NATURAL INCUBATION 415 
breeds which have feathered shanks and toes. They are very quiet 
in temperament, clumsy in action, and because of this make poor 
mothers. They all lay fewer numbers of eggs than the other breeds. 
The shells are brown. They seem to be waning in popularity. 
Brahmas are the most popular breed of the class. There are 
both light and dark varieties. The standard weight of the Light 
Brahma male is 12 and of the hen 914 pounds. Light Brahmas 
are sometimes crossed with Rhode Island Reds for the production 
of capons, which is a growing industry in some sections. 
Cochins are a pound lighter than Light Brahmas. They are 
blockier in build and have shorter legs. The variety colors are 
buff, white, black, and partridge. 
Langshans are nearly as popular as Brahmas. Variety colors 
are black and white. They are considered better layers than either 
of the other breeds. Standard weight of the male is 914, hen 
71% pounds. 
What Variety to Use.—For large numbers of eggs, particu- 
larly near good egg markets, special poultry raisers usually choose 
Leghorns or some one of the egg breeds. They produce broilers 
for city markets quicker than heavier breeds. Heavy breeds are 
seldom used even for meat as they develop slowly and exercise 
very little and lack in popular demand. The general-purpose 
breeds are best for the general farm where both meat and eggs 
are desired. They are good for broilers, friers and roasters. 
In most districts the beginner should strive to accommodate 
his needs to others of the community. If Barred Plymouth Rocks 
or White Wyandottes are most in use choose the same breed and 
variety as this aids greatly in marketing uniform lots of eggs and 
poultry. This also brings buyers to the region who are seeking 
pure-bred eggs and breeding stock. 
Natural Incubation.—Hatching eggs with a hen depends upon 
having a hen willing to sit at the time you need her. Hens some- 
times leave the nest after they have begun sitting. This is more 
apt to occur with the light breeds and with the young hens. Heavy 
hens sometimes crush the eggs or some of them, spoiling the rest. 
It is often difficult to get hens to sit in a new place where they 
will not be disturbed by laying hens. Where many chicks are 
desired in a single season it may be difficult to get a sufficient 
number of hens to hatch the eggs. 
The chief advantages of natural incubation are little investment 
at the start and the hens are ready to brood them when hatched. 
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