THE ASIATICS. 



to that, however, the Brahma is a breed in which it is 

 particularly desirable to keep the pullets back from laying 

 with a view to the best show condition; and thJis, repeated 

 for generations, has also had effect. But beyond even these 

 factors, all experience goes to show that activity and close 

 plumage are indispensable to any marked laying power, 

 and the gradual change to looser feather, with wider and 

 shorter body, has had probably the greatest share in the 

 deterioration; the bird has actually been bred to a model 

 which cannot lay so well as the older one. There are still 

 to be found about the country flocks derived from the older 

 stock which keep up the old reputation; but if the Brahma 

 is desired as a layer, some effort should be made to ascertain 



what the character of the strain really is in that respect." 

 This is a strong recommendation to seek utility bred 

 stock if we want birds of the highest economic merit, and 

 that is undoubtedly what is wanted by the great majority 

 of poultry breeders. Fortunately, too, the birds showing 

 the better laying ability are of a desirable fine-framed stock, 

 hence possess better table quality — carry a larger proportion 

 of edible meat. Such stock is of great practical value. The 

 eggs of the Asiatic varieties are large of size and of the 

 most popular brown color, which commands a premium in 

 the markets, hence great laying ability coupled with their 

 superior market poultry Qualities insure them lasting popu- 

 larity. A. F. HUNTER. 



"tight Brahmas Presented to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria in 1852, By Mr. G. Burnham,' 

 Reproduced from Tegetmeier's Poultry Book. 



