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THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Merits and Defects of Hamtmrgs. Since they are quite small, the consumption 

 of food is proportionately small in quantity; hence the expense of keeping them is less than 

 many of the larger breeds. They are noted for their egg -production, and are among the very 

 best of winter layers; in fact, we doubt if any breed can excel them in this respect, though 

 probably the Leghorns will equal them. They like best a wide range, and thrive most when 

 allowed it, but can bear confinement very well if kept clean. They suffer from want of 

 cleanliness more than almost any other breed; also from overcrowding, as we have previously 

 stated. They are tolerably hardy, mature early, and will lay well through the second and 

 even third winters. They are non-sitters, and give no trouble from broody inclinations, but 

 when keeping them (as with all non-sitters), it will be necessary to keep a few others, such 

 as the Brahmas or Cochins, to perform maternal duties to the young forthcoming Hamburgs. 



BLACK HAMBURGS. 



Owned by W. Atlee Burpee, Philadelphia, Pa. 



To the lover of the beautiful they are a source of pleasure, as the spangled and penciled 

 varieties are perfect specimens of bird beauty, and cannot fail to excite the admiration of the 

 beholder. They are also finely formed, and graceful in movements. 



The greatest objection to them is their propensity to wander and fly; in the latter respect, 

 they are perfect little &quot;fly-aways,&quot; their small light bodies and strong ample wings making it 

 perfectly easy for them to find the other side of a nine or ten-foot fence, when confined in a 

 small enclosure. Mr. Wright says: &quot;They may, it is true, be kept in a shed, but if so, the 

 number must be very limited. Where six Brahmas would be kept, four Hamburgs are quite 

 enough, and they must be kept dry and scrupulously clean.&quot; He also states that the penciled 

 varieties are most delicate, being liable to roup if exposed to cold or wet, and for this reason 

 it would be better not to have them hatched until May. The spangled are more hardy and 



