THE GALLINACEOUS TRIBES 



221 



it amounts in value to many millions 

 of dollars. 



Within a generation the raising 

 of poultry in European countries has 

 had an extraordinary impetus. Not 

 content with the breeds they pos- 

 sessed, energetic breeders set them- 

 selves to improve and perfect them. 

 A wholly new direction has been 

 given to the science of breeding. It 

 is not yet all it should be, but im- 

 provements are being made daily. 

 Each European country possesses its 

 own species — the one most suitable 

 to its climate and wants. Russia has 

 the Pultava fowl ; Italy the Italian ; 

 France the Houdans, the Favanelles, 

 the Creve-Coeurs, etc. ; Belgium the 

 Mechhn Coucous, the Braeckels, 

 etc. ; Germany the Ramels bohen, 

 the fowls of eastern F'riesland, etc. ; 

 and the Netherlands their breed with 

 hooded heads and white tojjknots. 

 America, the enterprising land par 

 ex-cclUna\ has produced something 

 special in this domain, which e.xcites 

 admiration for those who have advanced so far, 

 thanks to constant perseverance. The Wyan- 

 dottes and the Plymouth Rocks are the national 

 fowls of America. They have been sent to 

 Europe, where they do honor to their reputa- 

 tion by occupying an important place among 

 Continental poultry. What Americans ha\e 



The F.x.milv Comi'letk 



Till-: Mrs. Hen 



claimed for these products of their cross breed- 

 ing has been verified. The endeavor has been 

 to raise fowls which should not onl)- be prolific 

 in laying eggs, but should also be excellent for 

 eating ; and we have succeeded. Our poultry 

 breeders may feel proud that their product has 

 been received with open arms across the ocean, 

 and we may doubtless regard these 

 breeds as the races of the future. 



At the French and Belgian poul- 

 try shows the native breeds still form 

 the chief section ; but in all the great 

 competitions Wyandottes, Plymouth 

 Rocks, Leghorns, Minorcas, Dutch 

 fowls, Orpingtons, and Brahmas are 

 conspicuous for their beauty and 

 their usefulness. Most persons who 

 keep poultry do so for the profit to 

 be made thereby. Nevertheless, be- 

 sides that profit, they ought to 

 desire also to have something hand- 

 some. Unfortunately, we still see in 



