The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1885-08-08

American Agriculturist.

The best breeds of fowls for laying,
are those that suit the climate in which
they are kept. 1t is an oft-repeated in
quiry as to which is the most suitable
by those who contemplate poultry keep
ing. Such inquiries can only be an
swered by those who have experiment
ted with different varieties in different
locations. There is no doubt that the
Leghorns are equal to any other breed
for egg production, but it does not fol-
low that they are the most profitable
fowl under all circumstances They are
divided into two classes-the single and
rose-combs-a there is further sub
division according to color. The sin
gle-comb varieties of fowls are subject
to frozen combs in very cold weather,
but when properly managed they es-
cape harm. The difficulty may be over
come by clubbing" them as is done
with games, but as the principal points
of the Leghorns are given to the comb,
they would thereby be disqualified from
competition at the fairs and poultry
shows. A frosty comb would not be
very Objectionable to those who only
breed fowls for profit and not for ex-
hibition, but when the comb becomes
frosted, the hen ceases to lay until the
injured member is completely healed.
AS the comb may be frozen several
times during the cold season, the loss
of time from production, owing to
the effect of the temperature, would be
quite an important item. The double
comb varieties, though exposing quite
large surface to the action of the cold,
have their combs closer to their heads.
In thus noticing so small matter as
the comb the object is to present one of
the difficulties in the way of keeping a
breed that never sets, but lays well.
While the breed may not find favor in
cold climates, that is no reason why it
should not be popular in other sections.
As the Leghorns have their virtues and
faults, so do the other breeds of fowls.
In raising fowls for market, many OBJ
ject to the Brahams and Cochins on ac-
count of their slow growth, and this OBJ
lection may be strong one if the
fowls are to be sent to the market as
chicks, as they do not feather until well
advanced. If matured fowls are inten-
ded for shipment, the largest carcasses,
with fine appearance, may be obtained
from such breeds. The Plymouth
Rocks, which grow fast and are uniform
in appearance when young, also make
good market fowls when they are grown,
but, while they are excellent layers they
are liable to become excessively fat
when highly fed, especially when they
are confined, which is hindrance to
egg production. This may also be an
objection to the Brahmas and Cochins.
The best results are obtained from Ply
mouth Rocks when they have free
range. All breeds do best with free
dom, but the larger ones are more con-
tented under restriction. 1t is best,
therefore, in selecting breed for lay
ing, to take into consideration its hard
mess, fitness for market, time of matur-
ity, adaptability to climate, and dispo-
sition. By selecting that breed which
possesses qualities adapting them to the
conditions of the particular section of
country, the best breed for laying as
well as for other purposes will be secur-
ed.