228 STATE BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. 



pick up the fine bits of boue and meat as they drop upon the floor. Some will 

 even jump up and help themselves from the block, singing for the pay. Great 

 care is perseveringly taken not to frighten them, and they are as gentle as kit- 

 tens. They will allow their eggs or their chicks to be removed from under 

 them by passing the hand gently under the breast. 



To secure strong jjullets for winter, late hatches should be avoided. I prefer 

 May and June in this climate to either earlier or later time. To obtain early 

 chicks requires a greater outlay of time and care than present prices will Jus- 

 tify. Two years ago I was so fortunate as to have three hundred chicks come 

 off in May. I manage to sit a number at the same time, always giving them 

 their eggs at evening. There is this advantage in having a number come off at 

 the same time, that some of the hens can be set free, and not subjected to the 

 wear of nursing. 



A fire is kept in the building sufficient to keep the temperature above freez- 

 ing, which is indicated by their drinking water. The stove pipe passes through 

 all these rooms, so that a little fire makes the whole house comfortable. 



To obtain good stock is all important ; and since we have here the best breeds 

 that Europe and Asia can furnish, this is not difficult. One cf the very best 

 breeds of native fowls is the Dominique. Its color is a slaty blue all over the 

 body. The eye is bright orange ; feet, legs, and bill a yellow or buff. They 

 are good layers, good sitters, and good nurses. Their beautiful appearance is 

 quite an acquisition to the yard. The Dorking is a favorite fowl with many, 

 but to me their white legs is an objection. The Iloudan, a French variety, has 

 been sold in our State for fabulous prices. I have had tliis variety and also the 

 Black Spanish, but their hlack legs were not to my fancy. I believe the yelloio 

 leg indicates the qualities of good layers and sweet, tender meat. The Shanghai 

 I have tried and find it has this disqualification : flesh coarse-grained, neither 

 tender nor juicy. The Brahma is an Asiatic breed possessing positive merits. 

 History says it was brought to this country by a sailor from the banks of the 

 Brahmapooti'a. It is said that the English highly prize this breed of beautiful 

 fowls, a pair of them having been lately sold for $350. My fowls are the Light 

 Brahmas crossed with the White Crested "White Poland. The Dominique still 

 retains a limited place in the yard. This variety first shared with us the jn'iva- 

 tions of the woods, and I never discard an old and tried friend. 



It is thought by some that more eggs can be obtained by mixing breeds than 

 by any other mode; that it also promotes the health of fowls. My fowls lay 

 well and are extremely healthy. An ailing fowl in my hennery is a very rare 

 exception. The Brahmas are objected to by some on account of their clumsi- 

 ness, supposing them liable to break their eggs in getting on and off tlie nest. 

 I think in all such instances the nest must be at fault. "With low nests and 

 short straw, I have often admired their almost human caution at such times. 

 They are hardy, bear confinement well, are good layers, sitters, and the very 

 best of nurses. A broad, deep body, profusely feathered thighs give to the 

 Brahmas' mother an advantage over almost any variety when '"'she gathereth 

 her chickens under her wings." She is also very gentle and attractive. The 

 Light Brahma is the variety selected by "Warren Leland, although he had tried 

 numerous varieties, to supply the table at the Metropolitan Hotel while in his 

 charge. Nicely dressed, it makes a tempting roast, pie or fricassee. The "W^hite 

 Crested "White Poland is considered one of the most hardy of all the crested 

 varieties. It has the two-fold merit of being perfectly beautiful and one of the 

 best of layers. Its flesh also is remarkably fine. It possesses the virtue of 



