Buff Orpingtons.

Manawatu Herald, 28 December 1897, Page 2

Buff Orpingtons.

EXCELLENT FOWLS FOR TABLE AKI> LAYING;] . The Buff Orpington, a disiinidtiy ! hah Jsome variety of poultry, is a breed of English origin and derived as the result of certain crossing between some of the very best breeds* They are undoubtedly excellent table fowls and good winter layers, are large, compactly built, clean-legged fowls, and are becoming one of the most popular breeds. Poultry-rearing is now becoming not only of local, but colonial interest, so we decided to secure some information concerning this breed of fowls and went, at once, to the fountain head. There are several breeders of Orpingtons flow in the colony, among them Mr Frank L. Garland, ot Levin, who is the largest importer in New Zealand of Buffs, and he has lately imported some very high -class birds of this j breed. ! THE PENS. Mr Garland's yards and pens occupy an area of about one and a half acres, and the birds appear to have excellent quarters. In No. i pen Mr Garland pointed i out to us a trio of Buff Orpingtons imported from London last year and pronounced by those who have seen them to be of first-class size and quality, and to us they certainly appeared magnificent specimens of this popular breed. No. 2 pen contains a trio of Rose Comb Black Orpingtons, also fine birds of handsome plumage. No. 3 pen contains a pair of Buffs, j recent arrivals direct from the wellknown yards ot Cook, London. These birds have been bred from Birmingham and Crystal Palace Cup winners of last season, and they arrived in excellent health after their long voyage. In colour, size, and shape they are reckoned especially good, and no doubt Mr Garland should breed stock hard to beat at the coming season's shows. Anyone who goes to the cost and risk in making importations of useful firstclass stock deserves encouragement and success, and we hope he will obtain it. HATCHING. Mr Garland hatches all his chickens in a Hearson's Incubator, which he finds most reliable and successful, and has this season about 120 young Buffs as the result ot incubator hatches this year. All the chickens are thriving well, looking healthy, and are growing at a prodigious rate. Fanciers should hear in mind this yard if they are inclined to take up this fine breed of fowls, and they will not be disappointed in their purchases.