THE PEOPLE S PRACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 



61 



hardy, but were not prolific egg-producers. The cocks at a year old weigh 

 from six to eight pounds, while the hens weigh from, five to seven pounds ; 

 flesh rather coarse, stringy and unnutritious. 



THE FRENCH BREEDS. 



The French breeds of fowls lately introduced in this country may be 

 classed as first, the Houdan, second, the Creve-Coeurs, and third, the La 

 Fleche. The de Bresse, du Mans, de Breda, Courte Pattes, and the more 



ornamental, as the Padoue, Chamois, Hermines and Hallandais are known 

 only in this country by name. The Houdan and Creve-Coeurs are bred to 

 some considerable extent in this country, but the La Fleche has not as yet 

 been raised with sufficient productiveness or hardihood among us to be fully 

 appreciated. We think they may be successfully bred in our warm and 

 genial southern climate, for when once reared they stand second to none as a 

 table fowl, or layers of very large eggs. 



THE HOUDANS. These birds derive their name from a village in France, 

 where they were originated. They are held in as high estimation in France 



