16 TURKEY CULTURE, 



As the female is colored very much the same as the male, , 

 it will be unnecessary to describe her markings in detail. 

 But it is to be noted that the lines of the female are 

 never so rich as those of the male, that the markings are 

 apt to be less distinct, and that the margins of the feath- 

 ers are, as a rule, gray in color. Considered by herself 

 the female would be considered a very handsome bird, but 

 regarded in connection with her more richly colored mate, 

 she has a very sober and modest dress, as becomes her sex. 



The Bronze is the most popular variety among turkeys, 

 due probably to its great size, and perhaps also due in 

 some measure to its increased hardiness, secured by the in- 

 fusion of Wild blood in its origin. At any rate, whatever 

 be the cause, the Bronze turkey is bred very largely, and 

 more largely than any other variety. 



Mr Barber adds : "When the golden sun is slowly sinking 

 in the sky, what lovelier sight can meet the eye than a 

 flock of brilliant-hued Bronze turkeys, as they homeward 

 plod their weary way, to eat and drink, to roost, and per- 

 chance to dream of the fat grasshoppers they will find on 

 the morrow." 



JUDGING BKONZE TUKKEYS. 



BY GEORGE WOLFF. 



[We presume the average reader will be interested to know that 

 Mr Wolff, although a paralytic since infancy, is one of the most expe- 

 rienced breeders and judges of turkeys. His being a cripple has made 

 him a close student in his work, and we believe lie has a more exact 

 knowledge of the Bronze breed and its markings and qualifications 

 than any living person.] 



This exceedingly popular breed of Turkeys challenges 

 the admiration of all, with its lustrous plumage, strutting 

 carriage and prodigious size. It is, by all odds, the most 

 hardy breed of turkeys yet introduced. The standard 

 weight for Bronze turkeys is: Cock 32 Ibs, hen 20 Ibs, 

 cockerel 24 Ibs, pullet 15 Ibs. Some 15 or 20 years since, 

 such weights were considered enormous. But the major- 

 ity of the Bronze turkeys that are now found in our besfc 



