Poultry For Winter

Davxd Lask, in a report to the Ottawa (Canada) experiment farm, says: The experience of the past four winters proves tbat the breeds which are often stated to be most unsuited to cold climates lay the best. Jt La often told by the inexperienced or the prejudicecl that fowls wüh large combs are not suited for winter layers because their combs will freeze. If any one wishes to make revenue from his winter eggs he must not keep his layers where their combs will freeze. rhtelligence must be exercised in the treatment of winter layers the same as in the winter care of other stock. Of the hens with the large combs', such as Leghoms, Minorcas and Andalusians, no better winter layers or hardier fowls can be had than the White Leghorns. The Andalusians and Minorcaa are also excellent winter layers, but require to be lept active, as do all the Spanish class. Plymonth Rocks and Wyandottes are well known winter laj-ers. Members of the Asiatic family- viz., Brahmas, Buff Cochins and Langshans - require to be hatched out early in the season to make early layers. They require to be skillfully handled during the close confinement of winter to prevent them beooming too fat. A farmer will not malte a mistake by choosing his winter layers from the Leghorns, Plymouth Bocks or Wyandottes. The Wyandottes perhaps come as nearly filling the bill as possible, having little or no comb, and are good layers. The Houdans did not seem to stand the confinement to winter quarters as well as other breeds. The following classification niay serve as a guide in making a choice from the best known breeds: Breeds with Large Coinbs - Leghorns, Minorcas, Andalusians, Black Spanish. Breeds with vSmall Combs - Wyaudottes, Brahmas, Cochins, Houdans. Breeds with Medium Size Combs- Plymouth Rocks, Dorkingí?,Bliick Javas. Langshans. Breeds with iïo.se Combs - Leghorns, Hamburgs, Redcaps, White Dorkings. While on the subject of winter laying it inay be stated that the layers do better when they can enjoy as much freedom i as possible. Many farmers have their '. poultiy houses so situated that with very ' little trouble or expense they can so 1 range as to allow their fowl access to a bain, stable or inclosed shed, where 1 gravoj. sana, coai, asnes or othev sbstauces may be found for the hens, to KCratch in. Fowls so situated are not Hkely to give tronble in the of eating eggs or feathors or laying eggs with soft shells.