312 PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



and begin laying very young. They include all the Leghorns 

 (Fig. 189), Minorcas (Fig. 190), and Spanish, of the Medi- 

 terranean class, and also the less common Red Caps of the 

 English class. The eggs of these egg breeds are usually 

 white. 



EXERCISE. Egg Records. The records from small or 

 large flocks of chickens near by may be collected. The 

 pupils may find a wide difference among them. Have the 

 causes of the difference explained by pupils if the conditions 

 can be learned. Save the records to use in arithmetic class. 



Meat Breeds. The very heavy breeds of the Asiatic 

 class are very slow-maturing fowls. The Cochins, Brahmas 

 (Fig. 191), and Langshans belong to this group. They all 

 have feathers on the shank, or lower part of the leg. The 

 Dorkings and Indian Games are also called meat breeds. 

 The heavy meat breeds are not noted for their egg-laying, 

 but the meat is excellent. They are good sitters, but clumsy 

 as mothers. 



General-Purpose Breeds. All varieties of the American 

 class belong here. This includes the Plymouth Rocks (Figs, 

 192 and 193), Wyandottes (Fig. 194), Javas, Dominiques, 

 Rhode Island Reds, and Buckeyes. The Orpingtons from 

 England and the Houdons from France are also included in 

 this group. General-purpose breeds are medium in weight 

 and they vary a great deal as to their egg and meat-produc- 

 ing qualities. They mature much younger than the meat 

 breeds, but not so early as the egg breeds. They are good 

 sitters and mothers. 



Ornamental Breeds. These are used for show purposes, 

 and include the Bantams, Games (except Indian Games), 

 Polish, Frizzles, Silkies, and other less common classes. The 

 Houdons are sometimes considered as ornamentals, because 

 of their large crests. All breeds of poultry, regardless of 

 class, are bred quite commonly for show purposes. 



