BREEDS DESCRIBED 



THE FRENCH CLASS 



Houdans are the only breed in the French 

 class popular enough in America or possessing 

 merit enough to warrant description in this book. 

 The Standard recognizes two other French 

 breeds La Fleche and Crevecoeurs but they 

 are rarely seen here. In color, the Houdans 

 are black and white, mottled; in young fowls the 

 black predominates, but as they mature the black 

 becomes less in evidence. Houdans have five toes 

 on each foot, but the fifth is separated from the 

 others and bent upwards and is of no use in walk- 

 ing. The Houdans are crested, but not so heavily 

 as the Polish. They are generally preferable to 

 the Polish, as they are more profitable, hardier, 

 and more common. Houdan crests should not be 

 divided at the top, as is the case with the Polish. 

 They are excellent layers of white eggs ; practically 

 non-sitters; usually fairly hardy; ear-lobes white; 

 shanks pinkish- white mottled with black; flesh 

 good, but not well suited to American markets on 

 account of its color. Standard weights, cock, 7 

 pounds; cockerel, 6 pounds; hen, 6 pounds; pullet, 

 5 pounds. 



THE ENGLISH CLASS 



This class must base its claim to American notice 

 chiefly on the fact that it contains the Orpingtons, 



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