UTILITY CLASSIFICATION 79 
Disposition. —The true egg producers are naturally light, active, 
easily frightened, and of a more nervous disposition than any of 
the other types. It is therefore hard to enclose them. They do 
better on an extended range, during the growing period, where 
they can take necessary exercise. This seems essential to their 
proper development. If care is used in handling them when young, 
the tendency to fly can be partially overcome. Owing to their 
temperament, it is necessary when caring for egg breeds to handle 
Fic. 48.—A Campine pair, showing the characteristic narrow white and wide dark bars, 
with light hackle. (Photo by M. R. Jacobus.) 
them carefully and quietly so as not to intensify the habit of flight. 
It rests largely with the feeder and the one who cares for the birds 
to keep them gentle. Their temperament need not restrict their 
use, as it can be governed by thought and care. In practice it has 
been found best to provide them with one of two conditions,— 
either keep them in close confinement, housing the entire flock 
throughout the year, or give them unlimited range. Restricted 
range seems to develop restlessness and the habit of flight. 
Mature Early—The egg breeds are early in maturing, and 
both sexes usually attain the attitude and distinctive features 
of the adults at an early age. The male Leghorn grows tail 
feathers, heavy comb, and is fully feathered at the age of nine 
to ten weeks. As the birds become completely feathered they are 
