82 THE BIRDS 



the poultryman. Spanish fowls, for instance, are unique in 

 having a pure white face, which always interests and causes 

 comment. The Polish and Houdan have a crest which 

 immediately distinguishes them from all other varieties, and 

 any specimen of this breed will attract general attention by 

 its oddity. Among the most unique fowls in the poultry 

 yard are the Silkies, whose feather growth is characteristic 

 from the fact that it resembles tufts of hair or thread more 

 than feathers. The plumage is white, the skin and face are 

 purplish. They are sometimes called the Woolly or Downy 

 fowl. Next to the Silkie in singularity are the Frizzled 

 chickens, which are so named from the fact that the plumage 

 is curled. Instead of lying flat on the body, the quills of 

 the feathers curve upward, and point toward the bird's head. 

 This makes the feathers look as if they had been curled with 

 a curling iron. This ruffled and erect plumage makes the 

 bird look very plump, but in reality they are not heavy. 

 The prevailing color of the Frizzle is white. 



Commercial Value. Summing up the commercial advan- 

 tages and possibilities of our breeds, we see that they depend 

 upon two distinct factors. First and foremost are the eco- 

 nomic possibilities, which are governed by their ability to 

 produce food for human consumption. Next in importance 

 are their fancy features, such as plumage viewed from the 

 stand-point of beauty. The Silver and Golden varieties, 

 with either spangled or penciled plumage, probably excel 

 all others. In studying breeds and breed types, their eco- 

 nomic or utilitarian possibilities should be paramount, not 

 the fancy features. 



LABORATORY EXERCISE 



EXERCISE No. 12. If possible, have the pupils bring to 

 class as many representative birds, which are classified as 

 Miscellaneous Breeds, as they can find in the vicinity. Ban- 

 tams, Silkies, Frizzles, Polish, and Hamburgs would make 



