74 



THE AMERICAN BREEDS OF POULTRY 



thickness of the body. We must not be satisfied merely with a nice 

 profile view. The legs must be well spread. The wings and legs of 

 birds do not want to be so long that they are poorly fleshed; or 

 do we want birds that are shallow in body. Such specimens may 

 present a satisfactory side view, but the moment a good judge 

 turns the bird around and looks at its front he pronounces it 

 "slab-sided." A specimen of this kind is too "weedy" to be a strong, 

 virile useful bird and should not be used. This defect is most com- 

 mon in cockerels. 



Again turning the bird around to a side view, we find the depth 

 and roundness of breast of much importance in the profile. The 

 breast of the Wyandotte should be deep and round; the breast of the 

 Rock, not quite so deep but well rounded; the breast of the Red, 

 quite straight down in front and quite deep. We have a long flat 

 back on the Red, and we want a deep square breast, for this body 

 when complete should present something of the appearance of a 

 l)rick set lengthwise on edge. In the Wyandotte, we want the 

 breast to carry out the full, curved lines that are typical of the 

 breed. 



In measuring depth of breast, it is well to draw a line from where 

 the hackle and back join to the front point of the breastbone. When 



the line is short, the breast 

 lacks fullness. 



Body and fluff: Fluff covers 

 the belly, or abdomen, and, 

 being short, does not exert much 

 influence on shape. The body 

 -section may be spoiled with 

 long plumage. As a section, it 

 has never been considered of 

 major importance. This has 

 been a grave error. From for- 

 ward point of breastbone 

 around to vent, there is an un- 

 derline that includes the whole 

 part of the body, and no mat- 

 ter how fine a top line a bird 

 may have, the under line must 

 1)C equally good to form a stand- 

 ard l.)ody. 



Length of keel or breast- 

 bone influences the length of 

 this underline. If the keel is 

 curved up at the rear, the 

 belly will be small and con- 

 tracted, and such a bird wjl' 



Buff Rock Male Deficient in Breast, 



