FLORIDA POULTRY. 285 



twenty per annum, eight to the pound. They are moderate 

 eaters in proportion to their size, and are accomplished 

 foragers ; yet, where it is necessary to confine them in close 

 quarters they are contented and do well. 



In point of attaining maturity, however, they have sev- 

 eral superiors, and, taking the Plymouth Eock altogether, 

 while it is undoubtedly a valuable bird for the poultry- 

 yard, we do not consider it as the very best breed for all 

 purposes, nor do we believe that it will long hold its pres- 

 ent place, which, by the way, is not so high as it was a few 

 years ago. 



The Langshan is going to displace the Plymouth Rock 

 as the fowl par excellence for all purposes, and justly so, 

 as we will see. 



The Langshan, not having been very long a candidate 

 for public favor, merits a " pen-picture" at our hands that 

 it may be properly introduced to its future friends, the 

 Florida farmers, to whose climate it is particularly adapted. 



Its plumage, then, is black, with a greenish luster, the 

 comb is straight and of moderate size, the legs are slate or 

 gray and well feathered ; both cocks and hens are proud 

 and stately in walk and mien, as well they may be ; in size 

 they closely resemble their kindred, the Bramahs. 



The Langshan lays early, feathers very rapidly, and is 

 a strong, healthy bird. 



The hens are wonderful layers, especially in winter; 

 those hatched in June will begin to lay in the latter part 

 of December and will not cease until spring, when they 

 desire to set, and their eggs are large and fine. 



But most remarkable of all is their value for the mar- 

 ket or table. 



Take several broods of different varieties of chicks, 

 among them the Plymouth Rocks, and the latter will ex- 

 cel almost all of them in rapidity of growth, plumpness 



