CHICKENS 241 
they are more hardy, and bear confinement in a yard better. 
These people therefore consider them a better breed, 
and, of course, if these ad- 
vantages were entirely demon- 
strated, most other people 
would agree with them. As it 
is, they are close to the Plym- 
outh Rocks in popularity. - 
There are eight varieties, the 
best known being the. White _ aS 
and the Silver Laced. Parr oF WHITE WYANDOTTES 
The Rhode Island Reds, as the name indicates, are red 
in color. The breed has been developed more recently 
than the two preceding, and is there- 
fore not yet so well known. They are 
fowls of good size, their meat is of good 
quality, and they are good egg producers. 
They are giving good satisfaction, and 
it may be that their popularity will 
continue to increase. There are two 
varieties: the Single-comb and the Rose- 
SINGLE-cOMB RHODE : 
Istanp Rep Hen comb. 
Fancy Breeds. — At poultry shows we often see many varieties of 
chickens that are seldom kept for practical use, but are bred as pets or 
fads of fanciers who admire the beauty of their plumage, the peculiarity 
of their form or other attributes. The most beautiful among these orna- 
mental fowls are the Polish family, of which there are seven or eight va- 
rieties. Some of the Polish hens, it should be said, are good layers if they 
are kept under favorable conditions. Then there are a very large num- 
ber of Bantams, or diminutive chickens. Many of these are exact coun- 
terparts of large breeds except in size. Other fancy breeds are the Game 
fowls distinguished chiefly for their fierce look and their fighting qualities. 
Silkies, Sultans, and Frizzles are the names of still other fancy chickens. 
