The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1878-05-23
P FOR THE FARM.
Fowls for UsefuIness.-A ,,r,e

Fowls for Usefulness.-A correspond
emit in the Rural New Yorkey. saws that
for the farm, the Leghorns occupy the
first place as layers. The eggs are large,
white, and of handsome shape; a large
basket of them has a finer appearance
than a lot of odd sizes and colors, as
laid by a mixed lot of barnyard fowls,
and they will sell better on the market.
Between the White and Brown Leghorns
the difference is principally this: the
Browns lay at a younger age than the
Whites, and will lay more eggs in a
given time, treatment being equal, al
though many of the eggs are rather
small for the market, but If the smallest
are picked out they make agood market
able size. On the other hand, on an
average the Whites lay the greatest
weight of eggs in a given time. In
warmer localities, say south of Phila-
delphia, the Black Spanish, Minorcas,
and Andalusians, are the best breeds, as
they lay very large eggs without stint.
The Black Hamburgs are also hardy,
and lay afull-sized white egg, but l have
not known of any kept on a farm in
large numbers. They rank high as pro-
life layers, and bear confinement in a
moderate-sized place, with a small grass
plot. All the Hamburgs are very hand
some, and for a family where the eggs
are consumed, nothing can equal them
in beauty; but the silver golden breeds
lay small eggs, yet they are the most
prolific layers known. They will not
stand keeping many together, nor close
confinement, as they are of a restless,
active temperament and pine in %confine-
ment
Taking these considerations into ac-
count, the Leghorns are the farmers
fowls. They will lay as well, if not
better, pure bred than crossed, if the
cocks are procured from unrelated stock
every year. This must be done in all
cases to promote a full development of
eggs; but if any cross is made the light
Brahma is preferable; some of them will
then sit. | should have said all the
above are non-sitters, excepting an oc-
%casional hen, and she will generally be
a Brown Leghorn.
For setting hens there are a number
of varieties to pick from. First as care
full mothers are the Dorkings. They
also keep longer with their broods than
other hens. The Brahma and Cochins
are good %sitters, but are not adapted for
small eggs, as they are heavy and
They do well on their own for
the shells are thicker. But a cross-bred
hen of any kind, especially if of part
Brahma blood, will do to hatch with.
For the table, Dorkings and Houdans
are the first, both in flavor, heavy meat,
and tenderness. They have long breasts,
and small bone for their weight, but /
would not advise any farmer to breed
them pure for early chickens. Cross
with the Light Brahma and you have a
bird that will mature earlier than any
pure-bred fowl of its weight. They
feather quickly, and make fine broilers
when eight to twelve weeks old. Other
breeds are too honey at that age.
Two cocks, Dorkings or Houdons, will
improve the progeny of twenty-five
hens and increase their value as table
fowls materially. Dorkings or Houdans
pure are still better table birds, but they
require more care in cold winter. In
climates they will do well, and
are good layers. AS farmers fowls in
mild localities they are first-rate; the
doing their own Matching
and being great foragers, cost but little
to keep on open ground.