48 BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. [Jan., 



but no special pains were taken to improve the flock or to keep 

 account of results until 1866. We had the common barnyard 

 fowl, and the average weight was probably not over two and one- 

 half pounds. 



The White-Crested Black Poland was the first foreign element 

 introduced which increased the laying qualities. 



The Dominique came next and improved the size and plumage. 

 In 1876 we bought of Rev. Wm. Clift a late Light Brahma cock- 

 erel, and when he arrived by express every one ridiculed our pur- 

 chase of the awkward creature; but he proved a magnificent bird, 

 and was always called " Tim Bunker." 



In 1877 one sitting of Light Brahma eggs that was carried six 

 miles over a rough road produced one fine pullet, and one sitting 

 of Cochins produced none. 



In 1880 one Plymouth Rock cock was purchased, and two 

 White Leghorns, and exchanges have occasionally been made with 

 neighbors that had superior stock. Great care has always been 

 taken in the selection of breeding fowls, and only the very best 

 birds survived the block. In this way we have built up a strain 

 we call Darwinian, that answers our purpose for both eggs and 

 table fowls better than any full-blooded stock we could find. They 

 are medium size, full breasted, low, deep bodied, smooth yellow 

 legs, moderate comb, fine plumage, and amiable dispositions; good 

 layers, good sitters, and good mothers. 



One objection to the Poland, or any black fowl, is the difficulty 

 of making them dress handsomely for market, — the pin-feathers 

 will show, and besides the dark-colored legs are not liked by 

 the market-men. The Brahmas are excellent for the table when 

 fully grown and well fattened, and a cock of three or four years 

 old is almost equal in size and flavor to a turkey; but they out- 

 grow their feathers so rapidly when a few weeks old that the 

 half-naked bodies are a disgrace to the lawn, and if there comes a 

 cold rain some of them will be pretty sure to die, notwithstanding 

 the best care. They mature so slowly that it is late in the season 

 before any are fit for the table, and so require more care and more 

 food. The feathered legs are another objection, as in wet, snowy 

 weather they retain much cold and filth and often cause sore feet. 

 Yet after all they are a kingly race, and move about with dignity, 

 and do not take fright at a shadow and fly over our heads as the 

 Leghorns do. 



