TYPES AND BREEDS OF POULTRY 467 



The males weigh 9J/2 pounds and the females 1Y^ pounds, at 

 maturity. There is much fullness of breast, and the form 

 is compact. The legs of the black variety are bluish colored, 

 and slightly feathered. The comb, face, wattles, and ear 

 lobes are bright red in color. 



There are many other breeds and varieties of fowls, 

 but these are usually kept only in a small way by poultry 

 fanciers and do not need attention here. 



The bantam may be a dwarf of some of the larger breeds 

 or a distinct breed. Bantams are kept for ornamental pur- 

 poses, and have no practical value. The weights naturally 

 vary somewhat, but 26 ounces for mature males, and 22 

 ounces for the females are standards. The Cochin and 

 Brahma bantams weigh slightly more, 30 ounces for the 

 male and 26 for the female. The bantams make very inter- 

 esting pets for children. 



THE TURKEY 



The turkey is a native of America and was unknown in 

 Europe previous to 1624. The present domesticated turkey 

 originated from the wild stock which once was found in 

 large numbers in this country, and is yet found to a small 

 extent in certain parts of Pennsylvania and the southern 

 states. According to the Standard of Perfection of the 

 American Poultry Association, the frame of the turkey 

 should be large, the body deep, "with a broad, round, full 

 breast that varies in prominence according to the variety." 

 The head should be of good size, and the eyes bright and 

 alert. The leg and shank bones should be large, straight, 

 and well set. The carriage should be proud and erect. 

 There are but few breeds of turkeys, and but one that may 

 be regarded as common. 



The Bronze turkey is very large, and the feathers are 

 bronze or brown black, with shadings of color. The stand- 

 dard weight for an adult male is 36 pounds, and for the hen, 



