1^1 



" everlasting layers " are not at all broody, and cannot 

 be relied upon either to hatch or rear chickens. On the 

 other hand, those that are much inclined to sit, and con- 

 sequently confine themselves closely to the eggs, and 

 prove good mothers, are not the most prolific layers. 



For laying hens, there is no breed superior to the Black 

 Spanish. They lay abundantly, and produce a veryUarge 

 egg, while the fowl itself is of medium size and not a 

 great eater. Their eggs will weigh from two and a 

 half to three ounces each, and they will lay a greater 

 weight of eggs annually than any other fowl unless it 

 be the Leghorns. The White Faced Spanish is the pur- 

 est variety. It has a clear white face, a full breast, large 

 single serrated comb, long pendent wattles, (apt to freeze 

 in winter) and beautiful black plumage, and is an at- 

 tractive bird. Mr. Richardson, author of an English 

 work on "Domestic Poultry," says: "The Spanish is 

 one of the very best birds with which I am acquainted. 

 It possesses flesh of the best and whitest quality, and 

 acquires it with rapidity, which is a most important con- 

 sideration to the producer; and the hen lays a large 



egg." 



The Black Spanish is very popular in England, where 

 it is known as the " Gentleman's Fowl." It has acquired 

 an equal reputation in this country, as an early and ever- 

 lasting layer, early maturing, seldom or never desiring to 

 sit, and usually healthy. The objection to this fowl is 

 that its wandering and fly-away propensities render it 

 annoying in a neighborhood. 



For sitting the common native fowl may be recom- 

 mended, or the Brahma Pootra. The latter is a very 

 broody bird and sits remarkably well, but, being clumsy, 

 must be looked after when the chickens hatch, lest she 

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