14 Good and Bad Qualities of Breeds. 



portion to weight they possess less offal and more breast meat 

 than any other breed, and stand at the head of the list for the 

 table. Crossed on large Asiatic hens, the Game produces the 

 finest of market poultry, while the largest and choicest capons 

 are the result of a Dorking cock and Asiatic hen. 



The breeds best adapted to the northwest, where the tem- 

 perature gets below zero and there remains, are the Brahmas 

 and Cochins, the former being perhaps the better layers and 

 the latter more suitable for hatching young turkeys and ducks; 

 but where there are good markets for poultry and eggs, 

 the Wyandottes and the Plymouth Rocks are excellent if they 

 can have outdoor exercise. The Asiatics, if not fed too 

 heavily, can be kept under shelter with contentment; but 

 other breeds are liable to vices of feather-pulling if confined 

 too closely. The Asiatics may be used for crossing upon the 

 common breeds ; but the crossing should be continued till 

 the stock is three-fourths Asiatic, and the last cross should be 

 Brahma, in order to secure the small pea-comb as a protection 

 against severe cold. 



In the east, or where the winters are not as severe as in the 

 northwest, the American or Spanish breeds may be used, while 

 the Asiatics would not be out of place. On wet soils avoid 

 feathered legs. Where there is much rain in spring, crested 

 breeds often suffer. There are but few breeds that can not be 

 adapted to the Eastern and Middle states ; a warm, dry poul- 

 try-house compensating for many disadvantages. 



The best breeds for the Southern states are the Leghorns 

 for eggs, and the Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes for market; 

 as the winters are mild, and these breeds, being active, have 

 a longer season for foraging. But, where one is not partial to 

 the keeping of breeds in their purity, many advantages maybe 

 secured by crossing, provided pure-bred males only are used 

 for that purpose. Any of the breeds may be kept in any sec- 

 tion, if properly managed, there being greater distinction be- 

 tween those kept under confinement and those roaming at large 

 than between those raised in different climates, 



