POULTRY. 445 



too small and tough, when fully grown. &quot;With these remarks on the breeds, we come back 

 to the summary, and say, that in New England and the Northern Middle States, Light 

 Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks, and White Leghorns are the best for practical purposes, and 

 since others will pay the breeder less, they become less valuable in comparison. For the 

 Southern, Middle, and South Western States, we recommend Lighfr Brahmas, Black Cochins* 

 and Javas for large stock ; Houdans for the middle size, and Leghorns. 



As the temperature of the Southern States admits of birds being raised at all times of 

 the year, we would recommend for that section of our country, Light Brahmas and Black 

 Cochins for large stock; for those of smaller size, Houdans, Plymouth Rocks, and Leg 

 horns. All other breeds must be looked upon from ^ fancier s standpoint, wherein taste 

 must be the rule, as they are kept quite as much for pleasure as profit. But do not 

 consider us as condemning outright all other birds, for we do not. 



They will all pay a profit over and above their keeping; the Creator of all things has 

 made them with qualities suited to their purpose, and just in proportion to the care we give 

 our fowls, will we reap a harvest, no matter what the class; for instance: if the Light Brahmas 

 lay ten eggs more in a year than any other of the Asiatic class, then they become the best 

 practically, and must be the bird chosen, as one Light Brahma hen pays the interest on three 

 dollars more, as an investment, by her earnings. This however does not argue that all the 

 Asiatics are not good. 



Just so with the middle class, locality and adaptability being first considered, next, the 

 economic value. While Houdans may be better for France, and Black Javas for all purposes 

 where only one breed is to be kept, and eggs as the sole product; we find that White 

 Leghorns are the best for all sections of. the country, since they will lay more and larger eggs 

 than any of the non-sitting breeds, except the Black Spanish, which lay larger eggs, but being 

 more delicate to rear, and less desirable as a table fowl, must go into the list of fancy stock; 

 hence we see that for the greater profit, in both poultry and eggs, the Light Brahmas, 

 Plymouth Rocks, and Leghorns are the three best, while the best cross for all purposes is the 

 mating of a White Leghorn cock to a Light Brahma hen.&quot; 



To show the various preferences of bird fanciers and breeders on the subject of choice, 

 we give a few other opinions from different sources. An extensive breeder gives his opinion 

 as follows: &quot; From all I could learn after a careful study of the subject, I decided that for 

 both meat and eggs, no variety ranked higher than the Light Brahma, while for eggs the Brown 

 Leghorns; were perhaps first. For experiment I wished varieties as diverse as possible, and 

 secured them in the above breeds. The color and size of the eggs, and the appearance, habit, 

 and temperament of the fowls are indeed very wide apart. With the Light Brahmas we 

 have not been disappointed. They have proved even better layers in winter than our Brown 

 Leghorns; their eggs are fine in quality, large, and of rich color. At the age of six months 

 the cockerels weigh seven and eight pounds, and while they may not quite equal the Games, 

 the Dorkings, or the Houdans for table use, I am sure no one will go away hungry or 

 dissatisfied from a dinner graced by a Light Brahma. 



From my own experience, as also from a thorough study of the opinions of others, I 

 think there is no fowl that equals the Light Brahma for the farmer. Possibly the Plymouth 

 Rock may rank nearly as high. The quiet temperament, too, is a recommendation of no mean 

 rank in favor of these fowls. The chief objection, and the only one, so far as I know, unless 

 we might desire a little more white meat, is the proclivity of this breed to sit. With suitable 

 preparation to break this determination, it is no serious objection, especially if we kill all our 

 hens the second winter, never keeping them until they are two years old. I have noticed 

 that there is a great difference in individuals in this respect. So without doubt by careful 

 selection in our breeding we could modify this trait to our satisfaction. 



The Brown Leghorns I have found to be perfect non-sitters. They are admirable layers, 



