PRICE ONE SHILLING.

THE

PIGEONS AND RABBITS;

COMPRISING THE

CHARACTERISTIOS, MANAGEMENT, BREEDING, AND MEDICAL
TREATMENT OF POULTRY;

BEING

THE RESULTS OF PERSONAL OBSERVATION AND PRACTICE OF THE REV. W. WINGFIELD,
б. W. JOHNSON, ESQ, ..

AND OTHER CELEBRATED BREEDERS OF THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES.

RE-ARRANGED AND EDITED BY W. B. TEGETMEIER.

THE PIGEONS AND RABBITS BY MR. HARRISON WEIR,

AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PHILOPERISTERON SOCIETY:

WITH

COLOURED REPRESENTATIONS OF THE MOST CELEBRATED PRIZE BIRDS, AND FAC-SIMILES
OF ALL THE MOST ESTEEMED VARIETIES OF PIGEONS AND RABBITS,

DRAWN FROM LIFE
BY MR. HARRISON WEIR,

Жаз Printer іш Colours under bis Superintendente.

LONDON:

ҮМ, -5, ORR AND C0., AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW,

MDCCCLVI,

GALLERY OF PORTRAITS

'OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED

CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC MEN AND NATURALISTS

ӨК THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.

DRAWN ON STONE, FROM LIFE,
bY T. H. MAGUIRE, ESQ.

4.
за

DEDICATED, BY PERMISSION, TO HER MAJESTY AND PRINCE ALBERT.

4.
-0ф-

Ix the year 1847 ап Institution was opened at Ipswich, the history of which cannot be too widely
circulated. It was, like all great and useful undertakings in this country, the work of private
individuals; and the projector had the good fortune to witness its successful completion. The Ipswich
Museum is the Institution in question, and a private individual has the merit of having accomplished
what Legislators and Corporations have been talking about. The Ipswich Museum consists of a
Collection of Specimens in British Natural History and other kindred objects. It is intended to facilitate
the instruction of the working classes in Natural History, by rendering them familiar with the forms,

the principles, and the general appearance of the materials which they are accustomed to deal with in
their daily avocations. “. Ё

The objects of this Institution no sooner became known, than the most cordial offers of co-operation
and assistance reached its projector from the most eminent men of science and naturalists—not of the
neighbourhood only, but of the whole kingdom, so that in a very short time there were few names
distinguished in the world of science who had not become honorary members of the Museum. Nor was
the Institution without Royal support, Her Majesty and the Prince Consort having graciously become

its patrons. It is іп commemoration of the gratuitous patronage and services rendered by these gentlemen
to the Institution, that these Portraits owe their origin.

Under a grateful sense of the disinterested assistance rendered by these distinguished persons to a
cause which he had so much at heart, the late Honorary Secretary—having first obtained their consent
to sit to Mr. Maguire for the purpose—determined, at his own cost, to present their Portraits to the
supporters of the Institution, at once as a tribute of gratitude to them, and a record of the success which `
they had been the means of securing to it. It was originally intended strictly to confine the issue of
these Portraits to Members of the Institution, but, in course of time, they became known far beyond its
limited circle. The Portraits generally representing men of European fame, and being characteristic, as
well as correct likenesses, it has been determined to meet the demand thus created by a more formal
publication of them, and at a very moderate price. |

The impressions hitherto taken from the stones have been limited very nearly to the presentation
copies, they are all therefore in excellent condition; and as the impressions are taken on India paper,

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HER MAJESTY'S POULTRY-HOUSE AT THE HOME FARM, WINDSOR.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

CHAPTER I.

POULTRY HOUSE AND YARD.

Тне first, and by no means the least important, consideration of every prospective
poultry keeper is the situation and construction of the houses and yards. It is true
that poultry may be kept almost anywhere; first-rate specimens of Cochins have
been reared in an attic, and many very fine ones have never known there was any
world beyond a small back-yard in the street of a country town. These, however,
are extreme cases; and such success could only be achieved by constant attention
and great judgment in supplying artificially those requirements of the birds which
the place of confinement did not afford. :

The best of all soils on which to establish a poultry yard is gravel or sand,
resting on chalk ога substratum of gravel. Tf the soil is clayey, or from other
causes retentive of wet, the whole should be well drained, and a good breadth ofit raised
artificially by carting on to it a foot depth of chalk or gravel, to be covered over with
a few inches depth of sand. This is more than desirable—it is almost essential to
success—stagnant wet in the soil being more inducive of cramp and some other

diseases that any other circumstance.

B

THE POULTRY ВООК.

The best of all aspects is south or south-east; and the side of a gently rising hill,
if sheltered from the north and east, by plantations, leaves little to be desired on
this point. Ifthe birds can have access to those plantations and to a grass field,
and the soil is such as we have described, then, so far as the ground and situation

are concerned, nothing remains to be desired.

The houses and yards must be constructed according to the purposes of the
proprietor. Those who keep a cock and three or four hens merely for home supply,
will require a very simple building; but the proprietor wlio breeds for sale and profit
must have a more elaborate arrangement.

Whatever plan may be requisite, it may be observed that the cheapest and
warmest materials of which to construct the house are weather-boarding, lined
with straw, with a slated roof similarly lined. The straw is smoothed as for
thatching, placed between the upright posts to which the weather-boarding is
nailed, and between the rafters under the slates, and retained in its proper position
by laths nailed over it and to the same posts and rafters. The neatness is increased
by a layer of reeds in front of thestraw. Houses constructed in this way with brick
foundations, and raised floors of chalk rammed hard and covered over with sand,
are unexceptionable.

From the variable character of our English climate, it is evident that any one
rule for the precautions to be taken against our poultry suffering from insufficient
housing would be open to many exceptions. Where boarding is employed for the
sides, the straw lining, or, what would be still better, one made from the marsh reeds, so
durable for thatching, is unnecessary in the milder parts of England; and thus we
avoid the hazard of affording a shelter to rats, or smaller but not less obnoxious
vermin, who covet such a retreat beyond any other locality. Wherever, therefore,
these are found requisite in winter, we would suggest their being made in panels, so
as to be removed at pleasure; as, if permanent, they provide far too comfortable an
abode for mice, even where doors and walls are proof against the rats. For the
roof, a rough ceiling of lath and plaster possesses many advantages, especially as
it is readily lime-washed, an operation which should be performed at least once
in the course of the year. Those who have insisted on this cleansing process
know well how amply the trouble is repaid, by the increased comfort and consequent
health of their stock. Brick-work should certainly have the preference for walls; but
wherever wood is employed for that purpose, it should be tongued thus :— |
а very inexpensive method for providing against warping by heat, or admit- 1!
ting wind or rain; lying flat against the uprights, there is an economy of
material, and an external appearance far superior to any other method of
boarding; andif the second coat of paint is rough-cast over with sand, such
buildings will not be objected to even in the more ornamental parts.of the
grounds. Railroad sheds, of various kinds, are frequently on this principle; =;
and if we also borrow from them their corrugated roof of galvanized iron, we should

THE POULTRY HOUSE AND YARD.

be enabled to dispense with the heavier portion of the timber required for the roof ;
but then, for warmth's sake, a ceiling would be indispensable.

Bricks, unless covered with a thick layer of ashes or sand, may be regarded as
the worst of all materials for the floor; they retain moisture, whether atmospherie
or arising from insufficient drainage; and thus the temperature 15 kept low, when
warmth is most essential, and disease too often follows.

The following plan for а poultry yard is suitable for a confined situation—for

example, the end of a garden in a town. It is arranged for keeping Cochins, but

zuge

GLEN

ELEVATION

SCALE er FELT
Д 10 5 о 40
Я EA TS ШІ

it would answer for any other sort, by
having the nests smaller, and poles instead
of à barred floor for the roost.

The arrangement given chiefly applies
to the breeding season. Afterwards the
yards and houses should be used for keep-
ing the sexes separate until the next
season. The front of the shed for
chickens should be of wire. The fences

to the yard should also be of wire. The
A, House for setting hens.—B, Shed for hens and :

their chickens.—C, Shed for fowls (stock).—D, arrangement for the laying nests, &c., is

Roosting-house for stock.—E, Yard for chickens. the same as in plan at p. 4. The design
—F, Yard for fowls (stock).

1- *ia—
EROUND PLAN

GARDEN

on the following page is for а poultry-
yard for breeding Dorking, Cochins, and Spanish fowls in a limited space, and yet
keeping the breeds pure. The yard should have about a quarter of an acre of
grass near it, in which the fowls may be turned out on alternate d The Cochins
should be placed in the centre, as they are not so
likely to quarrel
with their neigh-
bours as the others.
The yards should
FRAME FOR ROOST. be inclosed by wire-

fencing, six feet high, and the fences between the SECTION OF NEST, SHOWING FLAP.
yards should be close boarded to about two feet six inches from the ground. The
roosting-house for the Cochins should have a barred floor, and the others roost-
frames, which should be moved out when the floors are being cleaned.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

The nests in the roosting-houses should be for laying only; and a wooden flap
should be hung in the passage, at the back of the nests, so as to enable a person to
remove the eggs without going into the roosting-houses. The walls should be built

of brick, nineinches thick,
= ТИ ai E 5 Of and built hollow. If ex-

А А A | roon nouse | pense was not an object,
T T

ол Д LL LAA

the long passage and the

pens for chickens might

YARD FOR CHICKEN OR SITTING MENS be covered with glass, and

| grapes ‘grown on the raf-
ters. Thesheds, E, should
have a layer of sand six

YARD FOR DORKINGS inches deep. The floors

of the roosting, the food,

IO

and sitting houses, should
be paved with chalk, laid
on dry coal-ashes to absorb

CERE

the moisture.
The plan on page 5
is for a poultry yard for

YARD FOR “ҒАЛАР

breeding fowls, ducks,

-turkeys or geese, and
pigeons. It is intended
YARD FOR SPANISH babs to stand on a piece of
| grass-land or park. The
yards should be fenced
with wire six feet high ;

: the walls of the roost-
Bit 42 a. 3! i ing-houses built of brick

;
GROUND PLAN !
'

А А А А А, Pens forhens and their chickens separated by wire. А nine inches thick, and
flue should run the whole length of these from the fire-place B- hollow ; the front of the
>

С CC, Bins for food. — D. Setting hens, — Е E E, Sheds.—
FFF, Roosting-houses, shed may be formed of

at laroh-fir, in a rustic manner.
H - en Му Bythis arrangement the poultry
i must either be allowed to sit

in the roosting-houses (which

|1

|
mag is not advisable), or beremoved
NIS
NES to some convenient out-house.

А А A are the roosting-houses.

SECTION,

The roosts, laying-nests, &c., are the same as in the previous plan.
The plan of the poultry house, &e., erected by Mr. Charles Punchard, Blunts Hall,

POULTRY HOUSE AND YARD. 5

Haverhill is given on page 6. The copper, a, heats the chicken houses, O Н, by hot
water during the winter.—b, Wall, four feet high.—c, Wire fence three feet high.—
RH, Roosting-houses, with perches, de
arranged in a sloping form.—N H, Nest
houses. The Elevation page 6, shows the
windows, e, running on cast-iron rollers,
the openings being wired inside to admit
air at pleasure; and the ventilators, 7, with
moveable louvre boarding. Perforated
zinc tubes, from each end of the building,
communicate with the ventilator, and

(282
ын K

give any degree of coolness. In winter <<»
1

they are closed. The roof of the build- Wa
ings is slate, nailed on boarding.
The skilful arrangement of the houses
at Knowsley, as given in the following
sketches, will be useful to many in tending '^—————54— ————— кол отш,
poultry-keepers. These breeding-houses face to the south, and look into the kitchen
garden. They have iron espaliers for fruit-trees in front of them; and though
enjoying a warm aspect, they are
well sheltered from wind. Each
building has a ventilator and two
windows facing south. The in-
side is fitted with four slate laying-
places, into which wicker nests
slide; so that,the latter may occa-
sionally be removed and scalded.
One side has broad perches above
the nests, with a slide to receive
the droppings. Оп the other side
is а platform with a false bottom,
which is littered with straw when-
ever Cochins may be the occu-
pants. All the ground occupied
by these buildings and yards was
excavated three feet deep, and then
filled up with broken bricks, the
| surface being covered with fine
ORDER gravel. Each enclosure has its
fountain, and a dusting-box filled with sifted ashes, and lime rubbish. North of the
building are a meadow and plantation, into which the members of each compariment

ELEVATION

6 THE POULTRY BOOK.

are admitted for one and a half or two hours every day ; but the time of exercise is
constantly varied, and it is surprising how soon they seem to know their own habita-

ELEVATION OF MR. PUNCHARD’S POULTRY HOUSE».

tions. Тһе) interval of a foot or so between the cages prevents their fighting.
Should this plan not be adopted, it would be absolutely necessary to board up the

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GROUND PLAN OF MR. PUNCHARD'S HOUSES AND RUNS.

sides between the runs to three feet high, in order to prevent fighting through the
wire-work. The nests are supplied with nest-eggs of white wood.

