460 A STUDY OF FARM ANIMALS 



depth of body is especially desirable, but apparent depth 

 must not be due to loose feathering, which is generally 

 shown by an evidence of loose thigh feathers. Large cap- 

 acity is essential, if a hen is to lay long and heavily. Such 

 capacity is designated by a body that is deeper at the rear 

 end of the keel than at the front end. The underline should 

 be fairly straight and the back should be comparatively 

 horizontal. Prominent breast development and evidence of 

 a long keel are desirable qualities in a high-producing hen. 

 The general body conformation of a heavy producer con- 



Figure 214. The egg-laying type of fowl. Photograph from Poultry Herald. 



forms very closely to a rectangle with pronounced angles 

 rather than smooth curves. A male shows the same gen- 

 eral characteristics as a female except that the abdomen is 

 not so deep. Fowls of this type vary somewhat in size and 

 weight as well as in flesh-producing capacity. The Leg- 

 horns are small, the hens weighing around 3 pounds, and do 

 not produce much meat on the body, while the Minorcas are 

 larger, the hens weighing about 6J/2 pounds, and may carry 

 a good amount of flesh when in best condition. The fowls 



