  We present polarization profiles at 1.4 and 3.1 GHz for 14 young pulsars with
characteristic ages less than 75 kyr. Careful calibration ensures that the
absolute position angle of the linearly polarized radiation at the pulsar is
obtained. In combination with previously published data we draw three main
conclusions about the pulse profiles of young pulsars. (1) Pulse profiles are
simple and consist of either one or two prominent components. (2) The linearly
polarized fraction is nearly always in excess of 70 per cent. (3) In profiles
with two components the trailing component nearly always dominates, only the
trailing component shows circular polarization and the position angle swing is
generally flat across the leading component and steep across the trailing
component.
  Based on these results we can make the following generalisations about the
emission beams of young pulsars. (1) There is a single, relatively wide cone of
emission from near the last open field lines. (2) Core emission is absent or
rather weak. (3) The height of the emission is between 1 and 10 per cent of the
light cylinder radius.