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ELEVATION OF BACK OF CAPTAIN HORNBY'S POULTRY HOUSES.

The houses that we have described are adapted to those who can afford to
ride their hobby regardless of expense; but the amateur of more moderate, or even

POULTRY HOUSE AND YARD.

limited means, may erect а poultry house, not perhaps as ornamental, but in
every respect as efficient, for a less number of shillings than those that we have
been describing cost pounds. А lean-to may be erected with weather boarding,
against the west or south side of any wall, the roof being formed with inch
deal boards, laid close together up and down the slope, and projecting in front, and
even over the sides, so to protect the walls from the drip. In order to render this

@
P Y 27 2 27
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Scale of Fert.
3

20 722 2 10 20 т
a — m [ =

GROUND PLAN OF CAPTAIN HORNBY’S HOUSES AND RUNS.

waterproof, some of the thinnest waste calico, or old sheeting may be tightly
stretched over it, and a coating of tar applied hot, after having been boiled
with a little lime, may be applied with a brush; this soaking through the calico
cements it to the roof, and the whole is rendered impervious to the weather. The
perches may be arranged as shown in the sketch at page 9, only one incline of
these perches being adopted, rising from the front of the house towards the back,
and they should also be considerably shorter than the house is long, in order

8 THE POULTRY BOOK.

to leave a space at each end for the nests, which may be advantageously made on
the floor. i

It is not essential to success that the nests should be upon the ground, though

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FRONT VIEW (IN ISOMETRICAT PERSP ECTIVE) OF CAPTAIN HORNBY’S POULTRY HOUSES.

many persons always so construct them for the use of their hens, in conformity with
the general observation that fowls, when left to themselves, usually do so. But
whether on the ground, or raised some-
what above it, they should be warm and
somewhatsecluded. Forasoftmaterial to
place within them we like straw, cut into
short lengths by a chaff-cutting machine,
as well as anything ; though good autho-
rities prefer heath similarly treated. In
cold weather, a thick bed of ashes, under
the straw, wil be found to retain the
heat of the hen more completely, and to
yield more satisfactory results.
А well-known writer, a very practical
OUTDOOR NEST BOXES: man, recommends nests of wicker-work,

Twenty-three. inches square; height in front, one foot; with wooden divisions, and the follow-
height behind, one foot and a-half; héight of door, di
twelve inches; breadth, nine inches. ing imension :—

He says :—“ І have used most con-
trivances in this way, but never found any to answer so completely as these. The
hens take to them, and we require no better judgment than that, An auger, a saw,

POULTRY HOUSE AND YARD. 9

a bill-hook, a clasp-knife, a stout piece of leather for hinges, some iron tacks,
a few poles, two inches diameter, cut fresh from the water-willow, some strips, and
a few seasoned pieces of larch, or any other boards, are all the implements and
material I made use of in their construction. Rive the willow rods into laths
two-eighths of an inch thick, and wattle them on the frame as in the engraving.
T give the preference to these wattled boxes over those formed of solid boards,
because they admit of а constant circulation of air going on through the interstices.
This has a great deal more to do with the health and comfort of the hens, and the
prospective ‘counting of the chickens before they are hatched, than a great many
people are aware of. In nine cases out of ten, sitting-boxes are too hot, close, and
dry. Draw a comparison between them and the stolen, or, if you will, more natural,
nest in the open air—which are notorious for producing numerous and healthy
offspring ?” We shall enter more fully into this part of the subject in our chapter
upon the management of the hen whilst sitting.

Perches, although essential to the lighter varieties, are not necessary for Cochins.
We prefer having them on a floor littered down warmly with straw, the same as for a
horse, the straw being gathered up in the morning as із done by the groom. Mr.
Sturgeon has a latticed floor, without even straw. Mr. Punchard has also, to a
considerable extent, adopted the same plan. Other breeders we know who have
latticed benches raised about six inches from the floor; and some give the birds
nothing but a bed of sand to rest upon. All these unite with us in the opinion that
resting on narrow perches is only productive of twisted breast-bones—a result
that might be anticipated, as the pressure is unavoidably in one place during the
whole roosting-time, but a most serious defect in any specimen of poultry.

If perches are adopted, they should not be more than two feet from the ground ;
for, if higher, these weighty birds, with defective wings, are very liable to be lamed
in descending. We would have the perch made of larch or fir poles split in half,
with the rounded side upwards, and not less than three inches in diameter. Where-
ever perches are employed, their graduated arrangement has merits as regards the
comfort of the birds, the economical arrangement of space, and facility for cleaning
the house. Each perch forms a step to the one above ; and if the floor beneath be
well sanded, a common road-scraper, Or
similar implement, removes the dirt with the
least possible labour, if arranged as shewn.
In the annexed sketch the highest of the
perches should be three feet from the ground, and they should drop into niches
formed by nailing pieces of wood on the bar that carries them, on which they should
be placed two feet apart. High perches are exceedingly injurious in a small house,
as the fowls in descending from them have to drop nearly perpendicularly, being
unable to take the long inclined flight which they naturally adopt to lessen the
force of their descent.

с

THE POULTRY BOOK,

Latticed floors do not seem comfortable to poultry; and what falls through not
being always visible, is apt to remain longer than it should; while a portion
-constantly adheres to the upper surface, and hinders that perfect cleanliness which
should greet our entrance into а fowl house, whether it be the abode of half a
-dozen or a hundred. ` |

LiemriNG.— Whoever has the intention of building а fowl house, or already
possesses one without the means of admitting sufficient light, should either intro-
duce a pane or two of thick glass in the sides, or substitute а, few elass tiles or slates
as a skylight. Tn wet weather the birds will be the more induced to take shelter
-within if light be there, and the masters inspection of the state of their domicile
18 the more readily performed. |

VENTILATION.— When the littering system is used for Cochins, we are better
‚enabled to ventilate the abode thoroughly, without exposing the fowls to any risk of
passing their nights on perches exposed to a constant current of cold air. A rough
application of the Venetian shutter, fitted to the highest part of the interior,
-excludes weather, and secures the egress of the heated air within, while carpenters
‘are seldom so accurate in the door and fittings of such edifices, as not to leave
-sufficient apertures for admitting what is required to take its place.

Neglect of ventilation is a sure forerunner of disease, and if every poultry-

keeper was compelled himself to unlock the doors of the
house every morning for a week, there would be fewer
complaints on this head; but the unfortunate cocks and
hens are usually either condemned to shiver in an open
‘out: house, or are else imprisoned in an atmosphere like the
hold of a slaver. However easy the remedy, and evident
its necessity, not one fowl house in twelve, even of those
of most pretension, are properly arranged in this respect.

Yarp.—For enclosing the yard, netting formed of
galvanized iron wire is usually employed, as it has the
great advantage of neither rusting nor requiring any kind
of paint for a considerable length of time.

An enclosure of this wire-work, three feet high,
is amply sufficient for the confinement of Cochins ;
whereas seven feet in height would. not be too much for
the lighter of the other varieties. We use it stretched
GREENING’S PATENT FENCING. to oak posts eight feet apart, and to which it is fastened
by means of small staples of the same galvanized metal. Care must be taken not
to have a bar or rail along the top of the wire-work, for, although when fastened
to such a rail it has“a more finished appearance, yet it offers a resting-place, which
often tempts the fowls to perch upon it, and thence to descend into the grounds from
which we wish them to be excluded. 2

FEEDING AND THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF THE DIFFERENT FOODS. 1k

By far the most elegant and durable wire fencing that has come under our notice
is that made by Greening and Co., Manchester. Below it is sufficiently close to-
be proof alike against the ingress of rats or the egress of chickens, and, being
spiked above, it affords no resting-place for the fowls, who consequently do not.
attempt to fly over it.

Chickens are often unwilling, in the mild weather of summer and early autumn,.
to retire to their homes as evening approaches; on these occasions, thinking no.
great harm сап happen to them, or disliking the trouble of driving them. in, they
are constantly allowed to remain on the branches of the laurels or other shrubs that.
have induced them to play truant. Once indulged with this license of selecting
their sleeping-places according to their own pleasure, they are afterwards most:
difficult to be restrained; and although fowls roosting in shrubs and low trees
are exposed to the severity of the weather, it is astonishing, however, to see how
little they appear generally to suffer. The peacock and the Guinea fowl, for
instance, natives of a much warmer climate than our own, are rarely heard of as,
seeking the shelter of a roof; and young fowls of different varieties, in the highest.
possible condition, are often found who have, even up to as.late a period as. Christ-.
mas, never been within а building of any kind.

CHAPTER П.
FEEDING, INCLUDING THE COMPARATIVE VALUE. OF THE DIFFERENT FOODS:

HowEVER uncertain may be the prices hereafter бо be given for fancy poultry, whether,
as some think, their present value will be long maintained, or, on the other hand,
gradually fall as their numbers increase—one point is clear, namely, that good eggs
and well-fed chickens will be marketable produce so long as the human appetite
remains in its present state. The Royal Agricultural Society, by their premium
awarded to Mr. Trotter for the best essay on poultry, and the Yorkshire Agricultural
Society, by their prize given to Mr. T egetmeier for the best essay on fattening market
fowls, are clearly of opinion that more attention might profitably be given by the
English farmer to this hitherto neglected portion of his stock. The farmer and the
cottager, indeed, are the most interested in the contents of our present chapter, since
they are the persons from whom our markets must derive their supplies, and the
marketable value of such produce is the sum to be placed on the credit side of their
poultry account,

a E A ла ла ымын... ЖЫ papa Ў ы

19 THE POULTRY BOOK.

The Times of January 18, 1853, in speaking of the Metropolitan Poultry Show,
expresses a hope that “ that exhibition, like all other exhibitions, great and small,
is directed to some practical good.” “ Every material improvement in the breed of
animals," it continues, “ has originated in a certain degree of mania. If rich
amateurs had not lavished their money upon the turf, we should never have had
such good horses commonly available; and the same may be said of short-horns, and
south- downs, of prize sheep, and priceless pigs."

The article we have quoted is so cleverly written, that, although we dissent from
some of its conclusions, we must place another portion of it before our readers :—

* We speak with the more earnestness on account of the very considerable margin
for improvement actually existing in the present state of our poultry markets. The
price paid for fowls in London is preposterous, even according to their present rate
of multiplication and increase, and if, by crossing the breed with these interesting
importations, the productiveness of the general stock should be augmented, it will
be out of all question that such charges should continue. If the poultry fanciers of
the present season are really discharging any publie duty, they must needs anticipate
greater cheapness and greater abundance in the breed of our domestic fowls. We
really feel compelled to assume that the Cochin Chinese variety cannot, even in the
eyes of fashion, be considered simply ornamental, and that its merits must needs
reside mainly in its uses. More eggs, therefore, and more fowls—of a better de-
scription—ought to be ultimately producible ; and this improvement ought to act on
the markets of the country. There із no reason why poultry should not be considered
as a species of agricultural stock, and turned to as good account both for producers
and consumers. The consumption of fowls, in fact, is exceedingly large, and, but
for their unnecessary costliness, would be larger still. For this unnatural price there
із no kind of excuse. The means of transport provided by railways so completely
answer all purposes, that every county in England may either transmit its produce
to London, or select its own market elsewhere, at a very small cost of time or money.
Fowls, too, travel more easily than any other animals. They can be despatched
alive or dead with equal facility, and there are no gate dues or taxes to heighten
their price on a metropolitan stall. Yet, although 2s. 6d. a couple would, according
to all ealeulable expenses, be a remunerative charge, we are compelled to pay at
least double."

Ifthe author of this article will insist on fowls at 2s. 6d. a couple, he may be
able to gratify his economical determination by a visit to any of the more remote
country markets; but we are greatly mistaken if, on his return to the metropolis, he
wil not gladly pay the 5s. or 6s. per couple that his poulterers will then demand.
“ A fowl,” without any specification of weight, is a very indefinite term, and since we
cannot as yet see how a couple of fat fowls—any way deserving that appellation—
can be sold at 2s. 6d., we must ask him to consider whetherhe will object to pay from
10d. to 18. per pound, according to the season, for his poultry, while his butcher's-

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FEEDING AND THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF THE DIFFERENT FOODS. 13

meat is at 8d. to 9d. for such joints as he would wish to see on his table. But a
writer in the “ Agricultural Gazette" of about the same date, who is evidently
thoroughly acquainted with the markets, thus gives his opinion as to the London
prices. For good poultry, he says :—

“There isin London always a demand. Like all other provisions, there are
different prices for different periods, and here it is that Poultry Shows do much good
in offering premiums for early maturity. If those who have facilities for rearing
chickens will do so in January, or even December, and bring them to market in а,
fat state in April, May, and June, they cannot fail to receive a remunerating price.
Three pounds per dozen is then а common value for fowls four months old ; and
less than two guineas would be ridiculously low." i

But in rearing föwls with any prospect of profit a correct system of feeding is óf
the first importance, and we think it most desirable to enter thus early on the subject,
especially as the scientific principles of feeding are so generally ignored; we have,
therefore, no hesitation in making a quotation respecting them from the prize essay
before alluded to :—

“ The purposes served by food when taken into the body are of several distinct
kinds: there is the production of animal warmth; the provision for the growth and
waste of the body; the supply of mineral and saline substances ; and, lastly, the
supply of fat.

