The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-11-19
Breeding Thoroughbred Stock.

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1t is often urged upon farmers to raise
thoroughbreds rather than the common
dung-hill fowls. There are many reasons
why it is better to keep good stock.
One takes more interest in them. The
boy who acquires love for thorough
bred poultry and is permitted to take full
charge of a small flock, will learn valu-
able lessons in business frugality and in
dustry, and will have an attraction at
home which will keep him from the street
This matter cannot be urged too strong
ly upon parents who have boys growing
up under their care. 1t is a fact that
there would be fewer boys in our reform
schools if they had had more attractions
at home. Visit any of our penal institu-
tions and question the boys and young
men in regard to their early home life
and you will find they sought the street
for their amusement.
Then again, poultry is profitable when
rightly managed, and q small flock will
provide a small family with coffee. tea
and sugar necessary for their use, as well
as a good many breakfasts of nice eggs
and dinners OF chicken salad. Now it will
not cost any more to feed pure stock than
the common, and when the eggs are
wanted for Matching, or birds for breed
ing, they will command price which is
remunerative.
There are so many in this occupation
of raising fancy poultry we sometim es
hear it remarked that the business is
likely to be overdone This is hardly
probable while we are obliged to import
80 many eggs and while high scoring
birds are so eagerly sought after. One
fancier who took up the business years
ago as pastime. because of his love fo1
fine poultry, states he took $21 in prizes
the first time he exhibited and then sold
the five pullets for $55. At the last exhi-
bitiOn of the Massachusetts Poultry AS
ISOLATION, held in Mechanics Hall, Boston,
a pair of Plymouth Rocks sold for $3.50
And the reason for these high prices is
obvious. 1t is difficult to duplicate such
specimens and it requires patient care
and study to breed them. There is no
more reason why $85, 900 should he paid
for fine horse or $4,000 for noble st.
Bernard dog, than $3.50 for a beautiful
pair OF Plymouth Rocks.
Then, too, the pleasure one gets from
the breeding of pure fowls, and the &C
quaintances he forms with others who are
engaged in a like pursuit oftentimes are
very enjoyable and last through life.
But are there no drawbacks? Certain
ly. What business can you mention that
is not attended with it's outs? There will
be sickness, and occasionally a death
among the fowls. However, these outs
are somewhat in your hands and much
will depend upon the care you bestOw.
At certain times you will feel blue, no
doubt, but if you will do your duty to
your flock and exercise little patience
in your work, you will come out all right
in the end.
For my own part can say have en-
jOyed the breeding of Thoroughbred poul-
try, and should feel DIS though | had lost
something we're to give it up. 1t is a
pleasure to keep fine stock, and to have
fine poultry you are proud to show your
friends.
In closing let me advise you to buy
good stock to start with, from some
reliable dealer, and with reasonable
amount Of care your success is assured