POULTRY KEEPING 599 



Selection of Breeding Stock. Naturally the Bronze turkey 

 should be the largest in size, the most vigorous in constitution, and 

 the most profitable to grow. This would be the status of the variety 

 at present were it not that too little attention has been given to the 

 selection of the females for breeding stock. It should be fully under- 

 stood that size and constitutional vigor come largely through the 

 female, and, to have this influence to the fullest extent, well-pro- 

 portioned, vigorous females in their second or third year shjould be 

 selected as 'breeders. Do not select the very large specimens for this 

 purpose; those of a medium size are usually the best. Discard the 

 undersized females at all times, as they are of but little value as 

 producers. 



The Narragansett Turkey. The turkeys of this variety are next 

 in size to the Bronze. They are of black ground color, each feather 

 ending with a band of steel gray, edged with black. This imparts 

 a grayish cast to the entire surface plumage. Mixed with this is 

 the finish of metallic black and 'bronze luster. They are beautiful in 

 form and feather and breed true to shape and color. The female has 

 a lighter shade of gray in her markings than the male. Her entire 

 color throughout is of lighter shading. 



Size. The standard weights of this variety are, for males, from 

 20 to 30 pounds, according to age; for females, 12 to 18 pounds. 

 Some old males of both this and the Bronze variety weigh over 40 

 pounds. These weights are excessive and practically no advantage 

 in breeding. None of the several varieties of turkeys is more de- 

 sirable than this for all purposes, and it should be more generally cul- 

 tivated throughout the country for market. Turkeys of this variety 

 are fine in form of breast and body, not so long in the leg as the 

 Bronze, and of a rather more contented nature. They do not average 

 so large in size as the Bronze, but where grown they are highly val- 

 ued. Some declare that the Narragansetts will reach market size 

 and condition in less time than the Bronze turkeys. 



The Buff Turkey. This variety is not generally grown 

 throughout the country. In many localities it is almost unknown. 

 The standard calls for a pure buff color throughout, but this shade 

 of coloring is seldom seen. As bred for market, these turkeys are 

 of a reddish buff or light chestnut color mixed with white and some 

 dark shadings. They are highly valued in some localities for their 

 quick growth and for their attractiveness when dressed. Their aver- 

 age weight is several pounds less than that of the Narragansett. They 

 show evidence of having been crossed with other varieties, perhaps to 

 increase size. Some who raise this variety have paid special atten- 

 tion to its individuality and have maintained the true type and color, 

 adding greatly to its beauty of appearance. Some of the Rhode Island 

 turkey growers are now paying attention to this variety to determine 

 its value for that state. 



The Slate Turkey. This might be called a Blue turkey. These 

 turkeys about average in size with the Buffs and Blacks as we general- 

 ly find them. They range from 10 to 30 pounds according to age and 

 sex. The standard weights range from 12 pounds for a pullet or 



