For eggs, the Leghorn varieties are popular. Some hens of this breed have been known to lay more than two hundred eggs in a year. Specially cared-for flocks have averaged eleven or even twelve dozen eggs a year. Farm flocks of ordinary breeds average less than eight dozen. Other excellent egg breeds are the Spanish, Andalusian, and Minorca. [Illustration: FIG. 259. COCK] The principal so-called meat breeds are the Brahma, Cochin, and Langshan. These are very large, but rather slow-growing fowls, and are not noted as layers. They are far less popular in America, even as meat-producers, than the general-purpose breeds. The Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, and Orpington are the leading general-purpose breeds. They are favorites because they are at once good-sized, good layers, tame, and good mothers. The chicks of these breeds are hardy and thrifty. In addition to these breeds, there are many so-called fancy breeds that are prized for their looks rather than for their value. Among these are the Hamburg, Polish, Sultan, Silkie, and the many Bantam breeds. The leading duck breeds are the Pekin, Aylesbury, Indian Runner, Muscovy, Rouen, and Cayuga. The principal varieties of geese are the Toulouse, Emden, Chinese, and African. Among the best breeds of turkeys are the Bronze, White Holland, Narragansett, Bourbon, Slate, and Buff. Geese, ducks, and turkeys are not so generally raised as hens, but there is a constant demand at good prices for these fowls. [Illustration: FIG. 260. BROODER] The varieties of the domestic hen are as follows: I. _Egg Breeds_ 1. Leghorn. 2. Minorca. 3. Spanish. 4. Blue Andalusian. 5. Anconas. II. _Meat Breeds_ 1. Brahma. 2. Cochin. 3. Langshan. 4. Dorking. 5. Cornish. III. _General-Purpose Breeds_ 1. Plymouth Rock. 2. Wyandotte. 3. Rhode Island Red. 4. Orpington. IV. _Fancy Breeds_ 1. Polish. 2. Game. 3. Sultan. 4. Bantam. [Illustration: FIG. 261. BREEDING YARDS] [Illustration: FIG. 262. INCUBATOR] As the price of both eggs and fowls is steadily advancing, a great many people are now raising fowls by means of an incubator for hatching, and a brooder as a substitute for the mother hen. The use of the incubator is extending each year and is now almost universal where any considerable number of chicks are to be hatched. Doubtless it will continue to be used wherever poultry-production is engaged in on a large scale. The brooder is employed to take care of the chickens as soon as they leave the incubator. SECTION LVIII. BEE CULTURE Stock-raisers select breeds that are best adapted to their needs. Plant-growers exercise great care in their choice of plants, selecting for each planting those best suited to the conditions under which they are to be grown. Undoubtedly a larger yield of honey could be had each year if similar care were exercised in the selection of the breed of bees. [Illustration: FIG. 263. A CARNIOLAN WORKER]