The Illustrated Book of Poultry* 
034 
legg e d than the earlier birds ; we have often remarked this in our own yard, and it has also been 
observed by others. From these facts, while nothing like certainty can be obtained, it is manifest 
that the breeder possesses considerable power of obtaining such results as are desired. 
Finally, we would say that after the birds are properly mated, they should not, if possible, be 
disturbed , as such disturbance frequently leads to unforeseen disappointment. A cock separated 
from the hens he has been mated with, and put to others after an interval, not unfrequently turns 
sulky and thrashes them severely, instead of showing them proper attention. We remember once 
buying in February a fine Brahma cock for a friend, which, though in perfect health, never took to 
his new mates, but always beat them unmercifully at feeding-time; and we found, on another 
occasion, our breeding for a whole season disarranged, and eggs sadly diminished, by a removal late 
in January, after the birds had been some weeks together. For this reason it never answers well to 
make a practice of exhibiting stock-birds during the breeding season. This foolish practice is very 
common among the many who care more for prizes than for their fowls ; but when it does not lead 
to entire sterility (which is often the case) it almost always involves a weakly progeny. Once 
carefully mated, therefore, let the brood stock remain quietly in their runs till the season is over, 
when the chickens will probably do credit to the parents from which they are descended. 
I 
