118 LL550N5 IN POULTRY KLLPING SLCOND 5LRIES. 



Conversely, we find m;tny specimens much more deficient in breast meat than their appear- 

 ance as they stand in life would indicate. In these the " trunk" is amply developed, but the 

 capacity for flight is smajl. Naturally the most conspicuous instances are found in the larger 

 breeds, but cases in plenty may be found everywhere. It is a fact sometimes lost sight of 

 that in proportions of desirable meat such breeds as Polish, Hamburg.*, and Leghorns excel 

 so-called general purpose and table fowls. The objection to them for table purposes is then- 

 lack of size, and the precocity which makes the meat, especially in the males, hard and dry 

 long before they have reached full growth. 



Breadth and straightness of back are highly desirable attributes of shape in fowls. The 

 apparent shape of the back, (more perhaps than of any other part, though all are subject to 

 the same influence), depends much on its length, on the general carriage of the fowl, and on 

 the quantity of the plumage. Close observation of this section in fowls will soon show the 

 reader that it contains a great deal of "character." Apart from its outward expressiveness 

 of strength and vitality which a good back gives in a fowl as in man and other animals, the 

 straight wide back in the fowl indicates a normally formed body cavity in which the organs are 

 in all probability constitutionally and mechanically perfect, while any irregularity or narrow- 

 ness or deformity of the back indicates weakness of structure, possibly malformations or 

 internal organs, and, quite certainly, limitations on the operation of the functions of tho>e 

 organs. 



With good development of back and breast it is usual to find the abdominal region in keep- 

 Ing; but we do sometimes see specimens in which the development here is conspicuously lack- 

 ing. The length and texture of the feathers on tHe abdomen have much to do with its appear- 

 ance. If it is evident that the deficiency is not a superficial one, but that there is an actual lack 

 of development here, I think it will be found that a female so formed is either a poor layer or 

 a producer of small eggs, or that she is ei^pecially liable to trouble in passing eggs, ail of which 

 faults are associated with the fault in mechanical structure of the fowl. The posterior develop- 

 ment which some regard as a sure "sign" of a good layer may be a help or a hindrance in the 

 production Of eggs, but it neither causes nor regulates egg production. 



In males the abdomen is naturally not so well developed as in females, and has no particular 

 significance as long as it does not suggest deformity. Males from a line in which the females 

 are full in this section will sometimes be larger here than is consistent with a trim figure and 

 pleasing carriage in a male, but such a fault belongs to the class known as "good faults." 



Shape as the characteristic of a breed, is simply the type which those interested in the breed 

 have decided upon as the standard. In some strains and stocks of fowls the breeder has suc- 

 ceeded in fixing shape to which his fowls conform with quite as much accuracy as to the stand- 

 ard for color, but in most stocks of all varieties variations in shape are common and numerous. 

 It is only the occasional breeder and judge that give breed shape the consideration it should 

 have. While the breeder of thoroughbred fowls for sale and competition will find some recog- 

 nition of success in breeding fowls that are models in form, he will rarely find it fully appre- 

 ciated unless combined with a superiority in superficial points which challenges attention. 

 Then it is likely to get due recognition. 



It is held by some that in each breed there is a certain shape which represents the highest 

 utility development of the breed. Accord ing to the same authorities there is also for each breed 

 a certain size with which the highest excellence \s associated. It requires but a very limited 

 observation of fowls to convince an unbiased mind that these views are both erroneous. 



Carriage. 



The carriage of a fowl, its habitual attitudes and movements, have significance first of all as 

 an expression of its degree of vitality and health. When sick or tired the actions and attitudes 

 of fowls of all breeds are singularly alike. When in health and good spirits different classes of 

 fowls and sometimes to a lesser degree different breeds of the same class, exhibit peculiarities 

 of carriage which are regarded as desirable characteristics of the breed, and which sometimes 

 are a considerable factor in breed shape. But without strict regard to breed characteristics 

 many specimens show a distinctive and pleasing carriage which commends them to a buyer, 

 and often wins them a better place than they would otherwise get in competition. 



