The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-10-06
CHOOSING THE HEAD OF THE
Et OCk.

-oO''
While 1t may seem to he a little early to
discuss the bird thai is to head the flock
during another season, the farmer poul-
tryman must rely on his eggs for breed
ing purposes from the birds who produce
the market eggs and whether the male Is
kept with the hens during the winter or
not Git is better noD he should be selected
early so that he may be trained IN the way
he should go. Here are a few of the faults
which should be sought for in selecting a
male for the pen for breeding stock. Dis
card Il. male with a pale face and comb or
If ne shows any weakness of legs or is
run down. He should nave no ~deformities
of any kind and no disease. He should
be a nervy bird. ready and able to fight
for his family. If he shows any weakness
in this respect such weakness will be re-
produced in the progeny. His gait should
he proud and steady, he should he broad
Of back and there should be no nostril
discharges. If a bird Is selected with these
points in view, not all the good or the bad
points by any means. but most of the es-
sential ones, the eggs will be well fertil-
izcd and the chicks will be strong and
healthy. Once a good male is secured he
must be we'll fed whether by himself or
running with the hens, and care must be
taken, in the latter case, to see that he
has enough even If it is necessary to take
him away by himself. for feeding when
running with the hens. Old breeders say
that the male is one. half the value of the
pen and this being the case he requires
III best Of attention.
POOR LUTHER BURBANK.
Newspaper and magazine readers are
familiar with the wonderful work per-
formed in hybridization by Mr.. Luther
Burbank of California to whom we are
indebted for the introduction of japanese
rl,,~,s Mr. p,,rlnork haS also haar won.
derfully successful in improving flower.
ing plants, but he has not done some OF
the wondful things credited to him by mis-
informed magazine writer's. He has no
crossed the potato and the tomato nor Thu
pumpkin and the apple tree nor any othel
of the ridiculous things ascribed to him
Certain periodicals are laying great stres
on the results Of crossing the potato AM
the tomato, which, 1t Is claimed, Mr.. Bur
bank has done. If he has done anythin,
in this direction 1t has probably been tn
grating of u tomato top to the stem O
the potato. a thing which has been don
several times by much less skillful me
than Mr.. Burbank. This matter is men
toned here as an early caution TO loo
out for some of the wonders 60 which al
likely to appear on the market later
placed there by scamps who will max
free use of Mr.. Burbanks name simpl
because the public have been made MOI
or less familiar with some of the thing
he has actually done. but with more whic
1t is claimed he has done, but which,
truth, he nor any other mau could q,
complish. Mr.. Burbank. reputable seed
men and nurserylmep and the art of no
|, ticuiture Itself are all injured by the:
wild tales. Remember this caution a Ii
!, tie later. If in doubt. write the editor
this department for information s:atil
by whom the wonderful things are BEN
: offered and you'll be honestly and correc
ly advised.
: GET TOGETHER THIS WINTER.
If fortunate enough to be near enou,
!, to get the benefit of farmers institutes
: Of the Grange, farmers will find 1t w
! worth their while to become members.
not so located why not start an institu
. of your own among the farmers of I
!, ne!ghborhood. Here is a plant. AS SO
y as the fall work lets up a bit take 70
t wife in the carriage and make a circuit
neighbors for several miles around. S
to each that o have called to talk o>
q plan for meetings during the winter,
the several homes, to discuss topics
r mutual interest. Get those upon wht
. you call to agree to come to your home
: a certain date n agree upon details.
: sure the wives are brought in each ca
It At this first meeting talk over plans a
= lay out a rogram of interesting topi
Start by having one member who /
y made a success in some particular brar
n of his work, agreeing to read a brief pal
on the subject. Then plan to have
= bulk OF the time taken up by discussit
on this topic with a view to bringing