* The warmth naturalto living animals depends upon the consumption of a
certain portion of the food in the process of breathing. The substances consumed
in this manner are chiefly those which contain a large quantity of carbon, which
passes off in the breath, in the form of carbonic acid.

* The most important warmth-giving foods are—starch, sugar, gum, the softer
fibres of plants, and oily or fatty substances. As the natural warmth of an animal
in health remains the same at all times, it necessarily follows that a larger
supply of warmth-giving food is required in cold situations than in warm ones.

* To supply the materials of the growth of young animals, the formation of
eggs, &c., and to repair the waste arising from the daily action of the limbs, and
other causes, a second variety of food is required; for the starch and other sub-
stances before enumerated have been proved, by direct experiment, to have not the
slightest action in supplying these wants. Substances possessing this power may
be termed flesh-forming foods. The most important are the gluten, and similar
substances, existing in variable quantities in different grains; and, in larger
proportion, in the varieties of pulse, as beans, peas, &c.; and in the materials
which form the solid parts of the flesh of animals, of eggs, of milk, &c. In con-
sequence of their containing the element of nitrogen, which is wanting in the
other varieties of food, these flesh-forming substances are frequently termed
nitrogenous foods; whilst the fat-forming and warmth-giving are called carbona-
ceous foods.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

“ The mineral and the saline substances contained in the bones, and in other
parts of the bodies of animals, occur in larger proportion in the bran than in the
inner part of the grain. А due supply of bone-making and saline materials is
absolutely requisite to the growth of a healthy animal; as, if wanting in the food,
the bones become soft, and the general health speedily fails.

“With regard to those substances which supply the materials for replacing the
waste or the increase of fat; it is still a point unsettled, amongst scientific:
authorities, whether the starchy materials before spoken of as warmth-giving food,
are, or are not, capable of being converted, by the living forces of the body, into
fat; although there is but little doubt that under favourable circumstances they
are so, but itis unquestioned that where it is desired to fatten animals rapidly (or
supply fat to be consumed in generating warmth, as is necessary in all cold regions)
itis the absolute requisite that the food eaten should contain oily and fatty matters.
which can be readily absorbed by the digestive organs, and either stored up or
applied to the immediate wants of the body."

If we apply the principles above stated to the examination of the various sub-
stances employed in feeding poultry, we shall arrive at a far more satisfaetory know-
ledge of their real value for the purposes required than by acting on any empirical
opinion as to this or that variety of food being more valuable.

4 inches.

"ѕәцощ er

Va

paa

FEEDER FOR GRAIN. s

a. A flap to be opened or shut at pleasure.—5. Hinged cover, through whieh the feeder is supplied.—c. Ап
incline, throwing the corn, as wanted, into the feeding trough..

\

Grain of different kinds forms the chief article in the poultry dietary, and of
the different varieties of corn, barley is unquestionably more used than any other.
This is evidently dependant on the fact that its cost by weight is less than that of
either wheat or oats. Barley possesses a very fair preportion of flesh-forming
substances, about eleven per cent., and is remarkable as eontaining a less amount
of fatty matters than the other varieties of corn. Barley-meal is identical in
composition with the whole grain, as the latter is ground without the removal of the
husk; but it should be remembered that itis the inferior and cheaper samples which

FEEDING AND THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF THE DIFFERENT FOODS. 15

аге so used. Wheat is dearer both by measure and weight than barley, and in a
sound state is seldom employed, its capability of putting on flesh is not so much
‚greater than that of barley as is usually imagined, and hence its employment is not
so advantageous as is generally supposed; the amount of flesh-forming food in
wheat averages about twelve per cent. It fortunately happens for the poultry-
keeper that the small wheat usually purchased for fowls is in every respect the
-more desirable. To quote from the late Professor Johnston, “ It is a point of some
interest that the small or tail corn which the farmer separates before bringing his
grain to market, is richer in gluten (flesh-forming food) than the plump full-grown
' grain, and is therefore more nutritious.”—(* Chemistry of Common Life.”)

Oats are not so frequently used as barley, which they exceed in cost by weight.
In purchasing oats it is exceedingly desirable to procure the heaviest samples, as
they contain very little more husk than the lightest, and are consequently much
cheaper, if the proportion of meal is taken into consideration; for example, a
bushel of oats weighing thirty pounds, consists of sixteen pounds of meal, and
fourteen of husk, whereas one of thirty-six pounds contains upwards of twenty
pounds of meal, and less than sixteen of husk. The lighter oats are frequently
refused by fowls, and hence the low estimation in which the grain is sometimes held,
butif soaked in water over night, so as to swell the kernel none are refused. The
amount of flesh-forming food is greater in oats and oatmeal than in any other
grain, being about fifteen to eighteen per cent. and the amount of fatty substances
is double that contained in wheat.

Indian corn is chiefly remarkable for the quantity of oil it contains, and rice for
consisting almost entirely of starch, the amount of flesh-forming food being only seven
per cent; as rice swells enormously when boiled, it is often imagined to be a cheap

“food, but erroneously— granting that one pound of rice will, in boiling, absorb five
pounds of water, it does not follow that there are six pounds of food, there is really
still but one pound, and that of inferior value. Buck-wheat is about equal to
barley in the amount of gluten it contains.

All the varieties of pulse, as peas, beans, and tares, are remarkable for the
extraordinary quantity of flesh-forming food, and the small per centage of fat they
contain, but we regard them as too stimulating for general use; if we required our
fowls to undergo a great amount of bodily exertion, we would treat them as the
mining proprietors of South America treat their labourers, and make them, even
against their inclination, devour a feed of beans daily ; but the result would be a
hardening of the muscular fibres, and a firmness of flesh incompatible with a good
table fowl. Ä 2 3

Meal scarcely differs from the grain from which it is prepared, in the case of
wheat and barley, but with oats there is a wide difference ; the rejection of so large
а portion of the husk, and the expulsion of moisture. by kiln-drying, increases
greatly the price of oatmeal, and most advantageous as its employment undoubtedly

16 THE POULTRY BOOK.

is, it can only be used economically by confining it to the youngest chicken. It
was remarked, however, by Professor Johnston, that middlings and pollard, which
are also known as sharps and vandan, are very similar in their composition to
oatmeal, and employed with boiled or steamed roots, they are most advantageously
and economically used. For this purpose small potatoes boiled or steamed may be
used, but in our own yard we employ mangold .wurtzel, boiled with a very small
quantity of water, until perfectly soft, and then thickened with middlings or pollard.

When soft food is used it is desirable to place it in a trough railed across at the
top, to prevent it being trodden upon by the fowls. The iron troughs made by
Barnard & Co., Norwich, with loose, removable tops, so constructed that the fowls
cannot stand upon them, are exceed- AN A N N
ingly well adapted for this purpose. 4 ا‎ А à А А AN

Animal food is sometimes given to
poultry, and a little chopped raw meat
is in many cases of sickness an ad-
mirable restorative, but when at large BARNARD'S FEEDING TROUGH.
the insects and worms naturally obtained are far superior to any more artificial
substitute. Certain London tallow-melters are constantly advertising greaves as a
food for prize poultry, we merely mention the fact to warn our readers against the
use of this substance, as it rapidly throws fowls out of condition, and renders them
totally unfit for human food.

This chapter on feeding may be not disadvantageously concluded with a view
of the composition of the various grains described, inasmuch as it may perhaps
lead to an easier understanding of the relative value of the different kinds of food
' if their constituents are stated in a tabular form, it being born in mind that such
statements are merely approximations to the truth, as the composition of grain
varies with the character of the season and the soil.

Table showing the composition of the substances employed in feeding poultry.

Flesh -form-| Warmth- | Mineral or | Husk or

: ой, | ing Food. giving Food. Bone making| Fibre. š
Every 100 rss. OF Fat or Oi (Gluten, Фо) (Qe ee Xp urhe Fibre. | Water.

Oats contains . . .
Oma... . а
PUDE Ка ть З
Middlings (fine bran). .
Barley à
Indian Corn. . .
Rees т, г
Beans and Peas .
Killer slew ik yes

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А trace.
2
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2

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This day is published, Price 8s. 64. cloth, beveled edges,

A NATURAL HISTORY

OF THE

ANIMAL KINGDOM;

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A SYSTEMATIC AND POPULAR DESCRIPTION OF THE HABITS, APPEARANCE, STRUCTURE,
AND CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMALS,

FROM THE LOWEST TO THE HIGHEST FORMS.

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“Ye Field Flowers! the gardens eclipse you, "tis true;
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For ve.waft me to summers of old,
When the earth teemed around with fairy delight,
And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sight,
Like treasures of silver and gold.”—-CAMPBELL.

4
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заў E NO

MANAGEMENT OF BREEDING STOCK.

Pr}

CHAPTER III.
MANAGEMENT OF BREEDING STOCK.

SUPPOSING our houses to be completed, our yards enclosed, and their occupants selected
with sufficient deliberation. The next inquiry is, how shall we manage the latter, so
that health and high condition may be maintained—and their progeny may be most
likely to realize the expectations which the present ardour for poultry-keeping
has encouraged ?

When separate enclosures are employed to divide the к of the poultry yard,
in consequence of more than one or several lots of the same, variety, being kept to
breed from, regulations are required that are not necessary where the stock is limited
to a cock and a few hens, enjoying their liberty. Where yards such as we have
already described are used, we should cer tainly limit the cock to three or four hens at
the utmost, supposing the birds to be intended for exhibition ; though a larger
number—say seven or eight—might properly be put with him, where the ordinary
supply of the farm or market is alone regarded. Wherever the natural advantages
of a good run, with the stray grains of the rick-yard, or the shelter and insect-food
of а shrubbery or plantation are attainable, the chickens produced, if otherwise
well cared for, should certainly offer a greater chance of proving vigorous and
handsome birds, than where the parents are limited to the narrow boundaries of an
enclosed court, beyond which no excursions are permitted.

Such, generally speaking, is the case; but at the same time we must admit that
there are numerous instances where breeding birds, constantly confined within a very
limited space, have produced chickens equal to those whose advantages in this
respect have been greater. But our readers must remember, that these results
have only been attained by diligent perseverance and long experience in manage-

ment, added to the most scrupulous avoidance of over-crowding and the most
unremitting attention to cleanliness. In most cases where a high point of excellence
has been reached, the owner himself has been the attendant ; and hence the result,
There was no trusting to “strict orders over might,” or any special directions as to
what was to be done “the very first thing in the mor ning"—-orders to be forgotten,
and directions to be disregarded, whenever pleasanter thoughts or preferable employ-
ment were placed in competition.

Competent attendants are not always to be had; many do not like the labour
in itself, and others do not possess the habits of regularity and order, by which
everything that concerns the poultry yard should be ruled. Till within the last five
or six years, little public interest was manifested generally in this subject; and

D

18 THE POULTRY BOOK.

even now we must not be disheartened if many should look scornfully on our present
task, for to quote the author of one of the most classical works on this subject :—
* Poultry has been too much undervalued as a means of study and field'of recreation.
Insignificant, and to us valueless wild animals, brought from a distance, about

whose history and habits we can learn little or nothing, are received with respectful
attention by men of education and ability, are embalmed in spirits, treasured in
museums, and portrayed by artists; but a class’of creatures inferior to few upon
the earth in beauty useful, companionable, and of great value in an economical point
of view, are disregarded and disdained." | |

One rule may be safely given—a useful one, moreover, in many other matters

besides those of which we are now speaking—and this is, never attempt to keep poultry
unless itis worth your while to give them a fair share of your attention, or without
satisfying yourself, if your time should be otherwise employed, that they have
the attention of your servants. Never keep persons who do not show, by their
activity and forethought, that they are attached to their employment, and think of
it at other times besides the periods in which they are actually engaged about it.
When you are fortunate enough to find a servant with these various qualifications
united, you may hope for success, and will probably find that many a useful
observation, as to the peculiar characteristics of the different breeds, and many a hint
that may be profitably acted on, will reward your discrimination.

But let us now suppose that all these points have been attained, and that our
yards are tenanted by birds possessing the necessary qualifications. The arrange-
ments of their establishment are still to be proceeded with, as regards attendance and
provision; and here we will detail the time and manner of feeding, with the other
daily services they require at our hands, when kept in yards of limited extent.

