The Business Breeds. 



Fig. 3. A GOOD WHITE WYANDOTTE. 



ought therefore to 

 average better lay- 

 ers. These Ameri- 

 can breeds have the 

 same general fea- 

 tures, plump, well- 

 shaped bodies, 

 clean, yellow tegs, 

 and a yellow skin. 

 The English Or- 

 pington is much the 

 same general type, 

 but has not yellow 

 skin. This yellow 

 color is important, 

 as the American 

 market calls for yel- 

 low meat. These 



American breeds not only lay well, but also furnish a good carcass of sala- 

 ble meat. They are larger than the Leghorns, consume rather more feed, 

 and do not as a rule lay as many eggs. The eggs of the American breeds 

 are brown in color, and generally not as large as those from the White 

 Leghorns. While brown eggs are preferred in some markets, such as Boston 

 and other New England cities, the general demand is for white eggs. For 

 farm stock where the flock is kept to supply meat and eggs for the farm, 

 with a surplus of each to sell, one of the American breeds will prove 

 very satisfactory. They may be compared with the general-purpose cow, 

 while the Leghorn represents the special-purpose Jersey. Both the Ply- 

 mouth Rock and Wyandotte are bred in different colors, but the color 

 adds little of value to the breed except the pleasing effect to the eye. 

 The Barred Plymouth Rock is one of the strongest and hardiest of breeds, 

 but the White of both Plymouth Rock and Wyandotte are more popular. 

 Some years ago the flocks in farmers' yards were largely speckled, but 

 now a large proportion of them will be found white. Why is one Ameri- 

 can breed better than another? The answer will be largely a matter of 

 opinion. A Plymouth Rock breeder, when asked why he prefers that 

 breed to Wyandottes, gives the following answer : 



"I do not consider there is much difference between the Wyandottes 

 and the Plymouth Rocks, at least not a contrast as exists between either 

 one of the above and the Leghorn, or such as is between the Leghorn 

 and Cochin. I think which one a person prefers — Wyandotte or Plymouth 

 Rock — is much a matter of fancy, but I consider that there are these 

 differences : First, the Plymouth Rock equals them as layers, but sur- 



