AMERICAN POULTRY CULTURE 
All eggs are classed broadly as “ white” or 
“brown,” but there really are many shades and 
tints of color, and some eggs are so nearly inter- 
mediate that they would be hard to place in either 
class. ‘The Mediterranean breeds seldom depart 
from their usual white or very light-tinted eggs; 
but the brown-egg hens frequently lay eggs that in 
color vary from deep brown to light flesh color. 
Other things being equal, the hen whose eggs are 
truest to type in color is the most desirable, 
although a variation in color of the egg shells does 
not necessarily imply impure breeding. 
* * * * x 
THE AMERICAN CLASS 
In this class are found the general-purpose 
breeds of America, the most important of which 
are the Plymouth Rocks and the Wyandottes, 
although for the last few years the Rhode Island 
Reds have been well up in the front ranks. All 
three of these families are very hardy, lay brown 
eggs, are good sitters and mothers; grain and 
flavor of flesh excellent. They also stand confine- 
ment well, but are good foragers when they have 
the range. They average about the same with 
regard to egg production, but the Plymouth Rocks 
have the advantage of the largest size, Rhode 
Island Reds next, and Wyandottes last. » 
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