Improving a Strain.

Breed only from the best layers and their progeny, or the best-framed birds, according to what is wanted. Never mind if your birds fall off in fancy points. A yearly record should be kept of the number of eggs laid by each pure-bred hen. This is troublesome, but the trouble is page 6 amply repaid. Never breed from a bird that has had any disease, or bed delicate as a chicken. Do not force breeding-birds to excessive laying by giving very stimulating food. Avoid in-breeding as much as possible but when you have worked up a good strain, do not run the risk of throwing away the result of your labour by bringing an unknown [unclear: cockard] into it. A hen possessing the desired qualities, and tested for egg-laying if possible, should be used for introducing fresh blood. She should be mated to a cock of your own strain, and the best of the female [unclear: progea] then mated with your own cock birds. Neighbours working together improving the same breed, are a great help to one another in respect of getting fresh blood for a strain.