Choosing the Breed 15 



easy for one with a small flock to get enough high- 

 grade birds to keep his flock up to standard. 



However, the average chicks from good Red 

 hens, though they may not be standard in color 

 and points, will prove good utility fowl. A rose or 

 pea comb, and a poor color, seem to hurt the fowl 

 very little for general purposes, so long as the 

 shape is good and the vitality is high. 



Wyandottes. — The Wyandottes are found in 

 seven varieties: White, Silver, Silver-Penciled, 

 Buff, Golden, and Black, with a recent addition, 

 the Columbian. Outside the yards of specialists, 

 the White Wyandotte is the only variety commonly 

 found. 



The Wyandotte is an American breed, and has 

 certain qualities which recommend it to all, but 

 especially to those who intend to give poultry 

 serious study and care. The frame is compact, 

 full-grown cocks weighing about eight potmds. 

 It puts on flesh rapidly, and is desirable for market 

 at any time after eight ox ten weeks, either for 

 broiling or roasting. It is reasonably hardy, and 

 of quiet nature, hatching and brooding well. 



The Wyandottes, however, seem to suffer from 

 lack of expert care. In laying contests, where the 



