The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-18

In uniformity of type and beauty of
plumage they are unsurpassed by any
other class of domestic fowls.
France has given us three breeds, the
Houdan. Crevecoeur and La Fleche. The
last two are seldom seen, but the Hou-
dan is found in small numbers in prae-
tically all sections of the country
Friends of the Houdan are usually enthu-
siastic over its table quality, and this
reputation is undoubtedly based on solid
foundation, since it is one of the favorite
meat breeds in its native land.
The Games and Game Bantams are
of no practical value from the standpoint
CT the commercial poultry grower. Meth :
er are they "feathered warriors" as the
fighting or pit games have thus far been
barred from this select circle. This ex
hibition game type is bred for show pur-
poses exclusively. 1t comes in two sizes,
regular and bantam, and has host of
enthusiastic admirers among the fanciers.
In the Oriental class are grouped the
Malays, Sumatras and Cornish These
are really game fowl, though not used in
this country for fighting. The Cornish,
formerly called the Cornish Indian Game,
originated in England about 20 years
ago from crosses in which the blood of
other breeds came directly from points
in the orient
The Cornish is a very attractive breed
and is valuable for meat production, espe-
cially when crossed 1t is also a fair
layer of brown eggs.
Bantams Are Attractive
The Ornamental Bantam class contains
some of the most wonderful examples o.
the skill of the breeder. notably the
Sebrights. with their exquisite markings.
Naturally, the breeds in this class appeal
particularly to the fancier and keeper OF
pets, since their carcasses and eggs arc
toto small to meet market requirements
However. they are not to be despised by
the backyard poultryman, as flock of
such poultry midgets as the Cochin Ban
tams will provide the home table with
plenty of meat and eggs, even though
these come In small packages
Three breeds made up the Miscellaneous
class--Silkies. Sultans and F'rizzles. These
may be regarded as curiosiiies and are
rever considered by commercial breeders.
In fact, they are seldom seen, save scat
tering specimens in the showroom.
The above outlines in the briefest pos
sible manner the business characteristics
of the various kinds of fowls recognized
by our poultrymen of America No men,
tion is made of great number of other
breeds and varieties which are largely
bred In other countries, some of which
will doubtless be brought to us from
time to time. In fact. certain of them
are already in the hands Of American
poutrymen. who are testing them in tho
effort to ascertain whether they have suf-
hcient value to justify their general in
PRODUCTION. few are most promising,
others appear to be without value.
Experimental work of this character is
worthy of announcement, as in all prob
ability there are still to be found we'll
established foreign breeds which havs
greater merit than some now generally
bred in this country. This blood. either
in it's purity or blended with that of othe
breeds, may prove a boon 70 our poul-
try industry, as the discovery of certain
foreign fruits and grains by our agricuI-
tural explorers has opened the way for
the extension of our horticultural and
general agricultural interests.