POULTRY MANAGEMENT 



287 



Ornamental Breeds. — These are used for show purposes, 

 and include the Bantams, Games (except Indian Games), 

 PoHsh, Frizzles, Silkies, and other less common classes. The 

 Houdons are sometimes considered as ornamentals because 

 of their large crests. All breeds of poultry, regardless of 

 class, are bred quite commonly for show purposes. 



What Variety to Keep. — It is very important to keep 

 varieties best suited to the purposes desired. For large 

 numbers of eggs poultrymen use the egg breeds, and use 

 them while young. The first year is their best egg-laying 



Fig 193. 



Fig. 194. 



Fig. 193. — ^White Plymoufh Rock hen, a general-purpose breed. 

 Fig. 19.4. — Prize-winning white Wyandotte hen. 



year. For table use, keep the meat breeds. Within the 

 varieties there are certain strains or families which are better 

 than others because they have been selected with reference 

 to a special purpose. 



Exercise. — Study of Varieties. — Let the pupils who 

 have seen pure-bred chickens describe them to the class. 

 If some are now keeping any of the pure breeds, have them 

 weigh some of them and report weights to the class. Com- 

 pare these with the standard weights given in the United 

 States Farmers' Bulletin 51. 