Fowls, like some so-called intellectual beings, do not always comprehend, that
enough is better than a feast; hence, when the over-careful master insists that his
feeding-boxes or pans are to be kept supplied with food sufficient for more
than one day's consumption, so that no hazard may be incurred by the forgetfulnes or
negligence of servants, he will not improbably have to undergo the pang of witness-
ing, at times, a stiffened carcass under the perch instead of a healthy bird upon it.

Under certain circumstances, feeding-boxes and other similar contrivances
may be desirable; butthey should always have lids or covers, to be opened or shut
at the discretion of the feeder. Some saving in food may, doubtless be effected by
feeding-boxes, especially in wet weather, when the birds are not fed under cover.
But fowls always appear to devour with more zest and satisfaction what is thrown to
them on the ground.

The following would be a good system of feeding for fowls in confined runs :—
The birds to be let out as soon after daybreak as possible, and supplied with a feed of
grain, soft food, either barley-meal or middlings mixed with steamed potatoes. Boiled
mangel wurzel, or other roots should be given once or twice during the course of the

MANAGEMENT OF BREEDING STOCK. 19

day, and supper, whether it consists of whole corn or апу preparation of pollard,
meal, or rice, should be given immediately before roosting-time. |

The following remarks are from a correspondent, whose birds are always in
excellent condition, and therefore bear witness to the success of his management :—

“I have always thought that the evening meal should be given immediately before
the fowls retire for the night; in fact, that it should form the closing act of the day.
Му reason is this, by thus allowing them a full meal at that period you ensure their
deriving the whole benefit of the heat produced by the consumption of the food,
whereby warmth is kept up аба period when the tempetature of the air is at the
lowest; and they are, in fact, made comfortable for the night."

Give a liberal allowance of cabbage leaves, or turnip-tops from the garden, or of
mangel-wurzel, or swedes from the farm. А green turf, with six inches of soil
attached to its roots, is a useful addition to their comforts, and affords amusement as
well as food. This reminds us how we were once puzzled at seeing a quantity of
loose straw lying about in some of the aviaries in the Regent's Park Zoological
Gardens. On inquiry, we were told that it was so placed to give occupation to the
birds; and certainly they appeared most busily employed with it, and they had, it
was stated, improved in health since it had been given them.

In feeding your breeding stock, never forget that it is for breeding; and though
you keep them generously, beware of the hens becoming fat. Soft eggs, inflammation
of the egg-passage, and apoplexy, are the frequent consequences of over-fatness in
the hen. It would be good practice to feed the cocks apart from their dames, for the
former can hardly be fed too highly. Discrimination is required, however, even in
feeding the hens; at moulting-time they may be put upon more generous diet.

The courts should be provided with water, deficient neither in quantity nor quality,
any of the ordinary poultry fountains may be used, the most simple being equally
efficacious with the most expensive, and all being open to the objection that they are
with diffieulty cleaned inside; a very large glazed flower-pot saucer, with one of
smaller size, perforated with а small aperture in the bottom, and inverted in the
larger, provides the cheapest and cleanest drinking-vessel we have seen.

Some convenient corner should contain a covered recess, part of which—say
eighteen inches square—should be kept filled with sifted coal or wood ashes, dried
earth, or sand ; but the former seems most popular, and is probably most effectual
in removing the insects that under various names infest our favourites. But let our
readers take good care that this receptacle, so conducive to the good health and
comfort of their pets, is secure against rain or other moisture; for if this be not
attended to, the plumage of the fowls will suffer greatly in appearance. .

Next comes the daily purification of both yards and houses. Тһе latter should,
without fail, be swept out every morning, *nd sanded down, which renders the former
process much more easy, and at the same time prevents any portion of dirt from adher-
ing to the floor. When sand is not to be had, peat charcoal, ashes, or even dried earth,

= IAAIÁI — — n:

20 THE POULTRY BOOK.

may be used; the charcoal would, of course, be beneficial, not only as a purifier but also
as a most valuable fertilizer for the garden or farm. Where kept for this purpose,
the sweepings should be placed under cover, and where the poultry are at all
numerous, they yield a valuable stock of home-made guano—an item not to be
disregarded on the credit side of the poultry account. The decomposed shell-
sand, found on many of our coasts, is excellent, and appears to be well adapted to aid
the process of digestion which the wonderful powers of the fowl's gizzard is enabled
to carry on, as they are constantly picking it up with apparent relish. Access to
a heap of old mortar rubbish (or if that is wanting, an allowance of calcined oyster |
shells), should not be forgotten.

The yard being effectually drained—both from surface and subsoil water—should
be covered with gravel, to be daily raked ; and where the space is at all limited, every
three months we would advise the removal of four inches of the surface. Good
gravel is the best of all materials; but as this is not always to be had, many substi-
tutes can be made use of, which nevertheless require to be selected with caution,
since there are several kinds of mineral refuse which may form capital walks, but are
found most injurious to poultry, which indeed, as before mentioned, require small
particles of stone or gravel to promote the digestion of their food. We have, indeed,
known frequent instances where fowls, and even ducks, have been destroyed by
the poisonous substance placed to prevent weeds from making their appearance on the
walk, and thus saving the gardener's time, but proving destructive to life in the
birds stomach. In the neighbourhood of mines, where such materials are usually

found in abundance, and extensively employed for making walks, this warning
requires special attention. In Cornwall, mundic is the mineral from which fowls are
most apt to suffer. |

With such arrangements and such management as has been described, а healthy
and vigorous stock should result, laying a large number of productive eggs.
But if it were found convenient to allow the run, in addition of an exercising ground,
such as a meadow or farm-yard, much less food would be consumed, and their
good condition the more certainly secured.

When breeding stocks are kept in small confined yards, а supply of animal
food, such as worms and insects, must not be forgotten ; and every now and then, in
their absence, a chance bone must be given as à substitute; but in confinement this
diet must be very cautiously supplied. Мапу persons, indeed, of great experience in
poultry matters, differ from us on this point; but we would remind them that such
animal substances as can be procured by the fowls when at large, by no means
resemble the tallow-melters greaves which are often given to compensate for the absence
of Nature's supply. . To young chickens, very early or very late in the season, to older
birds when moulting, or where valuable specimens have been nursed through sickness
and require some stimulus, it may be prudent to give a little chopped fresh meat daily.
But as a general rule we should be unwilling to force the system with diet of so heating

MANAGEMENT OF BREEDING STOCK. 21

a character, and one which, in their natural state, would be so differently administered.
We cannot but suspect, that, from a desire thus to force on favourite birds, such
food is too commonly given, and the consequence is not unfrequently shown in
disease of various kinds. As a rule, therefore, let animal food be reserved for such
cases only as we have alluded to. It is strange, but nevertheless true, that
cochins are skilful catchers of mice, and like them as food. We first noticed this
when moving some stacks infested by those vermin, and around which our fowls had
. assembled. If any one doubts their fondness for such meat, let him throw a dead
mouse among them and watch the result.

Hitherto we have written for those who have taken up poultry-keeping as a

fancy, and not from mere views of profit. Such persons will acknowledge that the
foregoing remarks, once established as the rule of management, their regular obser-
vance will occupy less time than they now take to read. But there are other, and
more important classes whose interest in such pursuits has received a recent stimulus,
and who now look to it as & material addition to their other sources of income.
So long, indeed, as present prices of first-class poultry continue, many experienced
persons will be found to give their best attention to breeding fowls for sale; nor is
it likely while the demand for good fowls of all varieties remains (a demand which,
instead of diminishing, seems daily on the increase), that their exertions will cease,
A regular market price appears now to be established, from which the periodical
sales by auction and the transactions of the best known breeders are found to vary
but in a trifling amount.

Since every occupier of land has unquestionable advantages, both as regards a
cheap supply of home-grown food and other facilities, it is reasonable to suppose that,
so soon as he shall turn his thoughts to the subject, he will be as anxious to obtain
early maturity, and а good return from his poultry, as he has hitherto been in the
selection of his Devons, Herefords, and Short-horns. But the care and minute
attention required for the four or five cherished inhabitants of the court are seldom
possible where the larger objects of a farm are concerned. The mere expense of the
requisite separate accomodation for a large number would probably postpone the
remunerative period too far to sanction the first outlay, although we happen to know
of one agriculturist who has entered on poultry-keeping on a large scale, and with
the successful results which have attended his other undertakings. To the farmer,
therefore, we would earnestly recommend that a cock, with five or six hens—the
best in all points that the yard contains—should be annually selected and kept
apart, and their eggs alone used for hatching. When we come to speak of eggs,
more will be said on this point; but, briefly, we would here observe that two points
would be thus gained—the best breeds only would be propagated, and all crosses
and similar mishaps avoided; and again, when the day for hatching arrives, fewer
bad eggs would disappoint your expectations. Every second year a male bird
from some other stock, but of the same variety, should be introduced; and the

22 THE POULTRY BOOK.

fresh blood thus constantly infused will serve to maintain and improve those
good points and character that first influenced the selection. According to the size
of the farm, and the comparative demand for eggs or chickens, should be the number
of hens thus kept apart. A labourer's cottage, however, with a good run, near which
there are no other fowls, would be preferable; and such facilities are often at hand.

Too frequently have we noticed, that the feathered live-stock of a farm are thought
well cared for, on those days when no rick is disturbed, and the flail and threshing-
machine are silent, if a few handfuls of waste corn are sparingly bestowed on them.
This is mistaken economy, and in the end must yield a poor return. Their daily
perambulations and unceasing activity doubtless supply a considerable portion of
what is necessary for subsistence, and they live on, but cannot be said to thrive, so
as to rejoice the heart of а cook, or become the illustrious ancestors of a long line
of first-class medallists. Favoured localities, on the other hand, are certainly found
where, from feminine influence, urged by the prospect of a new gown or other habili-
ments at Christmas—the produce of the money arising from the sale of eggs and >.
chickens, a more generous allowance is obtained, and excuses are eloquently pleaded
for depredations on the corn stacks such as would often lead, if strictly taken into
account, to an unfavourable computation of the profit and loss of the farmer's
poultry yard.

Wherever fowls have the range of the homestead, the corn allowed them should
be divided into two portions—half to be given as grain, and half as meal moistened
to the crumbling consistency we have before spoken of. The former we would give
in the morning and at mid-day; the latter at evening, when more leisure may be
had for its preparation.

But poultry-keepers may be divided into three olasses. The amateur and the
farmer have had our views of what would be found most suitable to their require-
ments in the management of their breeding stock of poultry, the cottager now re-
quires our opinion as to what may best suit his more limited means, wherever our
former directions may not happen to apply to his case.

Now, were we asked to describe the situation in which the best returns might
be expected, we should pronounce, without hesitation, for that locality where &
cottager, with the run of a neighbouring common or brake, and without any adjoining
poultry keepers, keeps some half-dozen breeding birds, which form their owner's
entire stock. This pre-supposes, however, a thrifty wife and a fair allowance
of food. All the advantages of our former arrangements are here combined—a

limited number of birds, so that constant supervision can be exercised, with liberty

to roam uncontrolled, and to enjoy all the numerous little luxuries that may fall in
their way.

It is not every one who is in possession of such an abode for his poultry ; but
whenever, in addition to these advantages, discretion and judgment in the selection
of the birds are shown, the fortunate individual will always be a dangerous competitor

THE SITTING HEN. 23

both as regards the condition of his older birds, and the vigour, growth, and form of
their offspring.

But, while expressing our opinion on this point, let us do full justice to those
whose management of their fowls, even when restricted to very narrow limits, pro-
duces such specimens as in every way merit the honours of the prizes 50 frequently
awarded them.

One of the most perfect cockerels, both in plumage and shape, that we have seen
was a six months' old white Cochin, hatched and reared in a court not exceeding
twelve feet by six, and where many of his brothers and sisters are in an equally
enviable state of health. But his owner not only knew how to manage the birds, but
did manage them himself, and though their numbers were very considerable, all
was done with his own hands; andthus, trusting to nobody, mistakes and omissions
were unknown.

But itis not often that the requirements of leisure and experience are thus united ;
and the instances are far more numerous where, after great outlay in courts, airing-
grounds, and houses, disappointment has followed ; and when the dearly-purchased
favourites, so far from improving in their appearance, manifest the unmistakable
signs of sickness and ill-health, the inquiry as to how it could have happened is made
too late.

Cochins or Spanish fowls are probably those best suited to places where
confinement must be enforced; and certainly they may be so kept in perfect health

and a profitable termination secured to the speculation, by those who understand
their business, especially where sales can be effected for them as breeding stock.

CHAPTER IV.
THE SITTING HEN.

