EUROPEAN" BREEDS. 159 



her of eggs on the average than the Leghorn. The lay- 

 ing of eggs is their great forte; and if they be properly 

 cared for and fed, they will lay well through cold 

 weather, the hens being powerful machines for convert- 

 ing food into eggs. 



The Leghorns, on a good range, can pick up the greater 

 part of their own living. They are the most active and 

 industrious foragers known. But if one is obliged to 

 confine them to a small yard, clip their wing primaries 

 to keep them within bounds, and you will be surprised 

 to see how they will scratch and keep busy day after 

 day. 



It is true there is some trouble experienced in winter- 

 ing Leghorns successfully in our frigid climate; so that 

 they will appear at our annual shows and come out in 

 spring with their combs and pendants unscathed by 

 Jack Frost. But, as it often has been said by our lead- 

 ing fanciers of this and other high-combed varieties, 

 they should be kept in quarters where there is no dan- 

 ger of freezing; and no poultryman who values his fowls 

 should allow them in winter to occupy a place that is 

 not warm and comfortable. 



From the time Leghorns leave the shell they grow 

 rapidly, are hardy, active, strong, and healthy, mature 

 early, and are comparatively free from disease. During 

 moulting, when other breeds succumb to the drain on 

 the system by shedding and putting on their coat of 

 feathers, they take on their new plumage quickly, and 

 show little signs of weakness or debility. 



They are a proud, sprightly, and handsome variety of 

 fowls. They are singularly precocious, and it is quite 

 common to see the pullets developed and doing their 

 duty as layers before they have attained the age of five 

 months; and the cockerels such little scamps making 

 love before they are four months old. 



