The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-05-09

IIopdols tHe pest ana CeTtaiHiy iEe most popular of all the English breeds Of poultry is the Orpington. It has undoubted utility qualities both as a layer and a market fowl. Certain va rieties are popular In the United States and will undoubtedly continue so while they give us good results as at pres ent
 originated all the Orpingtons. The rose comb is intended for northern lati- tudes where winters are severe, frosts heavy and where frosted combs mean mo more winter eggs."a Fowls pus- sessing rose combs are not as suscep- tible to frost are the single combs.
 
 specified would make broiler weight as early as the latter part of August and early September.
 3. By the fancier. who unquestion- obly produces his best specimens by natural methods fo incubation Be- tween July 1 and the next breeding season these specimens have had ample time to fully mature if properly started and reared with reasonable care. It will be noted that breeding stock Is equally good whether the fancier breeds 1t for his own use or for his customers. Breeding cockerels matched late fin the season. if reared under proIer conditions. are of fresher plum age and brighter colors than early matched birds. When sold at the be- ginning of the breeding season to tho customer, who prizes specimens for their beauty alone, late cockerels gen orally give better results.
 4. By the exhibitor who makes the late shows or who shows the lighter and more quickly maturing breeds.
 Natural Incubation
 The study of artificial incubation has absorbed the attention of our investi- gators and others to such an extent that little is written or taught of the old fashioned but very reliable, natural methods. In view of the fact that most of our amateur raised flocks are matched by hens, some instruction bearing upon this particular method Is necessary To successfully hatch eggs it is well to follow these Ire cepts.
 Select quiet hen; discard one that uses her voice constantly. Have the nest ready before removing her from The laying coop. Set the hen in such a manner that she may walk on. and Is not obliged to jump up or down to reach the eggs, for such a procedure means broken eggs or crushed chicks. Before setting and between hatches paint all the woodwork with kerosene This is particularly important in warm weather. Dust the hen thoroughly with insect or lice powder before placing sr on the nest. Repeat this four days before matching time.
 Eggs should be carefully selected. They should be uniform in shape and possess strong shells. This last Is an important point in the natural method. The eggs should be of about the same age so that all will hatch at the same time; in this way relieving the hen of much of her natural nervousness concerning the result of the hatch. Make the nests nearly flat Moist. fine loam covered with hay or chaff makes good bottom.
 Removing Ccicks From Nest
 If the nest Is on the ground, and this is the best place for it, the litter may be removed and the chicks allowed to remain on the nest for about AS hours after all are matched, provided they can regain the nest at will. If not. place them in some safe indoor run for day or two, by which time they should be bright and lively. If the weather Is fine, they may now be safely removed to the outdoor GOODS. To protect them from morning dew. ST. range these GOODS so that the chicks