184 THE BEGINNER IN POULTRY 



weight, plumpness, etc. The position of prominent, 

 movable bones back of the keel is considered a pretty 

 fair index of the approach of laying maturity, or of lay- 

 ing at any time. As the body is distending, or becomes 



'The White Queen." This Bird Has Been Used as a Model of Runner Type. 

 Photograph Not Retouched 



distended, with eggs, these bones spread apart springily. 

 This spreading is probably a sure index of the approach 

 of laying. But, as these bones naturally lie farther apart 

 in some birds than in others, it is necessary to be some- 