THE cause of a hen's desiring to sit, or, to use the technical phrase, “becoming broody,"
is involved in the same mystery as other similar operations of Nature. That it is
not dependent upon any particular sensation in the hen's body, which requires to be
alleviated, would seem to be proved by the fact that instances are known of hens
that would sit whenever required. We remember such a hen in the possession of
Mr. Holroyd, who, about twenty-five years ago, was a chemist at Maldon, in Essex.
She was perfectly tame, and would sit duly at any time that her owner chose to
place her on a nest of eggs. |

The hen's desire for incubation, from whatever cause proceeding, is frequently а
great annoyance to the poultry keeper, who, perhaps, when most desirous of eggs, is

24 THE POULTRY BOOK.

perplexed by this obstinate occupation of his nesting-places for other purposes.
Many plans have been suggested to check this inclination; some of them cruel and
absurd in the extreme—such as plunging the poor hen into а bucket of cold water,
and keeping her there till half-drowned; but the cruelty that can tolerate such
practices is, moreover, constantly disappointed of its object; for the immersion of
her feverish body in the cold bath usually leaves the seeds of disease, which, in
due time, bear their certain fruit, and justly punish the unfeeling owner.

If, from any cause, itis desired to prevent a hen sitting, the most effectual means
we have yet discovered is to allow her to sit steadily on some nest eggs for a week.
At the expiration of that time, the hen may be cooped for a few days; and if, on
liberating her, she finds the nest that she was accustomed to destroyed, and the eggs
removed, she seldom takes to another. But we do not believe that this provision of
Nature can be frequently set aside without injury to the bird. Her due batch of eggs
having been completed, a period of rest to the whole system, and its produetive powers
in particular, is now designed. This we disregard when we refuse to allow the hen to
sit; and as she will again commence laying, long before the period she would have
done, had she been allowed to hatch and rear her chickens, she is unduly stimulated,
and a drain is caused on her constitution, which evidently must affect her at last.
Occasionally, when we either want her eggs, or it happens at an improper time of the
year, such as at the end of autumn or winter, we should not, of course, allow her to
gratify her inclination ; but with such fowls as manifest this desire, we should con-
sider that one brood of chickens at least, in each year, is necessary to keep them in
health and vigour. We have, indeed, often seen Cochin hens in apparent health, to
whom this license has been again and again refused, and the immediate ill effect
obviated.by a judieious system of feeding. Yet we must still think that our birds
would remain longer in & productive state, and be in better health, if they were
permitted to enjoy an annual relaxation from the egg-depositing process.

If the hen, now about to be entrusted with eggs, be of our own flock, she has
probably made her own selection of the nest: and where this is not inconveniently
situated, we should do well in allowing her to retain possession ; or, if we move her,
she may be rendered restless, and, in endeavouring to regain the place of her own
choosing, may afterwards neglect her charge. Where, however, she is a stranger,
brought to us for this special purpose and occasion, it is generally a matter of un-
certainty how far she will approve the change and steadily discharge her duty. We
have had hens that took immediately to their nests, when first brought to us; and
some, on the other hand, that no arrangement for their comfort could induce to con-
tinue with us the occupation that they had commenced elsewhere. "There is another
inconvenience attached to hens thus brought to us from other places—and that is,
when their chickens are hatched, they, as strangers to their companions, are liable
to attack, or be attacked by every hen about the place, and manifold evil con-
sequences to themselves and their progeny are the result.

THE SITTING HEN. 25

In large fowl-houses, where hundreds of poultry are kept together, a sitting-
house should be attached to their dormitories. 1f this could be so arranged as to
be merely separated by wire or lattice-work from their usual abode, and the hens
were placed in it so soon as they showed a tendency to sit, the neighbourhood of
their companions would reconcile them more quickly to the change, and there would

be less difficulty in getting them to sit closely. It is absolutely necessary, how-
ever, to secure them from the incursions of the other fowls; and this the inter-
vention of the lattice or wieker-work would effect. Where three or four hens and a
cock are the sole tenants of the house and yard, there are usually spare nests,
where the eggs can be placed without risk of injury. To make them the more
secure, however, it would be well to keep the hen shut in for a day or so, when
any other fowls that might have been in the habit of laying there would have
chosen another place.

It is the practice of many persons who have numbers of sitting hens, to remove
them from the nests at a stated hour daily, the morning being the preferable time ;
they should then be supplied with barley, ad libitum, and clean water ; if practicable,
they should be permitted to have access to a grass run, and under all circumstances
allowed to avail themselves of a dusting place; this latter luxury they are apt to '
indulge in for too long a period, so that it becomes necessary to ascertain that they
have returned to their duties in about twenty or thirty minutes. Where there are
many hens sitting the plan is advantageous, as it ensures each being fed, and prevents
the eggs being cooled by the lengthened absence of the hen at times when no food
is being given. Many persons also confine their sitting hens either by shades in
front of the nests, or by placing coops over them if on the ground, the object being
to prevent their being disturbed by the intrusion of fowls that are desirous of
laying in the same nests.

As to the exact description of nest which would be most suitable for the sitting
hens, almost every poultry keeper has some favourite arrangement of his own ; and,
provided some two or three requisites are complied with, no great harm is likely to
result from his indulging in it. The next boxes we employ are raised about six
inches from the ground, as shown in the accompanying engraving; they are fifteen
inches square, inside measurement, and the same in height, are partially closed in
front, to give greater privacy to the interior—a quality which is evidently much prized
by the occupant; and have а sloping roof or cover, so that the other hens should
not roost on it, the cover of each nest opening separately, so that the adjoining
birds may not be disturbed when it is necessary to examine it, or to remove the hen.
A ledge, two inches high, in front of the door, both prevents the eggs from rolling
out, and is a safeguard to the newly-hatched chicks, before they are removed to their
coop. The bottom of each nest consists of a sliding-board, as represented by double
lines in the engraving, to facilitate thorough cleansing. The dimensions given above
are adapted to Cochins; for the smaller breeds less room would, of course, be

E

26 THE POULTRY BOOK.

required. But it will be prudent to allow full room in any case; for a cramped

— situation is a constant cause of eggs
f h being broken, and of the first hatched
N chickens being crushed among the un-
hatched eggs, or entangled in the cast-off

I TT shells.

Such sitting-places as we have just described are found to answer well; but
much must depend on local circumstances and the arrangements which can be
carried out: many other plans are, no doubt, employed with equal success. The
recess in the chimney-corner, the unused manger, and the concealed nook in the
cart-shed, have great attractions to many hens ; and, but for the chance of accident

from the exposed situation, a better clutch may, perhaps, be expected than the more
artificially-constructed nest will always ensure.

Many of the most successful breeders prefer having the nests formed on
the ground, by placing a little soft straw, in a slight hollow; whereas others
give a preference to nests raised some few inches from the ground, solely on
account of the greater facility for the house being kept perfectly clean, by allowing the
room to reach beneath. Where the sliding wooden bottom rests on the floor, there
is the chance of its quickly rotting; nor could it be so readily inserted or withdrawn.
Be it remembered, however, the nest boxes are not to be fixtures, but each row
removeable at pleasure, though fixed securely for the time.

In early spring place at the bottom of the nest a piece of thickly-folded flannel
or drugget. This prevents the chill from any crack in the wood-work; and above
this we use a frame, as it were, of wheaten straw, finished off with a little hay. The
latter we cease to use in summer, when such precautions become unnecessary, the
straw having the advantage in point of cleanliness and freedom from vermin over
hay. Dried peat earth and ashes are also а favourite foundation for sitting nests
with many, and are very advantageous from being retentive of heat. : |

But after all it cannot be denied, when we look at the secret places sometimes
selected by the hen herself for incubation, and yet observe that at the expiration
of the allotted time, the number of young led forth tallies pretty nearly with
the eggs deposited, that fewer eggs are to be found in an addled state in
such cireumstances, than when they are selected and placed under the intended
mother. We have reason to believe, indeed, that whatever care may be taken in
keeping eggs, their vitality is better preserved when they are allowed to remain in
the nest. Perhaps the periodical visits of the hen while adding to her store of eggs
has a stimulating influence. The warmth communicated in the half hour during

which she occupies the nest, may have а tendency to preserve the embryo in a

vigorous state.
Тһе Cochin fowl possesses one great recommendation as а sitter, in the soft and
abundant supply of downy feathers that so specially distinguish their race, for

THE SITTING HEN, 27

under no other hens do the eggs appear to maintain a higher or more constant
temperature.

If removed out of their usual habitation for the purpose of incubation, close
them in their nest by lowering the slide, which should be well perforated with air-
holes; and in hot weather slightly raising the lid of the nest to ensure & full
allowance of air. If this is done for two or three days, giving them liberty once
in the twenty-four hours, there will be little risk of their mistaking their retreat.

From the shortness of their legs and the density of their fluff, the best breeds of
Cochins are especially suited for sitting. They will thoroughly cover thirteen of
their own eggs; and though the larger varieties might be equal to a greater
number, thirteen would, in all cases, probably be a wise limitation, and result in
the best and healthiest broods. Ап egg imperfectly covered by the hen while
sitting, of course marks the excess beyond the proper number that should have
been allowed her: and, as all in turn are likely to be thus more or less exposed,
the whole brood often suffers from the unwise desire to get an extra chick.

When very early broods are required, either for exhibition in the chicken classes
at the summer poultry shows, or for table use, every precaution should be taken to
` keep up an adequate temperature. The nest should be based on a deep foundation of
ashes or earth, or a thick freshly-cut turf may be placed beneath the straw ; by these
means the escape of the heat is greatly prevented, and consequently a more uniform
and higher temperature secured; the number of eggs also should be much reduced,
seven or eight being an ample number during January and February, as, even
supposing а larger number of chickens to be produced, they suffer greatly when
about a month old, from being inadequately covered by the hen at night.

For the purpose of securing early broods, it is necessary to retain a sufficient
number of early hatched pullets of the previous year, these generally begin to lay,
if well-fed, about November or December, and become broody in January or
February. The prejudice against setting young hens is not founded on observation,
for we have invariably found that they sit equally well with older birds.

When hens lay away, and escape discovery in so doing, the number of eggs laid
before they sit is usually found to vary from nine to eighteen. If there are more,
it is almost always a partnership business. Where it is desirable to induce а hen
to sit early, her eggs should be left with her; and so soon as the number, be it
more or less, appears satisfactory to her, she is generally eager to commence her
task; but this requires the bird to be kept by herself, or at least where others are
not in the habit of laying in the same nest. When the hen takes to her nest, it is
best to let her remain there, in most cases, for forty-eight hours, without giving
her eggs; for at times they commence somewhat irregularly, coming off two or
three times during the first day or so, and often going to perch the first night,
though they had occupied the nest during the whole day. At the end of this
period—or earlier if she manifests continued steadiness—the nest being duly pre-

28 THE POULTRY BOOK.

pared, the eggs may be given her, and this is most quietly accomplished by lifting
her off at night, when the eggs may be placed in the nest, and the hen replaced,
without any risk of their being broken by her struggles.

It is essential, also, that a hen, when she manifests a disinclination to leave
her eggs, should be taken off, as otherwise the functions of nature are either checked
and her health injured, or else the interior of the nest suffers, and the eggs are put
in jeopardy. Scanty, ill-conditioned broods are usually the production of hens with
this habit. |

Good sitters seldom or never leave their nests more than once а day, provided they
are well fed when they come off ; and they seldom remain away longer than from a
quarter to half an hour, rarely exceeding the latter period, unless food has not been
supplied ànd they have to forage for themselves.

The time a sitting hen may remain absent from the nest without injury to the
eggs, depends on so many contingent causes, such as the season of the year, and
the particular stage of development at which the embryo has arrived, that it would
be impossible to give а decided statement. Ап absence of from twenty minutes to
half an hour is as much as should be encouraged; but this may often be prolonged
to several hours without the inevitable destruction of the brood. It is well known
to comparative anatomists that, during development, the embryo passes through all
the phases of animal life, beginning with the simplest, and gradually becoming more
and more complex in its organization; so that if it were possible to arrest its
growth at any intermediate day and sustain its life, an animal of lower class would
be produced—a circumstance that yearly occurs before our eyes in the case of the
common frog, the eggs of which hatch, not into air-breathing reptiles, with lungs,
but into lungless fish, геврігіпе by means of perfect gills, familiarly known to
us as tadpoles. In the simplest forms of animal existence life can be main-
tained at а much lower temperature than in the higher; and, therefore, at the earlier
periods of sitting the hen may be absent for a prolonged time without injury,
whereas a much shorter neglect of her duties would be fatal nearer the day of
hatching. But where we found a hen heedless of her charge, and requiring to be
frequently driven towards her nest, we would avoid employing her again as a sitter.
We have had hens, however, in our possession whom we have, day by day, been
obliged to take off, as no inducement was sufficient to lead them to do so of their
own accord. Doubtless the main object in this periodical excursion is to obtain
the necessary sustenance for supporting life in the bird herself. But another object
is also served; for by the contraction of the air in the air vesicle, when the hen
leaves the nest, and the eggs are cooled, a fresh supply of air enters, which we may
suppose advantageous to the enclosed chick; and it has been found desirable, by
those who have employed artificial incubators, to remove the eggs from the machine
during half an hour daily, so as to imitate, as far as possible, the natural cooling.

