The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1897-07-29
(Edited by Professor A. ]. Cook.)
Breeds of Poultry

We have now discussed the American
breeds of poultry, the general purpose
fowl. best represented in the Plymouth
Rock. Fhe Asiatics, or table breeds,
: best known and appreciated in the light
Brahmas and the egg producing or non
setting breeds. typified in the Leghorns
1t yet remains to discuss the fancy
breeds, which are peculiarly attractive
istics that may we'll receive considera-
ton.
THE POLISH
These birds are very conspicuous for
their great crests, which make them
favorites with the lovers of style and
beauty. The Polish birds are so old as
to be reckoned by centuries. From their
huge crests they are referred to as
woody" silky 'frizzled' and "crest-
ed, Mr.. Howard in Bulletin No. 81,
agricultural department, refers to a va
riety known as the "Patavinian," which
Is thought to be the origin of our modern
Polish breeds. These fowls were said to
be beautiful especially In celebration.
The Polish breeds are common in the
United States. Their size is medium.
the plumage beautiful, and their crests
imposing. While the Polish races are
fairly good layers, non-sitters and very
good table fowl, they are not likely to
become popular except with the fancy
breeder. They are not practical fowl.
Their crest, except for beauty is a de-
cided disability. Mr.. Howard says: 1.-THE
crest hinders vision and causes the birds
to be listless. inactive and suspicious"
The white crested black Polish are CLOS
sy black with white crest and the
golden and silver Polish are beautifully
colored as the name implies, the feathers
in each case being spangled with black.
There is bearded variety of each of
these breeds which is still more odd.
HAMBURGS
The Hamburgs are about the same
size as the Polish, are very beautiful
in form, proportions, and especially in
celebration. In characteristics they
closely resemble the Leghorns, except
that they lay smaller eggs. Their ex-
ceeding beauty will always secure
place for them among the most fas-
tidious fanciers. There are six varieties
in order of beauty and popularity, as
follows: Silver spangled, golden span
gled, silver penciled, golden penciled,
black and white They are described in
their names.
There are two breeds of the Ham
burg type. The Redcaps and Compines.
The former are larger than the Ham
burgs, while the latter are praised as
remarkable for egg production. The
Redcaps like the Hamburgs have a rose
comb. while the comb OF the Compines is
single.
THE HOUDANS
These, with the Crevecoeurs and the
La Fleche are French breeds. The Hou-
dams are deservedly the most popular.
They are fine layers, good for table and
very beautiful. The crest is attractive.
but not practical advantage. They
are hardy and the young are exceeding
1y handsome. The black and white
mottled pumage and parted crest can
but be greatly admired. Like the Dork-
ing and unlike all other birds, they have
five toes.
THE DORKINGS
The Dorkings, like the Houdans, are
fancy in their fifty toe. They are hardy,
excellent for table and really good gem
eral purpose fowl. They are of English
origin and do well even in the extreme
north of Scotland. 1t is perhaps the
Oldest of breeds. They are not only
good layers but good mothers as well.
There are three varieties, the white,
silver gray and colored.
THE GAMES
The games, from their energy, pluck
and excellent flesh for taste, are inter-
esting. They are not very popular, ex-
Mt
very distinct varieties, all Of which are
easily identified by their slim form and
erect carriage.
1t only remains to say word regard
ing the Bantams. Their minute size,
the largest cocks weighing less than tvs
pounds, make them curiosity. They
are of no practical value.
The Government Seed Department
The late secretary of agriculture, j
Sterling Morton, showed excellent bust
ness sense in his opposition to the gov
eminent seed department and his at
tempt to have It discontinued. The de-
partment is an absolute failure, so fag
as helping our farmers is concerned and
it is much to be regretted that Mr.. Nor
ton failed, in his effort to rid the country
of this worse than useless expense.
When the subject of seed distribution
was first considered it was the laudab'e
dacira m seeure ra rp and Va1ua hln eds