12 



POULTRY. 



Agricultural industry includes poultry husbandry which 

 dates back to an early period, and its interests are recognized 

 by almost every family in the land. Later years more atten- 

 tion is given to the breeding and general management of 

 poultry, and the love for the work has enlisted the fancy, so 

 that this department has become one. of the chief attractions 

 at our annual fair. The progress already made is noteworthy, 

 and its vnlue to the farmer should be fairly stated. The pub- 

 lic are agreed that the Light Brahmas combine all the good 

 qualities of the different breeds, and are justly placed at the 

 head as the standard at our public fairs. They are a hardy, 

 handsome fowl ; slow to mature ; good layers of dark colored 

 eggs, and very fine for the market. Every breed has its good 

 qualities. If time is taken into account, two months are saved 

 by adopting the Plymouth Eocks, a strong, hardy fowl, now 

 very much in favor in this vicinity. For eggs and weight, we 

 place them second to the Brahmas. The Black Cochins, like 

 the White variety, are easy to breed to standard plumage, and 

 their almost brick-colored eggs, and their docile disposition 

 make them a great favorite with the fancier. The Leghorns, 

 both Brown and White, are esteemed as great egg producers, 

 and noted for early maturity. We have known the chicks to 

 commence laying at three months of age and continue during 

 the entire season. The Houdan, is of French origin, is very 

 good to cross with the Brahma, and when eggs are sold by 

 weight will come into universal use, with the Black Spanish, as 

 the layers of the largest eggs. The Silver Gray Dorking is of 

 English origin, and a general favorite among the English people. 

 The Crested Polish are admired for their domestic habits, and 



