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

classes of poultry keepers, whether fan
ciers, specially poultrymen, farmers OF
owners of home focks.
The Asiatic class includes the Brahmas
Cochlns and Iangshans, all of which are,
presumably, of Chinese origin. They are
the giants of poultrydom, the standard
weight of the light Brahma cock being
u pounds. AS a class these fowls are
sluggish and docile, slow in reaching ma
turity and more valuable for the produc-
tion of meat thon of eggs. They are
largely used by growers of capons and
roasting chickens. However, some strains
OF Langshans are excellent layers ,and
individual Brahmas and Cochins have
made enviable egg records The eggs are
rich brown in color.
All of these breeds have feathered legs.
They are particularly hardy, their feath-
ering enabling them to endure extreme
cold.
At present the Asatics are bred NOR,
for exhibition than for utility purposes
They are persistent sitters and, though
trifle clumsy owing to their great size,
may be depended upon to brood their
chicks most carefully.
In the Mediterranean class we find such
egg machines as the Leghorns, Minor
cas- and Anconas. Most of these breeds
are small In size, the exception being the
Minorca Is. C. Black Minorca cocks
should weigh nine pounds)
These fowls are nervous and active and
are especially valued as producers OF
great numbers of te-shelled eggs. This
hens are nonsitters, which makes it nec-
essary to use hens of other breeds or
artificial methods of incubating and
brooding to rear the chicks
The Single-Comb White Leghorn Is ui,-
doubtedly the most popular variety of
this important group. and 1t is probable
that more fowls of this kind are kept
by American poultrymen than of any
other single variety. 1t is the main re-
lance of the large egg farms Some of
the other varieties of Legho,ns are alsu
much in favor. and the Ancona, recently
introduced here, is rapidly coming to the
front. The Black Minorca is famous be-
cause of the great size of its eggs.
Breeds From Britain
The English class comprises the Dork-
ing. Redcap and Orpington. The former
is one of the Oldest domesticated breeds,
and is notable for the fine qualities of its
flesh. While largely bred in England, it
has never made great progress in Amer
lea.
The Orpington, on the other hand, has
swept the country and is bred by an inn
posing list of prominent members of tn :
poultry fraternity. This breed, in most
essential characteristics. closely resem-
Dies those IN the American class. IL is
handicapped by having the white skin
and shanks. which are not popular in our
markets, though regarded by Europeans
as indicating superior table qualities.
Dorkings and Redcaps produce white
eggs; Orpingtons. brown. The latter, like
most brown egg breeds, make excellent
sitters.
The next class, Polish. contains but
one breed, bearing the same name. This
breed has a long history. but is now GER
orally bred for exhibition purposes rather
than business qualities. However the
hens are very good layers, and any of
the Polish varieties might well be adopt
ed by any one desiring odd and attractive
fowls for the home flock.
The individuals are small in size, active
and alert. They are noticeable for the
great feather crests, sometimes likened to
chrysanthemum, which surmounts the
head OF both sexes. AS table birds they
are OF little commercial use though for
home consumption they prove quite salts
factory.
Old-Time Favorites
In the Hamburg class we find but one
breed. Here again is an old-time fowl
which has of late been supplanted by
breeds more recently developed, and this
is to be deplored.
In temperament Hamburgs are much
like Leghorns. and. like them, thew are
persistent producers of white eggs. Their
former high standing was due to this lat
ter fact, and for years they were called
the "everv-day layers and Everlasting
layers" Hamburg hens are nonsitters