238 



EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 



them for their laying properties. Like the Black Spanish, they are not heavy weights, 

 and in consequence are not so good for table use as the heavier breeds. Pullets lay 

 when six months old. Hens lay large white eggs, the weights of which are often 2^- 

 ounces each, and 1 pound 11 ounces to 1 pound 13 ounces per dozen. When closely 

 confined they require to be kept busy. 





Fig. 3. — Houdans. 



Houdans. — The females are layers of large white eggs. They do better when per- 

 mitted extensive range. Chickens are hardy, grow rapidly, and are great foragers, but 

 owing to large crest on head are apt to fall an easy prey to hawks, &c. They have the 

 five toes of the Dorking. The cockerels are good for table use, the flesh being white 

 and of superior quality. They often make 1 pound per month in weight. Hens' eggs 

 weigh 1\ ounces each and a little more when fowls have unlimited run ; per dozen, 1 

 pound 12 ounces to 1 pound 15 ounces. The standard calls for the following weights : — 

 Cock, 7 pounds ; hen, 6 pounds ; cockerel, 6 pounds ; pullet, 5 pounds. The females 

 are non-sitters. 



Other Breeds. — The following breeds which have not been tried at the Experimental 

 Farm lay large white eggs : — Black Spanish and White Crested Black Polish. 



