Useful Qualities of Fancy Breeds 75 



greater returns in useful products than can be 

 secured from these breeds whose energies have 

 been expended in developing a variety of charac- 

 teristics that are highly prized for exhibition pur- 

 poses but have little value toward the production 

 of eggs and meat. 



POLISH 



It is generally conceded that the name Polish, 

 or Poland, has no connection with the coun- 

 try of that name. Charles Darwin says that 

 probably the name was given on account of their 

 elevated crest or poll just back of the nostrils on 

 the top of the head, where there is an elevation 

 in the bony structure. These fowls have been 

 bred for many years. It is said that they have 

 a known history extending as far back as the 

 sixteenth century. They were introduced into 

 England about 1835. They are generally con- 

 sidered handsome fowls, but are not noted for 

 hardiness. They certainly cannot hold their own 

 in a promiscuous flock. When bred in small 

 flocks and given extra care they are said to pay 

 very well. They are only fair layers of small 

 white eggs. They cannot withstand wet weather 

 well, and require extra care in time of snow or 

 rain. 



The very large crests, which obstruct their 

 sight to some extent, make them a somewhat easy 