Daily examine each nest, when the hen is off. Ап egg шау be broken, and the

€

ee

THE SITTING HEN. 29

fragments of shell may dry on the others, in places where the first efforts of the
young chicks to free themselves may be attempted ; and this double casing proving
too much for their beaks, they eventually die in the shell. The hen, moreover—
either unable to resist the gratification of her appetite, or to remove the offensive
fragments—sometimes devours them, and is induced afterwards to try another whole
one. Whenever the nest is found in a dirty state, from this or апу other cause,
take à bowl of tepid water, and with a piece of flannel wash the eggs, gently
removing any substance that may be found adhering to them, replacing them again
in the nest, having previously furnished it with clean straw. Do not let the tem-
perature of the water exceed that of new milk, and, when perfectly dry, get the eggs
under the hen at once, so that no chill may happen. It is unnecessary to add that,
where this is neglected, the fetid atmosphere is as injurious to the hen as offensive
to the proprietor. In this daily inspection, count the eggs over, so that if by
accident another hen may have gained entrance into the forbidden precincts, her
deposit may be at once removed, the originals having been duly marked by making
a ring around their circumference, which is visible in every position of the egg.
If from any cause the egg of a valuable fowl has been slightly cracked within a
few days of hatching, it may be worth while to plaster up the fracture with a piece
of paper and gum, as numerous instances are on record where such eggs have
hatched in due time, and the progeny flourished.

Our own practice is to examine the eggs at the end of a week, and remove those
not fertile; this is readily accomplished by taking а candle into the sitting-house
at night, and on holding the eggs near the flame, sheltering the eye at the same
time from the direct action of the light, the sterile eggs are readily distinguished,
being correctly described by the adjective clear, which is usually applied to them;
those which are fertile are at that time perfectly opaque. А little practice renders
the distinction easy. The clear eggs being removed, more room remains for those
that are fertile, and they receive a greater share of warmth. Those who follow this
plan will find it advantageous to sit two hens on the same day, and if, on examining
both nests at the expiration of a week, many sterile eggs are discovered, the whole
of the remainder may be given to one hen, and a fresh setting placed under the other.

In Cornwall, it is usual to test the eggs on the eighteenth or nineteenth day, by
placing them in a bowl of tepid water; the stronger ones are in immediate motion,
bobbing and reeling on the smooth surface, for the vessel must be kept perfectly
still. These wiped, and returned to the hen, the fainter movements of the rest
should be watched, and similarly treated ; but where no indication of life is given
by any motion whatever, the sun or a candle is employed to reveal the contents, and
finally a conclusive shake with a gurgling echo removes all doubt; but when the

clear eggs are removed on the eighth day, the proceeding is not required, and from

the hazard of chilling the eggs by too low, or injuring them by too high, а tem-
perature, the plan is, in our opinion, decidedly objectionable.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

Непе” eggs are said to hatch on the completion of the twenty-first day ; but
where the eggs are fresh, the sitter attentive, and the weather warm, this period is
frequently reduced by several hours. We should think the brood an indifferent one,
where the eggs were placed under the hen at roosting-time, if it did not present
many billed eggs at least on the evening of the twentieth day; and the next morning
the majority should be out and strong. The chickens are constantly heard chir-
ruping within their prison some hours before the least sign of their beaks are

visible, during which time they are at work upon their covering. Where the young
bird is vigorous and healthy, it works round the top of the shell till it has cut out
a sort of flap or cover, dividing it into two unequal parts; the smaller one is
pushed back, though on one side it is attached by the interior membrane to the
larger; in this manner exit is effected. In the morning the two parts are constantly
found packed away, one within the other, occupying the smallest possible amount of
room, if the hen has not already ejected them.

“ Let well alone" is here a wise maxim ; but our rule is to examine how matters
stand, as the hour approaches, when the period of twenty-one days has passed ; and
if eggs are found billed, but the chickens within in a weak state, assistance should
be given by widening the breach. If eggs are found without any indication of life
within, but apparently not addled, break the shell cautiously and as near the usual
position of the bill as possible; but we are commonly presented with a dead chick,
or one where from weakness the yolk has not been properly absorbed. Its chances
for life, therefore, are but slight. Strong, full-grown chickens are at times found
lifeless, from inability to break the inner film, which in many cases would seem to
present more difficulty than the shell itself.

But let us speak plainly, both as to when we ате to assist the chicken in
emerging from its shell, and how we are to perform this delicate operation.

The first should be at the expiration of the twenty-first day, when the shell is
yet whole and the bird appears to be weak. А small pair of scissors, with rather
blunted points, to prevent the hazard of punctures from a slip, is а good instrument
to use. Gently removing back the edge of the shell to a sufficient distance, proceed
to the inner film or membrane inclosing the bird, whose beak alone is often the only

part visible. This must be cut, as rolling it back might rupture some of the small

blood-vessels, not yet taken up, and which are situated in immediate contiguity to
this covering; and a loss of blood is so severe a drain at this early period, that
recovery 18 rarely witnessed when this has happened. Separating, and softly pushing
back this skin, we release the head; and place the egg again beneath the hen; but
having once begun, we must continue to aid nature; and every two hours, sometimes
more frequently, till the bird is out or dead, we must inspect it, and further relieve
it from the pressure of the membrane, which is so apt to dry and harden round the
chick, as to require constant moistening to enable it to make its efforts with success,
But this treatment must have a successful issue within three or four hours, or the

THE SITTING HEN. 31

exhaustion of the prolonged operation proves fatal. In the case of the unbilled bird,
the shell should be gently removed at the thick end of the egg, proceeding as before.

Whenever eggs are hatching well, or even fairly, leave them alone; but if, at
the last, after the due period, you find some two or three eggs in this weakly state,
while their brothers and sisters are active and vigorous in their new form, it may be
worth while to give some cautious assistance—as the chance of life, if you withhold
it, is faint indeed. The process is not an agreeable one, and a mummy from the
Great Pyramid would be a more pleasant subject for unrolling than à weakly chicken
from its egg.

If chickens thus treated survive the first night, there is a fair chance for rearing
them; for injuries received during the hatching process, and the consequence of
such assistance as we have now described, either prove fatal within the twenty-four
hours, or, if the patient outlives that period, its natural vigour enables it to keep
pace with the rest of the brood, which came into the world under happier circum-
stances. We have spoken of the twenty-first day as the limit; after which, if our
chickens are not then out of the shell, we should only expect a weak and sickly
brood, if indeed they are hatched at all.

Itis convenient to have two hens hatching at the same time; for not only if
accidents happen may the two broods be united, but on the hatching day it con-
stantly occurs that, to prevent the newly-born chicks being crushed by eggs that are
behind time, we wish to give all that are hatched to one hen, while the other takes
charge of the eggs alone. Not only does this give security to the chicks, who run
great hazard of being crushed by the eggs if they are kept for any prolonged space
under their mother, but the unhatched eggs also stand a far better chance; for when
a hen finds chickens under her, she sits higher from the eggs, and less warmth is
afforded them at the time they require most.

So far, then, for the sitting hen, and her management at that interesting period ;
but we shall be expected to say something of those artificial contrivances that have
been introduced for converting the egg into a chicken.

The Egyptians—both of ancient as well as modern days—were the first adepts
in the artificial modes of hatching. Their apparatus was a large oven, with the
means of regulating the temperature of the bed of sand in which the eggs were
deposited. Mr. Cantelo's hydro-incubator is a substitute for the sand, and many a
poultry-fancier has experimentally imitated this apparatus, in the lamp and hollow
tin box, formed on the principle of a common glue pot, in which, surrounded by
water, his dozen eggs were deposited, and day by day anxiously watched.

The hatching part of the business presents no difficulty, the principal point, of
course, being the maintenance of a uniform temperature ; but when the chickens
attain the age of two or three weeks, then we are made aware how hard is the task
of substituting other means for those designed by Providence. However strong

before, then inevitably comes the drooping wing, the heavy eye, and the slouching

32 THE POULTRY BOOK.

carriage, which tell their own tale—in spite of gutta-percha chicken-mothers, and
a host of similar apologies for maternal warmth and care. With poultry as with
game, we know how seldom the youug are successfully reared in great quantities for
two successive seasons on the same spot. To give artificial hatching a chance of
proving а remunerative speculation, it must be done on a large scale. Here we
fnd another obstacle: the ground is soon tainted, and before the chickens are
sufficiently old to be sent out to walk, the seeds of disease are sown, and a rapid
reduction of their numbers quickly ensues. We should find enough of disappoint-
ment in endeavouring to rear а dozen chickens 50 hatched; but far beyond the mere
numerical proportion would be our dissatisfaction were the experiment made with
full trays of even a moderate-sized apparatus, whether of Mr. Cantelo's or of any
other description.

As an exceedingly clever mechanical imitation of a natural process, it certainly
merits our approbation ; but until we can rear as well as hatch them, chickens for
the million must be reserved for the discoveries of future years. The present pro-

prietors thus allude to the merits of their machine :—
* It is not pretended that the Patent Incubator will hatch and bring up every
egg to а fowl. From 12 to 80 per cent., after great experience, has been found to

be the discount. А one-tray machine will enable the party who properly attends to
it to produce on an average 73 birds to the hatch—eighteen of these in the year
being 1350 fowls—a very different result, indeed, to а hen which sits but twice in
the twelve months, and does not rear up eight chickens at a hatch! А two-tray
Ineubator and one Mother will produce 2700 a-year, and so on in proportion—a
thousand eggs' machine being capable of producing 13,500 full-grown fowls per
annum. There is nothing in the principle to prevent millions of eggs being hatched
eighteen times in a year, by one machine."

Nothing, let it be observed, is here said as to the main point of issue—the
number of chickens actually reared. :

Has poultry, we ask, been rendered cheaper by artificial hatehing? Now the
only evidence to prove this satisfactorily would be a balance sheet of poultry thus
raised, fed, and sold; and this document is not fortheoming. Мог are we acquainted
with any practical man who has continued to employ incubators for any length of
time; and the poultry farm, originally established by the projectors, has been long
relinquished.

«ою Publishing, to be continued in Monthly Parts till completed,
Price Ealf-a-Crown each,

. CONTAINING FOUR CAREFULLY-COLOURED GROUPS,

BRITISH WILD FLOWERS,

WITH THEIR DESCRIPTIONS. *

ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE NATURAL SYSTEM,

BY MRS. LOUDON.
ILLUSTRATED BY Н. NOEL HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

4.
*

* Ye Field Flowers! the gardens eclipse you, 'tis true;
Yet, wildings of Nature, I doat upon you ;
For ye waft me to summers of old, -
When the earth teemed around with fairy delight,
And when daisies and buttereups gladdened my sight,
Like treasures of silver and gold.” —CAMPBELL.

24.
e : Y

Тив present Work was undertaken under the impression that a selection of the more beautiful and
attractive of our Wild Flowers, with Illustrations of them, would be usefulto those who have neither
time nor opportunity of consulting larger works on the subject. In order to confine herself within the
necessary limits, the Authoress found she could only take the most ornamental Plants, avoiding, as inter-
fering with her other Works, any Flowers commonly found in the Garden, her chief object being to
enable the Amateur Botanist, who might find a pretty or interesting flower growing wild in their
rambles, to ascertain its name and history. In addition to such details, a few remarks on the botanical
construction of most of the plants have been offered, in the hope of inducing such readers as might be
unacquainted with Botany to study so charming a science.

The volume presents to the reader almost all the information which is absolutely necessary for a
general knowledge of this branch of the subject; the reader will likewise пібеб here with remarks
regarding the great question of education, in which the Authoress indulges the hope that the botanieal
construction of plants, and the study of the science of Botany in general, may become a braneh of general
education.

‘Nothing, I must confess," writes the Authoress, “ would give me more pleasure than to see Botany
as commonly taught in girls’ schools, as French and music are at present; and I think it more than
probable that in another generation it will be so—as, though the Linnean system was unfit for females,
there is nothing objectionable in the Natural Arrangement; and the prejudice against botanical names
is every day declining, from the number of beautiful plants exhibited at flower shows, which have no
English appellations. І sincerely hope the time may arrive, though probably I shall not live to see it,
when a knowledge of Botany will be considered indispensable to every well-educated person."

