CHAPTER XIV. 



ASIATIC BREEDS. 



The Brahmas, Cochins, and Langshans, which com- 

 prise the standard Asiatic breeds, have many desirable 

 qualities. They are docile, not mischievous; fair layers, 

 persistent sitters, and good mothers. As a class, there 

 is little difference between the varieties; what may be 

 said of one will generally apply to the others, the color 

 of plumage being the chief point of preference that de- 

 cides a choice. 



LIGHT BRAHMAS. 



The Light Brahma is now well known amongst 

 breeders and fanciers, but is not yet nearly so popular 

 amongst farmers, and those who rear poultry for mar- 

 ket, as it should be. The small head, the lofty carriage, 

 the broad full breast, the deep round body, the short, 

 stout, well-feathered legs, all mark the high-bred bird, 

 and one producing a great amount of flesh with the least 

 offal. This is one distinguishing feature of the Brahma 

 fowl which renders it a profitable breed for the farmer. 

 No other bird excels it as a winter layer; and as it is a 

 good mother, the plentiful fluff about it serving to keep 

 the chicks warm in the coldest weather, and as the chicks 

 are hardy, it is easy to have very early birds. The 

 young birds, as broilers, are remarkably juicy, well- 

 flavored, and tender; and the young cockerels of four to 

 six months, weighing, as they easily do, six to eight 

 pounds, make most excellent roasters. As with all high- 

 bred, pure races, the half-breed crosses of these, upon 

 (123) 



