A Half Century of Advances in the Genetics and Breeding Improvement of Poultry

ON THIS fiftieth anniversary of the Poultry Science Association it is of interest to review the progress that has been made from the study of the hen during the half century. In this paper we shall consider the progress in the field of genetics and breeding. Although these years span most of the period of history of genetics it is desirable to review briefly the publications appearing during the few years intervening between 1908 and the rediscovery of Mendel’s law which gave both impetus and direction to subsequent studies of inheritance in the chicken. PREVIOUS WORK By 1908 all but a very few of our recognized breeds and varieties of poultry had been developed. The wide variety in form and size, and the diversity and perfection of color patterns stand as a tribute to the early fanciers. This was accomplished with no knowledge of the laws of inheritance and by . . .