The Newtown bee., 1894-06-08
has declared to De edible. .-T Charles IF. Peck, in Country Gentleman.
FOWLS FOR PROFIT.

RELATIVE POPULARITY AND PROFITABLE
 NESS.
 General-purpose fowls lead all others in popularity in this country. There are more bred, kept, exhibited and sold than of the two other classes combined So clearly marked in this fact that the breeders of layers and table fowls fre- quently feel compelled to advertise their fowls as general-purpose fowls. It is no uncommon thing to read of the ex- cellent table qualities of Leghorns and Games. But such statements are only evidence of the overwhelming popularity of the general-purpose fowl.
 Layers come next jn popularity. One of the first questions that a breeder of poultry is asked by possible purchaser IS, "How do they lay2" If any one will look over the advertisements in the various publications devoted in whole or in part to poultry, he cannot fail 10 be impressed with the fact that layers come next to generalpurpose fowls in popularity.
 Table fowls, of course, stand at the foot of the class because, probably, they meet the wants of a smaller number of people. Those who raise fowls primar- fly for market, though making large number in the aggregate, and naturally much fewer in numbers than those who keep fowls for eggs and meat combined. The answer to the question, which is the most profitable class ?-cannot be so easily given. 1 am inclined to think that the answer can never be more than l relative one, dependent upon various circumstances. For the man who has the conveniences and understands his business, really believe that the table fowls is the most profitable one to raise. A few hens will certainly return much | larger income and much larger profit per hen, when the eggs are matched and | reared. For the farmer, who keeps ! fowls only as an accessory to his other employment, and who cannot give the | time needed to raise large fiocks of | chickens, the layer is probably the most profitable fowl to keep; indeed it is | about the only fowl he should keep. But for the majority of people, and especi- ally for that large class which lives in | villages and cities and keeps fowls to supply the home table with dressed poultry and fresh eggs, the general purpose fowl will, I think, yield the | most profit.
 l And so, it would seem, one should consult his circumstances in the selection of the class of fowls he wishes to keep. 1 If raising market poultry, let him select the table breeds; if furnishing eggs for 1 market, the layers; and if seeking a supply for his own table, with surplus for market, the general-purpose fowls. Within these classes there is ample scope and verge enough for individual preference for shape and color, and other outward characteristics. He can | select any color or combination of colors, can have tall birds or shor5 birds, with combs of almost every imaginable type. And it is we'll that it is so, for personal preference adds much to the pleasure of keeping fowls. and even though profit be the primary consideration, there is no reason why as much pleasure as possible, without any pecuniary sacri- fee, should not be derived from ones occupation. Select first the proper class of fowls, and from that class select the variety that suits you best is very good rule to follow.-[ H. Sewell Browr in Country Gentleman.