WHITE LEGHORNS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2692, 18 October 1905, Page 36

WHITE LEGHORNS.

Mr J. IJtrst. cite famous white Leghorn breeder, of England, gives the following interesting particulars of this variety:— ° For a fowl which possesses those points which are essential to a beautiful outline. as well as utilitarian qualities, it would bo a difficult matter to find in the gallinaceous race a better specimen than the white -Leghorn. <? It has. since its introduction into this country from America, been tested as to its usefulness, as Avellta.s its hardiness, and has not disappointed- those who have included if; among their feathered favourites. Being a layer of large white eggs of good quality, a non-sitting variety, and among the hardiest race of our domestic poultry, we need not wonder to see them dotting every hillside and paddock, for ai'ter all the dulness and apathy with which the English farmer ha*, been credited, he has not been long in wsoovering that the white Leghorn fowl can hold its own, and even surpass some of our oldest established varieties, having replaced in a remarkable degree some of our most noted laying varieties, while for table qualities, although not of the best, it is not to be despised. Giv-'u a dry roosting place and ordinary attention, with one half the quantity of f'-od which some varieties would consume, and a good supply of water, with a good run, or even in confinement, the owner of a good strain of these fouls need not be disappointed in the supply of eggs even in the winter months. As in other varieties, however, so in this, to an appreciable extent, it is well to decide at the outset whether the filling of the eggbasket shall be the primary object or that far more interesting pursuit to a true fancier, the winning of challenge cups and other prizes at some of our leading exhibitions. Tn speaking of the white Leghorn fowl as an exhibition bird, we must not be icoking for small "cobby" bird wo were accustomed to look upon seven or eight, or even three or four, years back, the white variety having probably made more rapid strides in point of size than any other. It is imperative that the exhibitor who would be successful in the show pen must possess birds of the right type, and that they must be properly mated, if the o\vner expects to rear a fair percentage of birds fit for competition. It is generally accepted that size is obtained from the hens, but exceptions arc not wanting to prove that some of the largest and best cockerels that have been exhibited during the nast three or four seasons have been bred frons large male birds, mated with medium sized, well proportioned hens. At the same time if size is available on both sides, so much the better for ensuring the object, but in this case it is to be presumed that the owner of such a flock will have to content him.self wth a smaller percentage of chickens, as experience teaches that large birds of most varieties are not to be' depended upon (in this respect) to the same extent as

Log colour, however, is difficult to keep food on sdme grounds, therefore those who ;m - c intending embarking in this variety would do well to note the condition of thn fowl:,' le r 's v. hat there may be iouud upon ' it, it being a difficult matter to draw conclusions in regard to soils upon which yellow legs may be best preserved, so much 1 tk'ponrl-. upon thj condition in which the I land is found A clayey and rather damp ' sbile is, however, generally preferred by most exhibitors of this variety, their hardiness Fcoming to battle successfully with any difficulties 1 hat may arise from such a j situation, whilo the moisture certainly tends ' to keep tho orange colour m the legs that is so much desired. For stock purposes the best results are generally obtained from hens, two or three year& old, mated with cockerel* full of vigour and l'fe, any failing points being compensated for in the cockerels. Larsvo birds of this, as well as other j -;>iiotio«, certainly require six or eight weeks 1 longer to develop than smaller ones. I Possessed as this bird is of the striking j contracts of r-ed, white and,yello\v, with its I graceful and pleasing form, it is probable that it will never fail to be admired at our exhibitions, while its useful qualities I will retain for it a position in our poultry ! yards and establish it s general favourite ,' with the fanning frateru*?/.