PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 267 



Though small in size they are also toothsome table 

 fowl. 



If the poultryman desires to secure both abundance 

 of eggs and excellent market fowl he will find the 

 American class of fowl well suited to his dual purpose. 

 The Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes and Rhode Island 

 Reds are the leading breeds of this class. 



If poultry meat is the main object of the business 

 he may see fit to select some breed of the Asiatic class 

 such as the Light or Dark Brahma or one of the Co- 

 chin varieties. 



The poultry fancier who wishes to keep fowls for 

 the pleasure of having feathered pets or breeding ex- 

 hibition birds, can choose any of the attractive varieties 

 of the classes already mentioned or may select some 

 thing suitable from the Games, the French or English 

 breeds or the beautiful Bantams. 



While the breeds of poultry are grouped into classes 

 according to some general or peculiar qualities which 

 they have in common, it is true that under the man- 

 agement of skilful breeders almost any of the standard 

 varieties may be bred to excel in any desirable char- 

 acteristic. 



For example although the Brahmas and Plymouth 

 Rocks are particularly well adapted to the produc- 

 tion of large roasters and capons there have been de- 

 veloped strains of these breeds which excel in the lay- 

 ing of abundant brown-shelled eggs. Any of the varie- 

 ties which are valuable because of their egg and flesh 

 production may, in the hands of the fanciers, be bred 

 for fine feathers. 



The poultryman is usually wise if he selects one ra- 

 ther than many varieties of fowl for his poultry farm. 

 He may think it advisable to try several varieties and 

 by a process of testing and exclusion determine which 

 one is best adapted to his conditions and his purpose. 



DIFFICULTIES IN MANAGEMENT. 



In managing a poultry plant there may be serious 

 study, perfect planning and energetic execution of du- 



