Breeds of Poultry 315 
breeds in this respect, yet with proper care, they closely rival the 
egg breeds. Here much depends on the skill and object of the 
poultryman. 
Meat-producing qualities. — As in the laying qualities, much 
depends on the object sought. While the general purpose breeds 
Fic. 126.—The Barred Plymouth Fie. 127.—The Barred Plymouth 
Rock male. General purpose type. Rock female. General purpose type. 
rank inferior to the meat breeds in weight, yet with proper treat- 
ment they closely rival the meat breeds in other respects, such as 
ease of fattening, quality of meat, and the like. 
Brooding qualities. — While not as persistent sitters as the meat 
breeds, the general purpose fowls make excellent mothers. In 
fact, they are probably among the best brooders, as they are more 
careful than the larger and more clumsy breeds, breaking fewer 
