38 Farm Poultry 



as prolific egg producers. This breed consists of 

 six varieties: 



Goldeii-spangled Golden-penciled 



Silver-spangled Silver-penciled 



White Black 



The Hamburg breed was introduced into Eng- 

 land from Holland or North Germany, and eventu- 

 ally took the name of the noted seaport, Hamburg, 

 although they were known at that time, and for 

 many" years after their introduction into Great 

 Britain, as the " Dutch every-day layers," or "ever- 

 lasting layers." They are small, active fowls, and 

 are recognized as being extremely good layers if 

 kept under favorable conditions. It is said that 

 when properly kept they will equal the Leghorns in 

 egg production, although as a matter of fact com- 

 paratively few poultrymen select Hamburgs in pref- 

 erence to the Mediterranean fowls when egg pro- 

 duction is the sole, or even the chief, object. They 

 are quite as difficult to keep in confinement as any 

 of the Mediterraneans, being small, light, and easily 

 frightened. Their tendency to fly makes it difficult 

 to keep them in the yards or runs. Of all breeds, 

 probably there is none that likes a wide range 

 better than the Hamburgs. Their eggs are small 

 and white, being somewhat smaller than those of 

 the Leghorns. All varieties have blue, or leaden 

 blue, shanks and toes, except, possibly, the Black, 

 which may have dark, leaden blue or black shanks 



