WHAT TO EXPECT IN COLOR 379 



whereas for the abdominal measurement the widths of the fingers 

 are used between the tips and the knuckles. 



Further indications are found in a large comb and wattles of 

 good color, a high tail rather than one carried low, medium-size 

 head with a short, stocky beak, rather short legs well spread apart, 

 and as much weight as the specimen should have to conform to 

 the standard requirements for a particular variety. 



Under-size specimens are seldom exceptional performers. 



(Courtesy Pelaluma Chamber of Commerce) 

 Fig. 249. — Leghorn pullets on a California poultry ranch. 



The same is true of over-developed birds, though of the two con- 

 ditions, small and large, the latter is the least objectionable. 

 There are many exceptions to this rule, of course, just as there 

 are many exceptions to every rule. The findings in this chapter 

 are based on the general run of fowls, and must be considered as 

 such, or averages. 



Next to shape, color is probably the most reliable sign of a 

 hen's ability as a layer. And the chief advantage of this test 



