86 BREEDS OF POULTRY 
that usefulness in an animal attains its highest perfection in one 
direction only. When the animal shows a marked advance along 
one line, it is at the expense of some other feature. So there has 
not been a tendency to develop, to any great extent, the egg- 
laying properties of the meat breeds. The Light Brahma has, 
however, been considered a good layer, considering its size and 
weight. Modern poultrymen, keeping the heavy breeds, consider 
Fia. 53.—Black Langshan pair, « meat breed noted for great height. (Photo by Urban 
Farms, Buffalo, N. Y.) 
them useful for turning out flesh of superior quality. They get 
eggs enough from them to perpetuate the breed and to supply 
enough young for market purposes. 
General-Purpose Breeds.—A number of breeds have been 
developed and bred for two purposes, namely, the production of 
both meat and eggs. Birds of this type are most generally kept 
on American farms and are credited with the great mass of poultry 
and egg products sent to market. The majority of farmers, keep- 
ing small flocks, desire a type which can furnish the home table 
and market with both eggs and meat. After the fowls have passed 
