238 



OUR DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



to perfection and acclimated in northern countries. 

 The\' may be classed among the ver)' best laj'ers. 

 The eggs are large and numerous, but the flesh, dry 

 and bitter, is less good. 



Dutch breeds have begun of late to make for them- 

 selves a rei)utation. Those called the Hamburg breed 

 are among the best species. They are good layers ; 

 the eggs are numerous, though small, and the hen will 

 sometimes lay two a day. They can safely be kept in 

 any inclosure without danger to the brood. It is not 

 surprising that a hen with such good qualities should 

 have admirers, and her presence at all poultrv shows 

 increases the reputation she has made for herself. She 



White LEcanin.x ili..\ 



They require but little care, and will seek 

 a maintenance for themselves. When three 

 or four weeks old the cock crows with all his 

 heart at break of day. The young cocks 

 are fattened when si.\ or eight weeks old 

 and are sold in the markets as pullets. 



Italian fowls are notorious because, 

 through the enormous e.xportaticjn made an- 

 nually, they have spread the well-known fowl 

 diseases in other countries. Those which 

 can become accustomed to the climate are 

 excellent layers. The Lcglwnis, popular in 

 the United States, are Italian fowls brought 



A Brahma Cock 



A Pair of Mechlin Coucous 



is not exacting, and can easily be raised in a town 

 or city provided she is given dry quarters. In color 

 she is either silvery or golden or black. Her eggs 

 weigh a little less than two ounces each. The cock 

 weighs five or six [pounds, the hen from three to 

 five. They are not suitable for fattening. As their 

 comb has nothing to fear from frost, the hens will 

 la)' in winter if they have comfortable quarters. 



IX. Decorative Poultry 



As decorative poultry we must first name fighting 

 cocks and the small breeds. 



Two species of fighting cocks should be noted 

 — the large and the small breeds. The large come 



