Egg Breeds Described 17 



no other reason' than the one distinguishing char- 

 acteristic of size. Almost without exception the 

 noted egg-producing breeds are small or medium 

 in size and possessed of a neat, trim appearance, 

 which gives them an air of activity. They are 

 also somewhat longer-legged in proportion to their 

 size than the meat breeds, yet those having the 

 most robust constitution do not appear to be small 

 or long-legged. 



While mature fowls of some of the heaviest 

 breeds of this class should weigh from six to nine 

 pounds, yet the weight is seldom mentioned in 

 descriptions of the most noted egg -producers of 

 this class. This is undoubtedly due to the fact 

 that egg production is the chief consideration, 

 regardless of the weight of the fowl. 



The specific purpose for which these fowls are 

 reared being egg production, the breeder does 

 not care to sacrifice this product for increased 

 meat production, except as increased vigor in the 

 individual is likely to bring an increase in size, 

 a subject that is discussed somewhat fully in the 

 chapter on breeding. 



Disposition. Almost without exception, a ner- 

 vous, active disposition is characteristic of the 

 various varieties of fowls which are noted for egg 

 production. They are naturally quick, alert, easily 

 frightened, and when once thoroughly aroused 

 fly almost with the ease of wild birds. On account 



