BREEDS DESCRIBED 
THE FRENCH CLASS 
Houdans are the only breed in the French 
class popular enough in America or possessing 
merit enough to warrant description in this book. 
The Standard recognizes two other , French 
breeds—La Fleche and Creveceurs—but they 
are rarely seen here. In color, the Houdans 
are black and white, mottled; in young fowls the 
black predominates, but as they mature the black 
becomes less in evidence. Houdans have five toes 
on each foot, but the fifth is separated from the 
others and bent upwards and is of no use in walk- 
ing. The Houdans are crested, but not so heavily 
as the Polish. They are generally preferable to 
the Polish, as they are more profitable, hardier, 
and more common. Houdan crests should not be 
divided at the top, as is the case with the Polish. 
They are excellent layers of white eggs; practically 
non-sitters; usually fairly hardy; ear-lobes white; 
shanks pinkish-white mottled with black; flesh 
good, but not well suited to American markets on 
account of its color. Standard weights, cock, 7 
pounds; cockerel, 6 pounds; hen, 6 pounds; pullet, 
5 pounds. 
THE ENGLISH CLASS 
This class must base its claim to American notice 
chiefly on the fact that it contains the Orpingtons, 
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