In the systematic arrangement of the plants, the Authoress has followed Dr. Lindley's Synopsis of the
British Flora, which few botanical students are without; and few genera are omitted, except such as do
not contain any ornamental plants, or only include such plants as are rarely met with growing wild in
Great Britain. While the Natural System is adopted in this work, it has also been borne in mind that
many books of a leading character are arranged according to the Linnean system; the Authoress has
therefore added the Linnean class and order of each genus, with a few words explanatory of the terms
as they occur. : cie

The volume is illustrated with sixty plates, representing nearly three hundred of the rarest ornamental
wild flowers, drawn.by Mr. Noel Humphreys, and carefully coloured after his drawings, grouped so as
to form bouquets of flowers. The volume contains besides, descriptions of nearly all our known indi-
genous flowering plants, and a copious index, which completes the general attraction and utility of the work.

LONDON: WM. 5. ORR & CO., AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW.

#
#

PART IEL] PRICE ONE SHILLING.

INCLUDING

PIGEONS AND RABBITS.

COMPRISING THE

CHARACTERISTICS, MANAGEMENT, BREEDING, AND MEDICAL
| TREATMENT OF POULTRY;

: BEING
THE RESULTS OF PERSONAL OBSERVATION AND PRACTICE OF THE REV. У. W. WINGFIELD,

G. W. JOHNSON, ESQ.,

AND THE MOST CELEBRATED BREEDERS OF THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES.

THE PIGEONS AND RABBITS BY MR. HARRISON WEIR,

AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PHILOPERISTERON SOCIETY,

THE WHOLE RE-ARRANGED, AND PARTLY RE-WRITTEN, BY
MR. W. B. TEGETMEIER.
WITH

COLOURED REPRESENTATIONS OF THE MOST CELEBRATED PRIZE BIRDS, AND FAC-SIMILES
OF ALL THE MOST ESTEEMED VARIETIES OF PIGEONS AND RABBITS,

DRAWN FROM LIFE

BY MR. HARRISON WEIR,

Am Printed in Сайнаа mer his Superintendente.

LONDON:
Wu. 5. ORR AND Co, AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW.

MDCCCLVI,

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THE PROPERTY. OTF FOZ

STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG.

*

CHAPTER V.
STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG.

Bzvoxp the fact that an egg consists of yolk, white, and shell, little is popularly

known respecting its structure ; and even a less amount of knowledge prevails regard-

ing the changes that occur in it during the development of the embryo. In these, as
in all other cases, ignorance leads to serious errors in management, and consequently
We have, therefore, deemed it desirable to enter, somewhat

to severe losses in practice.
into this interesting and com-

more fully than is usually done in popular works,
paratively unknown subject.

The most important structures in the eg
cavity, surrounded by the concentric halones, so readily seen after it has been boiled
ten or twelve minutes; upon the yolk is placed the cicatricula or germinal membrane,
with the several delicate accessory structures indicated in the following diagram.
The yolk is surrounded by a distinct membrane, and is kept in such a position that
the cicatricula is always on its upper surface; this is aecomplished by its being
balasted by the two chalaze, which are heavier than the fluid albumen in which they
yolk being lighter. The albumen, or white of the egg, is surrounded

g are—the yolk, with its canal and central

are placed, the
by the membrane of the shell, the two layers of which divide at the large end, leaving

a cavity known as the air-vesicle; this is small in a new-laid egg, but gradually
enlarges as the fluid portion of the albumen evaporates through the pores of tho
shell; and thus by its increasing size affords an approximate but unfailing indica-
tion of the length of time the egg has been laid. |

The shell itself consists chiefly of carbonate of lime, which is secreted in polygonal
prisms regularly packed together, their ends forming the outer and inner surfaces of
the shell; they are so placed as to leave spaces, through which the air readily enters
to support the life of the growing chick. During the process of incubation, a very
remarkable change occurs in the shell, its structure being almost entirely broken up—
the arrangement of the prisms becoming confused and irregular in the highest
degree. This change of structure occasions the cracked sound given out on moving
together eggs that are nearly hatched; and the object of the alteration is evidently
to allow an easier escape to the young bird.

When a fecundated egg is placed under a hen, or deposited in an incubator and
subjected to a temperature of about 100° Fah., the cicatricula undergoes a remarkable
series of alterations, being gradually developed into the perfect chick. During the
period required for the complete development, various chemical and physical changes

-oceur, the most important of which may be briefly alluded to; the air-vesicle at the
F

34 ` THE POULTRY BOOK,

end gradually becomes larger, the fluid portion of the albumen evaporates, and the
remainder, much thickened, mingles with the yolk, passing through an aperture in the
membrane of thelatter. During the development of the chicken, its nourishment is
derived chiefly from the yolk ; and shortly before birth the remainder of the yolk is
drawn into the abdomen, and passing into the digestive canal, constitutes the first
food of the newly-hatched animal. During incubation the blood of the chick is
aerated by passing through а series of vessels in a temporary respiratory membrane
which lines the porous shell; this
makes its appearance on the third
day, and gradually extending, gives
rise to that opacity of the fertile
egg which has been already alluded
to. It is not until the nineteenth
day of incubation that the beak of
the chick ruptures the enlarged air-
vesicle, and 1t then first commences
to breathe by means of its lungs.

STRUCTURE OF THE EGG. This is accompanied by a peculiar

. Shell, 8. Membrane of yolk.
. Shell membrane, composed | 9. Halones, seen in hard-
of two layers, splitting at boiled yolk. to Dr. Horner, of Hull, for the
the broad end to form the | 10. Central cavity. following abstraet of a paper on this

air-chamber. 11, Canal. á : ?
. Air-chamber, 12. Discus proligerus. subject which was read by him be-

. Third albumen, 13. Nucleus eicatrieule. — ^ fore the British Association for the
. Consistent albumen, 14. Cicatricula or germinal 5

Chalazıe ета. Advancement of Science :—
— Ses “1 think Tur POULTRY Book the

fittest medium for the promulgation of a fact, or rather discovery, on a subject

sound ; and we feel much indebted

concerning which views altogether erroneous prevail;—I mean the manner in
which the chick first breaks, and liberates itself from, the shell.

“It is universally believed that the continued ' tapping -like sound, so perceptible
within the egg, is produced by the bill of the bird constantly striking or coming in
contact with the shell, in its efforts to break it. Indeed, philosophers and naturalists,
both of this and other countries,—even those who have most recently written on the
development, &c., of the chick,—have stated that such is the case; whilst the latest
authors on Domestic Poultry have, in their works, stated the same error.- “The

tapping which is heard, writes the Rev. Mr. Dixon, “and which opens the prison
doors, is caused by the bill of the inclosed chick ;' similar language being employed
by all others. |
“Though opposed to the many great authorities who have written on this subject,
and opposed, also, to the adopted views of all, I do not hesitate to assert, in contra-
vention, the facts as observed by myself, especially as such facts can be so simply

and so readily tested and substantiated by every one,

STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EGG. 85

“ Whilst recently engaged in some investigations concerning the young chick, at
various periods of its growth in the egg, I was led to doubt the correctness of the
common explanation of the (so-called) tapping-like sound, from observing, first, that
it was so continuous, or prolonged, it being heard for about forty-eight hours before
a fracture in the egg was made, thus involving an amount of labour and effort on the
part of the young tenant not commensurate with the small effect produced—a small
fracture; when the whole remaining circle of the egg could be seen to be broken
often in from two to six hours; and, secondly, as the slightest scratch or tap with
the nail, or similar hard substance, on an egg, produces, when the ear is applied, a
very much louder sound than that made by the chick, I considered that the tapping,
if really produced by strokes of the bill breaking the shell, ought to be threefold
more distinct and louder than they really are.

“The facts are simply these :—The so-called repeated * tapping ' is not caused by
the stroke, nor by any other mode of contact of the chick's bill with the shell—it is
simply respiratory, and produced during the expiration of the breath. Perhaps the
more homely words, “clicking,” or ‘ smacking, would more accurately define the
sound; it exactly resembles that which may be made by puffing small quantities of
air through the closed lips, as in the aet of smoking; and, indeed, from my own
observation, I conclude that it is produced in а manner analogous, by the air passing,
at each expiration, through the lungs of the tender chick.

“Tt is further observable that the so-called ‘tapping’ (truly respiratory) sound
begins to be heard, though indistinctly at first, at that very period of ineubation, at
which physiologists state that air first enters the lungs, viz. on the nineteenth day,
or two days before hatehing. І also remarked that the sound in question was some-
times heard, not as a single, but as a double sound ; the latter of the two being louder

than the former, and thus corresponding to the expiration and. inspiration of the

breath.

* [ perceived that the egg was really broken (at first with a star-like fracture) by
oceasional smart blows with the horny tip of the bill, and which impinged, with no
inconsiderable power, against the shell, as amy one may satisfy himself by placing
the ear close to the opening just made. At the period of hatching the chick obtains
great additional space in the egg; by which it is enabled to make enlarged efforts.
Thus, by the nineteenth day (by which I mean two days before it liberates itself), 16
is seen to occupy the smallest space in the egg; nearly one-third, at the larger end,
is at this time filled with air only ; but now, by its frequent struggling efforts, the
chick gradually works itself up till it fills the whole space; and by this partial un-
packing, as it-were, of itself, acquiring more liberty for action. "
On pressing the egg against the ear it will be found that the young chick
breathes, when first heard, about eighty times in a minute, as denoted by the
‘tapping,’ or respiratory sound; but afterwards generally not more than sixty. It
makes the struggling efforts five or six times per minute, while the sharp strokes

36 THE POULTRY ВООК.

with the bill, by which it breaks the shell, are repeated at unequal intervals of from
one to five minutes: І perceived that sometimes these strokes were repeated in
immediate succession. The action of the heart is so rapid that it cannot be counted
with accuracy ; it is in ratio with the quick breathing.

* The chick gradually works itself round in the shell during its struggles, breaking
it in its progress, till at length the upper portion, lid-shaped, is detached. In this
process the ‘tapping,’ or breath sound, generally, though not always, continues; and
any one may, at this stage, satisfy himself by observation that it is only by the
occasional blows with the bill, suddenly and forcibly made, and generally at the
commencement or at the termination of the struggle, that the shell is broken.

“І shall now detail the simple expedients by which І proved that the ‘tapping’
was not caused ‘by the contact of the chick's bill with the shell.’

“І broke a small hole in the round end of the egg, when the * tapping’ was
distinctly audible. M. Reamur, unluckily, satisfied himself with but holding the egg
before the light of a candle; had he thus broken a hole in the shell, when he
examined it, he would have avoided his error. By this means I saw the bill in situ,
and plainly perceived that, though the sound continued, the bill itself did not come
in contact with the shell. Nay, in some early instances, the sound was heard before
the bill was visible, or had protruded through the enveloping membrane. "Го satisfy
myself again I watched in other examples, till a small fracture had been made in the
shell by the chick; this breach I then enlarged considerably, breaking away the shell
so as to bring the bill of the chick into open view—to isolate it, indeed, and to pre-
vent the possibility of its coming in contact with the shell—still the same ‘ tapping’
sound continued as before; and, as I now clearly saw, was produced solely by the
breathing of the chick. Further remark would be wholly superfiuous.

“ It appears to me probable that the reduction in the frequency of the tapping or
noisy respiration, soon after I had made an enlarged opening in the shell, was
dependent upon the free admission of the pure atmospheric air, by the vivifying
influence of which the respiratory organs speedily gained a more perfect and normal
action. In some cases the sound ceased for a while, when a free aperture had thus
been made; and the chick gaped widely and repeatedly, as if expanding its lungs
with air. In the weakest chickens I generally found that the respiratory sound was
most continuous ; indicative, I conceive, of less power in the respiratory organs to
gain a more perfect action.

“ As the yet strongest proof that this sound is respire беў, І found that by placing
the ear or the stethoscope against the breast or back of the chick, the day after it was
hatched, precisely the same sound was heard, proving incontestably that it is caused by
the transmission of air through the lungs. It is, indeed, nothing more than the natural
respiratory sound in the lungs of the young chick."—F. В. Horner, M.D., Hull.

MANAGEMENT OF CHICKEN.

CHAPTER VI.
MANAGEMENT OF CHICKEN.

WERE we to take a chick some three or four hours after leaving the shell—so soon,
in fact, as it is dry—and compare it with an egg the same in size as that from which
it had issued, we might well wonder how 3t could have been packed away in so limited
anabode. One cause of this amazing increase of size 1s evident; the down covering
it, while wet, is easily compressed, and lies fiat on the body; but when dried by the
mothers warmth it resembles plush, with a long thick pile, proving а most efficient
protection against cold, and of great apparent bulk.

If some of the chickens have been withdrawn from the nest during the first day,
while the hen is concluding her task with any rather backward eggs, let them, at all
events, be returned to her when the houses are closed for the night. Do what you
will—contrive the snuggest retreats of flannel, and place them in the warmest nooks

you eannot provide for them so well as the hen; and weakly as the little things

may appear, if she is a good mother, and understands her business, we shall probably

find them strong and hearty the next morning ; but if otherwise, the chances most
assuredly are that our coddling could have done no good.

