EUROPEAN BREEDS. 159 
ber of eggs on the average than the Leghorn. The lay- 
ing of eggs is their great forte; and if they be properly 
cared for and fed, they will lay well through cold 
weather, the hens being powerful machines for convert- 
ing food into eggs. 
The Leghorns, on a good range, can pick up the greater 
part of their own living. They are the most active and 
industrious foragers known. But if one is obliged to 
confine them to a small yard, clip their wing primaries 
to keep them within bounds, and you will be surprised 
to see how they will scratch and keep busy day after 
day. 
It is true there is some trouble experienced in winter- 
ing Leghorns successfully in our frigid climate; so that 
they will appear at our annual shows and come out in 
spring with their combs and pendants unscathed by 
Jack Frost. But, as it often has been said by our lead- 
ing fanciers of this and other high-combed varieties, 
they should be kept in quarters where there is no dan- 
ger of freezing; and no poultryman who values his fowls 
should allow them in winter to occupy a place that is 
not warm and comfortable. 
From the time Leghorns leave the shell they grow 
rapidly, are hardy, active, strong, and healthy, mature 
early, and are comparatively free from disease. During 
moulting, when other breeds succumb to the drain on 
the system by shedding and putting on their coat of 
feathers, they take on their new plumage quickly, and 
show little signs of weakness or debility. 
They are a proud, sprightly, and handsome variety of 
fowls. They are singularly precocious, and it is quite 
common to see the pullets developed and doing their 
duty as layers before they have attained the age of five 
months; and the cockerels—such little seamps—making 
love before they are four months old. 
