34 



actual market value^ but it certainly has much to do with the bird's ability to grow 

 and put on flesh. What we want is a good feeder, and an economical producer. 

 Generally, a bird with a short, stout, well-curved beak, a broad head (not too long), 

 and a bright, clear eye, has a good constitution. And I have noticed that when a 

 bird has a long, narrow beak, a thin, long comb and head, and an eye somewhat 

 sunken in the head, it is usually lacking in constitution. Such a bird is likely to 



Fig. 20. Colony houses used for rearing chicks. 



for the cliickens. 



Articliokes growing as shade 



have a narrow, long body and long legs, upon which it seldom stands straight. 

 .There are some exceptions to this rule ; yet, generally speaking, if a bird has a good 

 head the chances are favorable for a good body; and, if it has a poor head the 

 chances are against it. I have frequently noticed in the rose-comb breeds, such as 

 Wyandottes, that a good-shaped one is seldom found with a long, narrow comb. 



The neck should be moderately short and stout, indicating vigor. The breast 

 is the most important point in a market chicken. It should be broad, moderately 

 deep ; and, if broad, it will present a fine appearance and appear well-fleshed. It is 

 quite possible that a broad, deep breast will carry more meat than a moderately 

 deep breast of the same width ; yet there is no doubt that the latter will present a 

 much better appearance, and sell more quickly, and at a higher price in the market. 

 The breast bone should be well covered with flesh to the very tip. 



When considering the length of breast, we must try to have it come both well 

 forward and backward (See Figs 21 and 22), and not be cut off at an angle, as in 

 Fig 23. The body, in general, should present the appearance of an oblong when 

 the head, neck and tail are removed. 



We frequently see birds that are very flat in front, and cut up behind, as in 

 Fig. 24. Chickens of this class have a very short hreast ; and, if the breast happens 

 to be deep, as it is in this bird, the chicken will have a very poor appearance when 

 dressed, as it will show a marked lack of width and length of breast, with excessive 

 depth. (Notice that the head is narrow and long, the body is narrow, the eye is 

 bright but slightly sunken, the legs are long and not straight under the body.) 



In Fig 23 observe the very flat breast, the length of back, the long neck and 

 head, the narrow comb, the sunken eye, and the length of legs. The breast comes 

 fairly well back, but not well forward. 



