314 Animal Husbandry 
Tue Name, Native Home, NumsBer oF VARIETIES, AND WEIGHT oF BotH 
Mature Mae anp Femace ror Hach or THE Breeps or Fow.s 
BELONGING TO THE GENERAL Purpose TypsE 
Nomannioe WercxHtT, Pounps 
Name OF BREED Native Home VARIETIES - =a 
ale Female 
Plymouth Rock. . United States 6 3 7k 
Wyandotte ... United States 8 + 4 
Java ..... United States 2 3 7k 
Dominique . : United States 1 8 
Rhode Island Red . United States 2 3 63 
Orpington js England 3 10 8 
Dorking. B54 England 3 73-9 6-7 
Houdan . ‘ France 1 7 6 
498. Characteristics of general purpose breeds. — In a general 
way the breeds of this type possess the following characteristics 
in common (Figs. 126, 127) :— 
Size. — The fowls of the general purpose type are usually of 
medium size, although the larger may weigh more than the lighter 
of the meat breeds. As a rule, these fowls have blocky, compact 
bodies and comparatively short legs, although not so massive as 
the meat breeds. ; 
Disposition. — The breeds of this type are fairly gentle. They 
are not easily frightened, and hence are easily confined if given 
sufficient range. Of course, if improperly treated, they may be- 
come wild, and take to their wings, which, after a time, they will 
use with the ease of the lighter breeds. 
Maturing qualities. — The breeds of the general purpose type 
closely resemble the egg breeds in respect to maturity. They are 
hardy, grow quickly, and rapidly pass through the critical stages 
of early life. This is important, as they do not require the close 
attention of the more delicate breeds. 
Laying qualities. —While not equal to the egg-producing 
