The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1879-09-27
In Praise Of Light Brahmas.

Every variety of fowls has one or more
points Of excellence, but by almost uni
versal consent the light Brahma combines
the largest number of good qualities. A
dozen poultry fanciers may disagree
about the merits of the breed OF fowls
they severally prefer, but they will all
unite on the light Brahma as their second
choice. eff fine feathers" alone made
'.fne BIRDS" there would be no other
fowls in the poultry yard than the Dom
iniaue and the silver-spangled Hamburg. !
If one desires "a cock that crows IN the
morn" and q hen that will do a large
amount Of work in the vegetable and
flower garden, he can not do better than
keep the ordinary barnyard fowls. Ii
person keeps poultry for the purpose OF I
Witnessing lively chicken contests, he
will find the game fowls exactly suited |
to CRAFTY his desires. The Java fowl is
more elegant than the light Brahma, the |
black Spanish supports more lofty |
comb, the Leghorn produces more eggs, |
the buff Cochin will attain larger size,
the Dorkin will endure more severe
weather without injury, and the Houdan
will afford more delicate flesh. There
are also breeds that mature earlier, that
are more persistent sitters, or that re-
auire an incubator or hen of another
breed to hatch their eggs. In short, that
is a breed of fowls that excels all others
in some desirable characteristic.
For general purpose fowl, how
ever, there is none that compares with
the light Brahma. 1t has a comely form
and good size. 1t has fine plumage, that
is not liable to injury unless the bird is
confined in close, dirty quarters. When
allowed the run of an open yard or
small, clean lot, the feathers are not liza
BILE to become discolored. The white
| feathers that cover the body of the bird
are relieved by the dark ones about the
neck and on the wings and tail. The
| plumage of the light Brahma is not liable
| to injury IN the coops in which they are
sent to market. It is generally remarked
! that chickens of this breed arrive at dis
tant market in more presentable condi-
| tion than those of other varities, and on
this account, if no other, they ordinarily
obtain ready sale. They have no droop-
! ing tail feathers to be broken, no large
| wattles and combs to be injured during
transportation.
The eggs of the Brahma are of large
size and well shaped. A dozen of them
will weigh more than an equal number
of those produced by hens of almost any
other breed. AS winter layers they have
an established reputation. AS eggs laid
in winter are worth from two to five
times as much as those dropped during
the spring or summer, the value of the
eggs produced by Brahma hen is gem
orally greater than of those laid by fowls
that are regarded as better egg pro-
ducers, The hens are faithful, but not
persistent, settlers. They will rarely
abandon nest Of eggs on which they
have commenced to set. 1t is compara-
lively easy, however, to break up their
desire for setting, when they will return
to laying AS the Brahma hen is heavy,
she is likely to break the eggs of those
breeds which produce thin shells, but
the eggs of her own production are of
sufficient strength to sustain her weight
on the nest.
As mothers, the Brahmas are kind
affectionate, faithful, watchful and provi-
dent Being peaceable and quiet in
their dispositions, they never engage IN
quarrels with other fond mothers who
are rearing families in the same neigh
borhood. Their example in this respect
might be followed to good advantage by
other birds, as well as by human moth
ers. AS Brahmas seldom wander far
from the place set apart for their oceu-
pancy. their chicks are not liable to be
carried off by hawks or devoured by
small animals. As the body of the
Brahma is heavy and its wings compare
lively small, it is not inclined to attempt
to fly long distances. 1t is easily fenced
in or fenced out of yard. 1t uses its
feet for the purpose of walking upon the
ground, and not for that of scratching ii
in pieces. 1t has respect for flower beds,
in which matter it shows its superiority
over many men. 1t endures confinement
submissively, but rejoices in the free
dom of the open field.
In short, the light Brahma is a comely
! useful, respectable and well-behaved
bird in all the walks of life. Its virtues
are many, its faults are few. Apparently
! it does not know the meaning of vice II
any of its various forms. During some
what protracted stay in this country il
has endeared itself to thousands in every
State in the Union. It has made many
! friends and few enemies. 1t is favorite
with persons of all ages and of botl
sexes 1t has gained its excellent an6
widespread reputation through merit
alone. It never sounds its own praise
I, with loud voice. The male seldom
, crows, and when he does it is not in the
! tone or manner of the braggart. The
! cackle of the female is only loud enough
to inform her owner that a visit to hel
nest will not be unrewarded. Among
the gayer and more boisterous birds o
the poultry yard she walks quiet, mod
! est Quaker, conscious that her life |:
we'll spent and that the world is better
i, for her presence in it.
But the benefits conferred by the ligh
Brahna fowl do not terminate witt
death. It's body is left as rich Legacy
for the living. On the table, at thu
market OF the mansion, dressed or un
! dressed, raw or cooked, plain or garnish
, ed, it presents tempting appearance
/, ; and this appearance is by no means de
! ceptive. The flesh is tender, white ant
! of delicate flavor. The fowl when tol
erably well matured is very plump, the
flesh we'll supplied with fat, The whole
covered with q skin of rich and mos
agreeable color. A few very peculiar
people who delight in the rapid develop
ment peculiar to Young America, whC
admire boys who carry revolver at ten
and girls who wear long dresses at twelve
, condemn the light Brahma because il
has not a full coat of feathers when il
has been out of the shell but eight weeks
and because it is not i'll prime condition
, for the gridiron when the first strawber
? ries appear. These persons, however
are chronic grumblers whose complaints
/ are unworthy of consideration.
5 The First Sewing Machine in India.