Excerpt from The American Breeds of Poultry: Their Origin, History of Their Development, the Work of Constructive, Breeders and How to Mate Each of the Varieties for Best Results
The purpose of this hook is to present an authentic history of the origin and development of the American breeds of domesticated fowls and set forth the proper matings to be made in each of the varieties.
The writer also lias undertaken to explain the widespread popularity which the American breeds today enjoy, by setting forth the reasons why this type of fowl is the most useful and productive. Moreover, it has been his aim to point out why a further extension oi their breeding is both practicable and desirable.
With a firm economic foundation upon which to build. the next step has been to show the permanence of the position occupied by constructive breeders of these fowls and the vital relation that their breeding yards bear to the poultry industry as a whole.
It seems highly desirable to make plain this important relationship between the breeder and the national industry of producing poultry meat and eggs for human consumption, that the true dignity of the breeder's craft may be fully understood and appreciated, and that the beginner may feel justified in devoting the time necessary for a thorough study of the principles which underlie the breeder's work.
The title of this book was suggested by James W. Bell, publisher of the American Poultry Journal, and its production has been made possible by him. More than a year has now elapsed since the work was started. As I have proceeded in writing the manuscript the horizon at times has seemed to broaden and recede. However, the leisure necessary for research and study has been granted cheerfully, and the expense of travel to gather certain details on history and mating has been met as cheerfully. Therefore, may I not in the words of Swinburne say to J. W. B.:
"Take, since you bade it should bear,
These, of the seed of your sawing -
Blossom or berry or weed.
Sweet though they be not. or fair.
That the dew of your word kept growing.
Sweet at least was the seed."
I desire to acknowledge with appreciation the suggestions of my friend W. H. Smith, assistant professor of animal husbandry. University of Illinois; the freely given experience of numerous successful breeders, each of whom is credited in the text; and the help and inspiration gained from Eugene Davenport's "Principles of Breeding."
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