178 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



I speak of using pure-bred hens only because I wish to 

 indicate their characteristics more clearly. A full-blooded 

 cock, say a Brahma, bred with common hens, produces in 

 two or three generations such an entire change in the flock 

 that we may regard the hens as pure Brahmas for all such 

 purposes as we require in breeding cross-breeds. So it is, 

 also, with all the other pure breeds. 



We have too few facts upon this subject to enable us to 

 give positive advice in all cases in regard to crossuig, and 

 the use of particular breeds for special ends. The broad 

 principles which I have endeavored to set forth are sure. 



Some five years ago, perhaps in 1876, a special prize was 

 first offered by the Queens County (N.Y.) Agricultural 

 Society for the best coop of cross-bred fowls bred for flesh. 

 It was won that year by a fine coop of chickens, raised by 

 crossing a Plymouth Rock cock upon light Brahma hens. 

 Those chickens, hatched in the same brood with pure 

 Brahma chickens of fine quality, and which proved prize 

 winners at the same show, soon outstripped them in growth, 

 being superior in size, weight and quality of flesh. The 

 prize coop were not capons, but others of the same stock 

 were caponized, and proved themselves very superior. 

 This is, however, only a single fact, which has its chief 

 interest in this, that it tends to confirm the theory. 



The breeder of the coop of cross-bred chickens referred 

 to — a valued personal friend, having had more experience 

 in cross-l)red fowls than any one else I know — was applied 

 to by me for information in regard to this matter, and I note 

 his views as follows. He has experience with the following 

 crosses, viz. : — 



Light and dark Brahmas, and reports the progeny mealy 

 colored and unthrifty. 



Light Brahmas and Plymouth Rocks — progeny first-class 

 as to early maturity and size. 



Light Brahmas and Partridge Cochins — progeny first- 

 class, and possessing a superior tendency to fatten. 



Partridge Cochins and Black Spanish — progeny mature 

 early ; are plump in form, and are fine layers. 



Plymouth Rocks and Houdans — progeny possess the 

 same characteristics as the preceding cross. 



