Milford chronicle., 1915-08-27

| they selected, or VINO are contemplating
engaging in it, yet are undecided as tC
just what breed to adopt. Of course
the adoption of breed depends largely
as to just how ones taste runs.
l have frequently run into those, how
ever, who do not particularly care fol
the smaller breeds such as the AncOnas
Leghorns and others of the smaller va
rieties, and who are also adverse to the
exceptionally large bodied birds such a:
the Langshans, Rocks and their heavier
bodied sisters.
While such persons may be considered
hard to please, in as much as there are
so many varieties of fowls, all of which
are good and can be raised with profit,
yet one cannot blame them. 1t is next
to 1.-THE chopping bloc" for the chickens
if their owner is dissatisfied with them,
for they will surely be neglected.
There is a bird, however, which is an
exceptionally good one, and while it is
entirely out of class with the smaller
varieties, yet it can hardly be counted
with those of enormous proportions.
This is the Rhode Island White; a
bird that can be highly recommended to
any breeder without fear that its owner
will become disappointed with it, either
for table use or its laying qualities.
Few, if any persons, need to be told
anything about the excellent qualities
of the Rhode Island Reds. They are
bred extensively throughout the country
at the present time, and no word of
commendation has yet been heaped upon
them-but on the other hand, they are
highly praised.
The Rhode Island Whites are not as
old a creation as their red sisters. These
beautiful birds were originated a few
years ago, and have been bred and Of
fered to the public for about nine years.
OF course, the advent of any new breed
into the poultry field is viewed with a
sort of suspicion, and ofttimes, never
amounts to much solely because of the
fact that poultrymen will not give the
bird an opportunity to prove its worth.
After a first test, however, the Rhode
Island Whites have been found to pos
sess all of the good and excellent quail
ties claimed for them, and they have
proven that in addition to their being a
success as far as their breeding goes,
they can be kept with profit to their
owners.
The creation of the Rhode Island
Whites is the result of a crossing of a
Partridge Cochin female with a White
WyandOtte male. The pullets from this
crossing were mated to a Cochin male,
and the progeny of this ma ch were
crossed with a Rose Comb White Leg
horn male. The result of this crossing
was the Rhode Island Whites. which
have been the centre of attraction for
the past few years.
This breed is considered one of the
grand new ones of the future and great
things are expected of it. There is no
doubt but that the claim made for them
will be upheld by the birds themselves.
and within very few years the Rhode
Island Whites will occupy a high rung
in the ladder of fame as general pur-
pose fowl
Being made up of blood from the
Wyandotte, Cochin and LeghOrn, all of
which are considered among the very
best in the fowl family, it may readily
be seen that this production is bound to
90 rapidly to the front. This fowl has
been repeatedly tested side by side with
their now famous sisters, and they have
never failed to hold their own, either in
size or egg production.
They are excellent foragers, and if
given a little liberty will pick up almost
half of their feed, thus causing a saving
in this respect. If possible to get out
of their quarters before being liberated,
this breed of fowls will be up and out
hunting for food with the first streaks
of day and will not hang around waiting
for the attendant to come with their
morning allotment.
The Whites make excellent mothers
and fight hard for their broods. They
seldom break an egg, so carefully are
they in sitting; which is indeed a good
trait,
The chicks grow very rapidly and
mature early, hence they begin laying
when rather young. The Rhode Island
Whites withstand great deal of cold, |
owing to their low comb, and this makes |
them rank with the best of winter lay |
ers. This is one point in their favor as
a bird for the northern or colder eli |
mates, where considerable trouble is |
with varieties carrying a |
high comb.
/ have said that the Whites are good |
foragers and particularly adapted for |
persons allowing their birds liberty. |
This is true, but let it be said for the |
Rhode Island Whites, that they are
equally good when kept in confinement. |
This bird may be raised with both pleas
ure and profit by the person who has
but limited space or back yard. which |
may be devoted to the raising of chick
ems. AS have said, they are good sit
ters, but are not the kind to persist in |
sitting throughout the entire spring and
They usually get Droody but
once in a season, but should they take
to the nest the second time, all that is
is to pen them up for two or
three days or close up the nests at night,
thus compelling them to take the roost,
and they will again become active and
give up the idea.
For table use, the Rhode Island Whites
are surpassed by few, if any, of the
many breeds. They make fine broilers
and roasters, and are easy to dress
which is q point to be considered by the
The cock weighs from
eight to nine pounds, cockerels six to
light, hens six to eight and pullets
lbout five pounds. From this it can be
een that the fowl is just about theI