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. [Illustration: ~RHODE ISLAND REDS~] ----------------------------------------------------------------- _Clemson College, S.C. We have been using Pratts Baby Chick Food and are very well pleased with it. I think that it is the best baby chick mash on the market today. FRANK C. HARE, Prof. of Poultry Husbandry._ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Among the farmers whose markets demand white-shelled eggs, the S.C. White Leghorn is the most popular fowl. The Black Minorca is another favorite. It produces the largest white eggs. [Illustration: TOLMAN TYPE HOUSE] Where brown-shelled eggs are wanted, the Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red and Orpington lead. And for the production of the largest table carcasses the Light Brahma, either pure or crossed with a more active breed, is a favorite. The live weights of adult birds of these breeds are as follows: Breed. Cock. Hen. Leghorns 5 1/2 lbs. 4 lbs. Black Minorcas 9 lbs. 7 1/2 lbs. Plymouth Rocks 9 1/2 lbs. 7 1/2 lbs. Wyandottes 8 1/2 lbs. 6 1/2 lbs. Rhode Island Reds 8 1/2 lbs. 6 1/2 lbs. Orpingtons 10 lbs. 8 lbs. Light Brahmas 12 lbs. 9 1/2 lbs. Most of these breeds have varieties, determined by color of plumage or shape of comb. Select that one which best pleases you. [Illustration: UNEVEN SPAN ROOF HOUSE] ~Poultry Houses~ When locating the poultry house remember that it is a great advantage to have soil which is light and naturally well drained, since such soil dries off quickly after a rain and is "much warmer," as poultrymen express it. Heavy soil, even stiff clay, may be made to serve the purpose admirably if provision is made to drain off all surface water. But avoid a site on which water settles in pools, as the surface soon becomes filthy and is a menace to the health of the flock. [Illustration: NEW JERSEY MULTIPLE UNIT HOUSE Two units combined to house two hundred fowls]