REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 



203 



HOUDANS. 



A breed of French origin, but having the five toes of the Dorking. The plu- 

 mage is mottled black and white and there is a heavy crest on the head. The 

 females lay a large white e>gg. Hens' eggs 2^ oz. each or 1 lb. 11 oz. to 1 lb. 13 

 oz, per doz. The flesh is white and of very superior quality and the body of the fowl 

 is plump and heavy. The chickens are hardy, and grow rapidly, the cockerels 

 showing a development of 1 lb. per month. They are great foragers and require 

 range. They do not seem to lay as many eggs during the close confinement of 

 winter. It is the intention, another yeai', to give a number of pullets of the same 

 age a trial as winter layers. The standard demands the following weights : — Cock, 

 7 lbs. ; hen, 6 lbs. ; cockerel, 6 lbs. ; pullet, 5 lbs. It will be noticed that the weights 

 are not as great as those called for in the case of the Black Minorcas. 



LAYBES OF EGGS OF DAEK COLOUR. 



Light Brahmas. 



Hens are layers of large coloured eggs, in number about 100 to 110 per year. 

 When in winter quarters eggs are not quite so large as when hens are running at large. 

 Hens' eggs from 2J to 2^ oz. each ; per dozen 1 lb. 9J oz. to 1 lb. 13 oz. Chickens 

 hardy and grow well at development of 14 to 16 oz. per month for cockerels. 



Layers require to be kept busy in winter quarters and must not be over fed or will 

 get too fat. They are a very popular breed, being quiet and easily kept in bounds 

 by a low fence. The weights demanded by the standard are : cocks, 12 lbs. ; hens, 9^ 

 lbs. ; cockerel, 10 lbs. ; pullets, 8 lbs. They are classed among the Asiatics. 



Buff Cochins. 



Of the Asiatic type. A fair layer of richly coloured eggs. Some strains lay 

 much larger eggs than others. At the farm a hen of one strain layed eggs weighing 

 only If oz. each, while a hen of another strain layed eggs 2| oz. each. They require 

 to be kept active when in close quarters, as they put on fat very easily. The weights 

 ai e : cock, 11 lbs. ; hen, 8| lbs. ; cockerel, 9 lbs. ; pullets, T lbs. The chickens are hardy 



