Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-08-09

Through selection and the nurtur-
care given our domestic fowls. they
have been brought, not only TO a high
state Of perfection OF plumage and
great prOlidcness, out are widely dis
seminated and Infatuated to varying
conditions Of climate, the same breeds
being found in extreme ATTITUDES, from
bleak Canada to the Semi-tropical re-
SIOnS of our SOuthernm0St states; and
these facts support the presumption
that there is scarcely any limit to a
and multiplication of breeds and Yari-
cites of poultry.
4 close observer will, however, dis
cover marked difference in the phys
zeal characteristics and constitutional
VigOr Of the various breeds under dis
similar conditions Of climate and en-
yironment, strongly suggesting a vary
ing degree of adaptabIlity to widely
differing conditions, and the subject
is Of sufficient Importance to engage
the serious conSidera ton Of the fancier
who would secure perfection of form
and plumage in his fowls. Ii he wise
| selects a breed suited to the climate
and geographical situation of his home,
he has eliminated one important factor
of the problem. No matter where Sit
uated, there will always be a half
dozen or more breeds from which he
may choose as adapted to his locality,
so that a choice is not greatly restrict
ed. The origin of the several breeds
should be studied, the climate OFF their
native homes aScertained, as well as
all the conditions under Which they
may attain their greatest perfection.
Possessed Of this information, the fan
cier is in "a position to act intelligently
in the selection of the breed of breeds
hC will keep.
10 illustrate our point: The mann
moth Asiatics. with tueir profuse
feather development, proneness to fat,
small facial appendageS and quiet dis
positions, admirably lit them to with
stand cold climate, and following
them and possessing many OF the same
characteristics are the plymouth
Rocks and Wyandotes, which, how
ever, are adapted to wider range of
latitude. We would naturally expect
these hardy breeds to thrive in our
northern states, and there We find
them at the height Of their perfection.
New England is the home OF the Light
Brahma and Plymouth Rock, and the
Wyandotte is also Of northern origin,
and we find that latitude maintain
ing its supremacy in the production of
these breeds, and also of the Cochin
and Langshan. Transferred to the
warmer regions in our southern states
the Asiatics deteriorate in size, in per
lection OF plumage anu IN productive.
ness. Without the utmost care in
feeding, they succumb to fatty degen-
GRAFTON and lose their vitality. The
Plymouth Rock and Wyandotte, while
less subject to this deterioration,
nevertheless suffer in vigor and are
less profitable as general purpose
fowls. Given ample range and careful
attention, the above mentioned breeds
may be proftably kept in the middle
states, but are not to be recommended
for the south.
The medium and small breeds enjoy
a greater adaptability to varying con-
ditiOnS of climate; but, as a rule, the
breeds prolific in egg production, and
also the Games and most varieties OF
BanthamS, do best in warm countries
IL the breeds noted as layers a very
large proportion of the food. consumed
goes into the manufacture of eggs,
which causes a drain on the system
and renders them less able to with
stand the rigOrs and violent changes
OF a northern climate. Thus we lind
that the Hamburg, Polish, Mediterra-
mean and French breeds, noted as lay
e"s, are, with the exception of the Leg
horn, perhaps, classed as delicate, and
a warm, even temperature is favorable
to their we'll being. That they are sue
ceSsfully bred in cold countries does
not diSprove this assertion, as man can
discount the evil effects OF. cold to a
great degree by warm housing and
generous feeding; while, in the case
Of the larger breeds transferred to the
south, he is poWerless to Rcounteract
the deleterious influences of extreme
heat.
Extremes of either heat Or cold are
injurious, and especially sudden
changes of temperature. There is for
every species, and even for every in.
dividual mean temperature most
conducive to health and any marked
departure from this optimIm is detri
mental. Equability is most important
and even though a climate be mod
erately cold, if the fluctuations Of tenn
perature are confined within narrow
limits, it is far more desirable than
/ a warmer but more variable climate
\ considerable degree of moisture ap
pears to be favorable to poultry, as
it is to many forms Of animal life
These conditions Of climate, equa
biity and humidity are notably found
in Great Britain, which Explains il
part the superiority Of EhgliSh-bred
! fowls Of many varieties. For the
reasons stated, an insular or coast
! climate is generally to be preferred
to an interior, continental climate.
When we consider that warmth is
essential to the multiplication of d
species, it may seem paradOXical tC
assert that vigor and perfection OF
form are much oftener attained in Z
cold climate than in warm one; new
ertheless, this is an established fact
It must be remembered that wheT
| cold acts directly, it will be the leas
! --,o of J1raaI t6 u n