CHAPTER XIV. 
ASIATIC BREEDS. 
Tho Brahmas, Cochins, and Langshans, which com- 
prise the standard Asiatic breeds, have many desirable 
qualities. They are docile, not mischievous; fair layers, 
persistent sitters, and good mothers. As a class, there 
is little difference between the varieties; what may be 
said of one will generally apply to the others, the color 
of plumage being the chief point of preference that de- 
cides a choice. 
+o 
LIGHT BRAHMAS. 
The Light Brahma is now well known amongst 
breeders and fanciers, but is not yet nearly so popular ° 
amongst farmers, and those who rear poultry for mar- 
ket, as it should be. The small head, the lofty carriage, 
the broad full breast, the deep round body, the short, 
stout, well-feathered legs,—all mark the high-bred bird, 
and one producing a great amount of flesh with the least 
offal, This is one distinguishing feature of the Brahma 
fowl which renders it a profitable breed for the farmer. 
No other bird excels it as a winter layer; and as it isa 
good mother, the plentiful fluff about it serving to keep 
the chicks warm in the coldest weather, and as the chicks 
are hardy, it is easy to have very early birds. The 
young birds, as broilers, are remarkably juicy, well- 
flavored, and tender; and the young cockerels of four to 
six months, weighing, as they easily do, six to eight 
pounds, make most excellent roasters. As with all high- 
bred, pure races, the half-breed crosses of these, upon 
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