280 HOME LIFE IN FLORIDA. 



In fact, so well have our Bramahs flourished in health, 

 size, and "hen-fruit," that we can ask nothing better of 

 them, considering that, as well as they behaved in their old 

 home, they have behaved better in their new, especially in 

 point of health. 



Too much can not be said in favor of the race of Bramahs, 

 both "Light" and "Dark." Certain it is that, ever since this 

 magnificent breed w^as introduced into the general poultry- 

 yard, it has become more and more a favorite, and now is 

 regarded every where as a settled stand-by, just as regular a 

 thing in the ' ' yard " as bread is upon our tables. 



We do not need to describe the Bramahs here. Every 

 one knows them by sight. 



As to their special points of excellence, however, we 

 have somewhat to say. 



The chicks are hardy, and grow rapidly ; but there is 

 one period of their existence — when they are casting off 

 the beautiful fluffy coat in which they come into the world, 

 and assuming instead the feathered garb of maturity — at 

 this period of their existence, we say, they are very ridicu- 

 lous-looking objects, and have provoked many a laugh at 

 the expense of their long, bare necks, skinny bodies, and 

 featherless tails and wings. 



But wait a little, and you will see what a proud, shapely 

 swan will be evolved from our " ugly duck;" and a most 

 beautiful swan it is too, according to the saying that 

 "handsome is as handsome does." 



The pullets, as a rule, commence their life-work of lay- 

 ing eggs at the " early age " of six months. Lewis Wright, 

 the celebrated English fancier, tells us, in his " Practical 

 Poultry Keeper," that ' ' they lay from thirty to forty eggs 

 before they seek to hatch." Kow this may be very true, 

 but our hens never did that way ; their setting propensities 

 are rather obstreperous at times, and our good old country- 



