The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-03-22
White Leghorns.

"Steel Spur" in Scientific Poultrymanl
AS the Caucasians stand pre-eminetly
above the other races in the scale of
civilization, so do the Leghorns tower
above other breeds as egg producers.
This fact is admitted by fanciers and
breeders generally, although few
persons. interested in other breeds, are
bigoted enough to close their eyes in
order to avoid seeingit, and occasionally
some over anxious aspirant for sales
will assert that his Wyandottes or his
Plymouth Rocks laid more eggs than
similar number Of Leghorns (belong-
ing to his neighbor) laid, in same time
and with same treatment. While it is
quite possible to hinder the laying of a
breed Of fowls, by insufficient feeding
and improper management it is abso-
lutely impossible, by any means, to
make flock Of twenty five Wyandottes,
Plymouth Rocks, Brahmas or Cochins
produce as many eggs in year as a
flock Of twenty-five Leghorns of same
age and condition, with same treat
ment, will produce. There are other
breeds of the non-sitters which follow
more or less closely the Leghorns, as
egg producers. but they are built for
that purpose, while the above named
breeds are severally designed for gen.
eral purpose and market fowls, their
breeds and advocates who are we'll
posted do not attempt to boast them
over the non-sitting varieties, as egg
machines.
Leghorn breeds do not attempt to
enter into competition with the breed =
| ers Of fowls for market, but when
broilers are wanted they step forward
and tell you that they can produce
broilers weighing from one-half pound
to one and half pounds just as quickly
as, if not little more quickly than any
other breed. This is true, for the
Leghorn chick is a quick grower, and
| feathers so early that it is completely
| protected from cold or burning sun at
the tender age when other chicks sue
cumb to the elements.
| There is another quality which no
other breed possesses in the same de-
| gree-the power Of vigorous fertiliza-
ton of eggs. Without desiring to de-
|
that Leghorn cock Of suitable age
will get more chicks from given num-
Der Of eggs than any other male fowl :;
and even those who do not keep pure
thoroughbreds frequently use the male
Leghorns to insure fertility and vigor,
while many broiler raisers cross the
Leghorn male on the heavier thorough
bred females to produce a large per-
centage of early broilers of quick
growth. Nor does any other breed
stamp its imprint more certainly on
its progeny whatever the cross may
beg.
There is no appreciate difference
between the white, brown and black
Leghorns, except the color. Prefer
ence is given to the white variety, by
brOiler raisers, because there are no dark
pin feathers to mar the appearance Of
the picked broilers. 1t is recommended
to beginners in poultry breeding; as
much easier to breed true to feather
than the other varieties; and it is
chosen by many on account of its
beauty for it is hard to conceive f.;
flock of these pure white birds will
brilliant red combs and wattles, an(
bright yellow beaks and legs. Shown
on grassy lawn they are exquisite
and their proud, graceful carriage an6
quick movements charm and Interest
the observer at once.
To obtain the best results from any
breed or variety Of fowls they must be
well and comfortably housed, in warm
quarters in winter, and provided will
shade in summer; they must be fet
judiciously and generously, have ample
room for exercise, and not kept too
many years.