g 160-page book, pages 6x9 inches in size, fully illustrated with
150 photos and drawings. The title is "The Poultryman's Complete
Handbook." It's worth a dollar, but we will send you a copy, prepaid,
for only ten cents in stamps or silver. Address your request to Pratt
Food Co., Philadelphia.

[Illustration: ~WHITE WYANDOTTES~]

Pratts Poultry Service Department is maintained to give expert
information and advice on poultry topics. There is no charge for this
service. Whenever you get puzzled, write Pratts experts. They will send
you a prompt personal reply containing the information you desire. No
charge, no obligation. Address such letters to Poultry Service
Department, Pratt Food Co., Philadelphia.

[Illustration: ~S.C. WHITE LEGHORNS~]

~Breeds of Poultry~

Regardless of breeding and appearance, a heavy layer is a good hen to
own. And laying ability is not confined to any one breed or class of
fowls. There are exceptional layers, dependable profit-payers, in
practically every fair-sized flock, whether made up of standard-bred
stock or mongrels.

As a general rule, however, standard-bred birds are best. By that term
we mean those which have been bred to meet the typical breed and variety
descriptions as appearing in the official Standard of Perfection which
is published by the American Poultry Association. Such a flock is bound
to be uniform in size, appearance and general characteristics, is easier
to manage properly because of its uniformity, and its products, both
eggs and table poultry, will also be uniform. Further the income from
such a flock may be increased through the sale of eggs for hatching and
of breeding stock at prices many times greater than those of table eggs
and poultry.

No matter what breed you select, the most important matter, the very
foundation of success, is the securing of _individual birds which are
strong, sturdy, vigorous and healthy_. Only stock of high vitality can
be depended upon to give continuously good results. It is time and money
wasted to keep fowls which are weak, sickly or "run-down," the result
of improper breeding or management.

As a rule, it is best to select that breed which is most popular
locally, because such popularity indicates that the breed in question
thrives under local conditions and meets the requirements of the local
markets. Further, one has greater opportunities of securing good birds
and a larger market for hatching eggs and stock.

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