432 POULTRY DEPARTMENT. 



Classification of the Characteristics of the Various Breeds. 



We herewith classify for convenience the various breeds under their 

 general characteristics. In selecting a variety for profit, all the circum- 

 stances should be considered. The amount of confinement, the soil, 

 and the care that can be given, are elements that must not be overlooked 

 in selecting the fowls. Then determine whether there is wanted a table 

 fowl, or egg producers or a general-utility breed. A careful study of 

 the conditions and a judicious selection of the stock will be rewarded 

 by profitable results, provided the flock is properly cared for and 

 managed. 

 GOOD LAYERS, TABLE FOWLS, AND SITTERS. 



Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, and Langshans. 

 GOOD MOTHERS AND SITTERS. 



Dorkings, Games, Dominiques, Plymouth Rocks, Langshans, and 



Wyandottes. 

 NON-SITTING BREEDS. 



Hamburghs, Minorcas, Leghorns, AnJalusians, Houdans, and 



Spanish. 

 TABLE FOWLS. 



Dorkings, Houdans, Langshans, Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes. 

 ON CLAY SOIL. 



Avoid Dorkings, Spanish, and Polish. 



Choose Minorcas, Leghorns, Houdans, Langshans, Game, Andalu- 



sians, or Wyandottes. 

 FOR VERY CLOSE CONFINEMENT. 



Minorcas, Leghorns, Houdans, Plymouth Rocks or Wyandottes. 



THE DISEASES OF POULTRY. 



Causes. Naturally birds have but few diseases, but there is no 

 doubt but that these few have been greatly fostered and increased by the 

 system of keeping fowls which is now in vogue. The over-feeding upon 

 rich or unsuitable foods, the over-crowding and confinement, and the 

 keeping upon the same ground year after year, the in-breeding for 

 points, the exposure bj' sending to shows, have a tendency to make 

 birds subject to various diseases to which they formerly were strangers. 

 It is much better to prevent diseases than to try to cure them after 

 attacking the fowl. 



