
healthy birds on either side previous to the formation or fertilising of the eggs, is that the chickens produced 
will be weakly and almost worthless, though they may appear in their earlier stages to do all right, but, as sure 
as the sun sets, the latent disease in their systems will appear, and disaster ensue. This has been borne out 
times without number by bitter experience, and should prove conclusively to beginners that no good and lasting 
results can be expected from unhealthy parent stock. Again, as the fertilisation of the egg rests on the vigor 
of the stock cock, it is folly to allow the stock birds to run together right throughout the year. If this is 
done there is certain to be a large percentage of unfertile eggs just at the time when fertile eggs are wanted 
most, the birds being to a great extent played out ; and it is imperative, if strong and healthy chickens are 
desired, to remove the stock cock for at least four or five months in the year. This will allow the bird to 
recover his flagging energies, preparatory to being again placed in the breeding-pen. There is no tangible or 
reasonable objection to this (beyond the slight trouble of accommodating the bird in separate quarters), as 
chickens cannot be reared throughout the year with profit or success. It will be understood that a valuable 
bird is all the better for a rest, and when again returned to the breeding-pen no fear is likely to arise on the 
score of the eggs from that particular pen being unfertile, unless the bird is. too old or worn-out. The advan- 
tages accruing from this method are so great that we are surprised it is not more universally adopted. 
Another equally important consideration in the selection of the breeding stock, that it is well to bear in 
mind, is to choose birds that are fully matured, some breeds arriving at maturity much more speedly than others, 
and this has to be considered when mating the breeding-pens. For instance, Leghorns or Andalusians could 
with safety be bred from at nine or ten months old, but to pursue the same plan with Langshans or 
Brahmas qt the same age would not answer at all, as the Langshan or Brahma takes quite two or three month 
longer to develop. This suggestion is given as a guide to the mating of birds of equal age where no other ' 
opportunity is available, but a far better system is to mate birds of different ages — cocks two years old or 
over to pullets, and cockerels to hens two years old or over. This system is generally followed by "Fanciers " 
who carefully study the question, to obtain the best and highest results ; though, for an ideal breeding-pen, 
birds two years old on both sides invariably produce the strongest and most vigorous chickens, and which 
fledge quicker and better than others bred from younger parents. In many instances this former plan cannot 
be followed, as in all probability the stock available will not allow it, but, where practicable at all, it will be 
found the best system to pursue. One evident fact stands out positively and conclusively, that it is quite 
unreasonable to expect vigorous progeny from birds which are immature on both sides, and the beginner 
should always bear this in mind, and weigh the selection and mating of his breeding stock over thoroughly. 
By doing this much heartburning and disappointment will be avoided, much more so than if done in a 
haphazard or careless manner. 
The trouble with too many Poultry-breeders, whether for market or exhibition purposes, lies in expecting 
immediate and profitable results, and in not realising the palpable fact that it must necessarily^ take some time 
to build up a trade or demand for their products (and in breeding Poultry the same applies as to all other 
kinds of stock). The breeder is constantly adding to his store of useful knowledge as long as ever he continues 
