Poultry Keeping 



299 



" single " combs (thin and high) such as Plymouth 

 Rocks have. 



The little state of Rhode Island has for generations Rhode 

 been a great poultry-producing region. Almost every 

 farmer keeps several flocks of chickens scattered over 

 his farm in separate colonies. Gradually, by mixing 

 together any breeds that seemed to possess good quali- 

 ties, the Rhode Island farmers secured a fowl of distinc- 

 tive shape and color. The red color is so constant that 

 it is noted in the name of the breed. The body is long, 

 and it is large enough to make the breed a good meat 

 variety. The Rhode Island Red is also a good layer. 



Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, and Rhode Island 

 Reds are the three principal American breeds. A breed 

 similar to these, though somewhat larger and having a 



Orpingtons 



T. Stilling 



FIG. 243. Rhode Island Reds, White Leghorns, and Plymouth Rocks, part 

 of a school flock. 



