328 



BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



difference, ranging from the tiny Bantam to the large 

 and heavy Brahma. The breed characters of form, as 

 applied to head, body, and legs, are rather distinct in each 

 case. The variety characteristics are usually shown in 

 color of feathers, though there may be other special features, 

 such as single or rose comb. The Plymouth Rock, for 

 example, includes six varieties; namely, (1) barred, (2) 

 white, (3) buff, (4) silver penciled, (5) partridge, and (6) 



Columbian. The follow- 

 ing very brief descriptions 

 of some of the leading 

 breeds in America, include 

 the more important repre- 

 sentatives of each. 



The Plymouth Rock 

 originated in America, and 

 is of medium size. The 

 head is surmounted by a 

 single, upright red comb, 

 and the ear lobes and 

 wattles are also red. The 

 neck is broad, breast full 

 and wide, back broad, and 



Fig. 171. A Barred Plymouth Rock cock, KonUr rrmrapt Tlcal- lerre 

 1st prize Minneapolis, 1904. Photograph DOCl y Compact. 5eak, legS, 

 by courtesy the Poultry Herald. toeg an( J gk j n snO uld be 



yellow in color. This breed is hardy and matures early, fur- 

 nishing excellent broilers when eight to twelve weeks old. The 

 hens are moderate layers, the eggs being of a brown color. 

 This is a sitting breed, and the hens make excellent mothers. 

 The mature males weigh 9^, and the females 7J/ pounds. 

 Varieties of this breed differ only in color of feathers. The 

 Barred Plymouth Rock has been very popular in the past, 

 though the whites are now meeting with much favor. 