When we find the hen careless, or trampling on her chickens before all are out of
the shell, it is certainly prudent to withdraw them till night, both that her attention
may be given exclusively to the remaining eggs, and that the juveniles may run no
hazard from her ill-considered excitement and irritation. А hot-water plate, covered
with several layers of flannel to moderate the heat, and placed in a basket in a warm
тоот, is a good proxy for their mother till the approach of evening restores her to a
safer state of composure. Food will be neither required nor beneficial; the favourite
applications of warm beer, peppercorns, and other warming condiments, are worse
than useless. Nature, it would seem, provides a sufficiency of nutriment in the yolk
of the egg, taken up by the chick previously to quitting the shell, to last for the
twenty-four hours after its exit. We have never seen food pressed upon them during
this period with advantage; nor do we believe it is at all desirable to force the appe-
tite, which is sure to make its wants known at a sufficiently early period. Impress
this rule on your servant, and also act upon it yourself. Avoid all unnecessary
handling of newly-hatched chicks; if they have been removed from the nest, keep
them warm and quiet. If with the hen, it renders her at once anxious and fidgety ;
and more than once have we seen the blow, aimed at the fingers that were about to
remove or replace the chickens, miss its aim, and fall upon the unoffending
offspring.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

The evening of the day on which a hen has hatched is the best time for changing

chickens to and from different mothers; at a later period, many hens will have
nothing to say to them, and even violently maltreat them; but now the more you
can place beneath them, the better they seem pleased. Not that we would ask too
much of one, and deprive another hen; for when the latter has completed the pro-
cess of incubation, it seems but just that she should have her reward in the happi-
ness that the attendant brood so palpably affords; so, where we found eight or nine
chickens, we would leave them ; nor should more than thirteen, or at the most fifteen,
be given to any one mother. We all occasionally find ourselves “counting our
chickens before they are hatched,” and frequently the deficiency is serious. Not
desiring, therefore, to see our favourite hens perambulating the court with too scanty
a train, we take this opportunity of uniting them with some other brood; and, pro-
viding the chicks are nearly of an age, little danger is incurred. We are speaking,
be it remembered, of hens that have just hatched. If two hens, indeed, hatch the
same day, and their united progeny do not exceed thirteen or fifteen, our plan is to
unite them, provided the weather is warm, for at an early period of the year the
smaller number is more advantageous.

When mortality of any kind has so thinned a brood of ten days or a fortnight
old, that it appears desirable to place them with some newly-hatched chickens, the
hen, at first, frequently offers no opposition to this addition to her family ; but her
own rightful progeny, though but a day old, will often manifest so decided a disinclina-
tion to their foster-brothers and sisters, as to direct their mother's attention to the
intruders, whose fate is soon decided, unless quickly removed.

Let our readers, however, remember that Cochins only are generally disposed to
allow chickens to be thus palmed upon them; with other varieties а fractured skull
is a common result of the experiment. Мапу, indeed, will at once attack your hand
with the utmost exasperation, when introduced for any purpose into the nest.

On the day which follows hatching, the food of chickens becomes a matter of
consequence. Although, on the whole, sloppy mixtures of any kind may be ob-
jectionable, a saucer of bread and new milk is at first decidedly useful,—care being
taken that it is not left with them so long as to run any chance of its becoming
sour. With this, coarse oatmeal made into a crumbly mass with milk or water,
chickens' grits, bread-crumbs, a portion of hard-boiled egg, and dry fresh-made curd,
are the safest diet for two or three days, when small refuse wheat should be added;
the sweepings of a barn, for instance, where the grains have been partially broken,
soon draw their attention to this new article of food, to which no other is preferred,
and none administered with better effect. Rice— boiled for six minutes, kept well
stirred when on the fire, and afterwards carefully drained—is also given; and all
fowls of every age, whether of Eastern origin or otherwise, greedily devour it, and
although very inferior as a nutritive food, is useful as a variation. |

No poultry-keeper can have failed to notice the avidity with which a young

MANAGEMENT OF CHICKEN. 39

chicken pursues, and, if successful, devours the incautious fly or gnat that has
ventured within its reach; and many, in consequence, are induced to add. animal
food to their chickens’ bill of fare. This we cannot approve of, save only in special
eases of a very cold season early in the year, and where close confinement has been
necessary. We objected to it when speaking of the management of breeding stock,
and do во still more strongly when it is proposed to administer it to chickens, believing
that disease often arises from diet so wholly different from what nature would have
provided, in the shape of worms or insects. Leeks and green onion-tops, shredded
small, should not be omitted: they are excellent from the earliest days of chicken-
hood, and are best mixed with bread-crumbs, or the meal which is. given in the
crumbly state, before spoken of.

In ten days or a fortnight good barley comes into use,—not such as has heated
in the stack or sprouted in the field ; but the best quality you can obtain, and the
highest price given for it will probably be the best economy. Damaged corn may,
indeed, be consumed by adult poultry; but we still think, even with their marvellous
powers of digestion, that some hazard is thereby incurred, and we should always
rather see our pigs devouring it, with the full satisfaction that the few shillings
employed in procuring the best quality were profitably bestowed.

Whatever meal is used should be mixed with water—for very young chickens
new milk would be preferable—til it becomes a crumbly mass, falling readily to
pieces when thrown to them. Hemp-seed is often strongly recommended, but
should be given only occasionally, and then with caution, lest its heating pro-
perties inflame the skin, and thus impede feathering. Buck-wheat, especially when
boiled, and linseed are a useful change ; for with poultry, as with all the other live-
stock of our farm-yard, variety in food is essential to their well-doing. Of all green
food, none exceeds the leaves of lettuce, to which many a vacant corner in the
garden might be wisely devoted ; and, next to these, the leaves of cabbage and mangel-
wurzel have the preference. But few things of this sort come amiss to them; and
when a grass exercising-ground is at hand, the smaller and finer the oft-topped
blades, the more they are appreciated by both old and young alike.

“І quite agree with you," says a very successful breeder, “ав to the uselessness
— not to use a stronger term—of pressing nourishment of any kind upon the chicken
for the first twenty-four hours after its liberation from the shell, and also of the
inexpediency of those stimulants so frequently administered in the shape of pepper-
corns, ale, kc. My own practice is to leave the brood quietly under the hen, unless
Ihave reason to believe that they are hatching very irregularly, until the morning
subsequent to that on which the first chick makes its appearance. І then remove
the brood, with the mother, to some convenient building, and at once offer a hearty
meal of corn and water to the latter, taking care to have & hard-boiled egg, well
rubbed up with the crumbs of very stale wheaten bread, waiting the arrival of the

long-expected strangers; water, in à shallow plate, is not omitted, І find а con-

40 THE POULTRY BOOK,

siderable quantity of this food is soon demolished, and liberally do I supply them
with it. І vary this mixture with a meal or two of groats, respecting which, as an
article of food, I find it impossible to speak too highly. It is true that it is some-
what expensive; but as it is required only for a limited period,—until the brood is
of an age to enjoy a handful of barley, or, still better, of wheat,—the difference in
price is not great; and it has the advantage of being an excellent preparation for
the coarser grain last alluded to. I am also accustomed to vary this dietary by an
occasional meal of fried potatoes, slightly dugted with black pepper, which is always
consumed with the greatest relish; indeed it is scarcely possible to give them
enough of it, This dish, though well-known in the west of England, may not be
equally so to residents in other counties ; so I should state that the potatoes to bo
fried should first be boiled, and are usually those remaining from the dinner-table of
the previous day, and that lard or dripping forms the best medium in which to fry
them.

“With respect to animal food, I must express my conviction that, though it
requires the exercise of care and judgment in its use, yet I have found it a most
valuable adjunct; and it has a wonderful effect on those frequent cases of drooping
80 common in early broods which are confined almost entirely to the house from
severity of weather, and thus debarred from insect food, for which a little lean beef
or mutton I consider the best substitute. Care must, however, be taken that tho
meat is quite fresh, or disease may ensue. —P. GRENFELL, Esq., Gulval.

The cases mentioned by Mr, Grenfell are precisely those where we should consider
the addition of meat judicious management, for our objections were directed to the
use of it as a regular portion of the daily food, which, to our own knowledge, it often
has been. When thus given medicinally, as it were, it has a most salutary effect ;
and the most consumptive-looking patients, to whom it is supplied, soon manifest a
decided change for the better. Fresh water, so essential to the well-doing of the
young birds, should be given in vessels of such a form that the chicken cannot
become immersed in it; for this purpose nothing is superior to the contrivance
described at page 19, only made of a proportionate size; another very effective con-
trivance is an earthen saucer of concentric troughs, sold at most earthenware shops,
and used for this purpose as well as for growing early mustard.

For our own very early chickens we have used, with great success, small boarded
floors, four feet by three feet, raised one above the other, in a spare corner of their
house. In wet, cold weather we keep them here, with their floor well sanded: and
being perfectly dry at all times, and thoroughly ventilated, we get them through
unfavourable weather healthy and strong. Wherever a spare barn-floor, or that of a
greenhouse, or any other dry shed, well lighted and secure from rats and other vermin,
can be had, it would justly be preferred ; but in their absence, the plan above recom-
mended may be adopted. In such cases, however, it is essential that the greatest
precautions should be taken to ensure cleanliness and the due admittance of fresh air,

MANAGEMENT OF CHICKEN. 41

All these, however, at the best, are but indifferent substitutes for such weather as may
enable us to place them out on the day after hatching, in a coop of which a wooden
slide forms the bottom, on a warm sheltered piece of gravel, where the full benefit
of the sun's rays may reach them. Two or three hours of good sunshine are then
worth a week of coddling and swaddling by the kitchen fire ; and rarely does a young
chick seem to think the sun too powerful—though if the mother differs from them in
this, she is always ready to call them within the coop, for their play-ground in front
is but limited to a little court of laths or wire-work four feet square, which restrains
their wanderings, and checks the incursions of other members of our flock, So soon
as the day wanes in spring, and while the temperature is low, we remove them to the
shelter of the house for the night; and the barred front of the coop closing altogether
with a slide, they remain safe and warm till the next morning, when a similar move
. again takes place. The ends of the coop are perforated with air-holes, small enough
to be secure against rats or weazels. In summer the coops stand out during the
night. |
Such coops we have used for several years ; but as our own birds have ever been
selected with a view to get rid of all legginess, as far as may be, it would be necessary,
when taller birds are not objected to, to add to their height in proportion to the
increase of stature.

We consider that the extra expense of a sliding floor is well repaid by the
avoidance of damp, and the greater facility of cleaning it; for the interior of these and.

2 feet ^6 inches.

4 inches,
Sliding bar.

|

2 feet

i Slicing
: front,

Sliding bottom.

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other chicken-abodes is not always so entirely in view as to render it at once per-
ceptible whether our poultry-woman or man (we incline, for many reasons, to the
former functionary) has the same idea of the importance of scrubbing and purifying
as we ourselves may think necessary ; but if a second slide is at hand, to be scoured
on alternate days, and dried in the sun or by the fire before it replaces the one in
use, we are safe, and the health of our chickens will soon satisfy us that they

appreciate the care. |
But do not let our readers be frightened by the minuteness of these directions,

for at а later season the chickens may be left much more to themselves; only let
G

42 TIIE POULTRY BOOK.

them remember that if in possession of good fowls, and desirous of having healthy

chickens at an early period of the year, their chances of success will be infinitely
increased by following our advice. In our own system of management we have
always endeavoured to adopt as natural a course of treatment as might be; and if
such daily care and attention to their dwelling-houses and food be insisted on as
contrary to the natural provision they would meet with in a state of liberty, we can
only reply that equally contrary to nature is their existence in a domesticated state.
We have deprived them of what nature would have given ; for which, therefore, some
compensation must be made.

The common triangular coop is sufficient during summer, if we avoid placing it
on grass anyways damp during the early days of its inmates, though it does not
afford the same degree of shelter. But in every case where the hen is cooped, and
cannot accompany her young in their rambles, we recommend a small court, as before
deseribed, in which both hen and chickens are together, with the coop to retreat to
in bad weather. We say nothing of the poor hen's state of mind, while, confined
herself, but with her young brood at large, she witnesses their erratic conduct, and
their danger from hawks, cats, magpies, or even the illtemper and spitefulness of
some of her own race, which often terminates in her “ scrabbling " to death (a truly
emphatic term, indicative of her peculiar notions under excitement of this kind) those
of her brood which first answer the summons of recall, while others are still truant.
Her feelings, therefore, should be studied for our own sake, no less than for hers.

Chickens hatched during warmer weather we merely keep in the coop for one
or two days; after which period we give them their liberty, and have found them
thrive far better than when confined either in courts or соорв.

А singular apparent dislike, and even animosity, is often shown by the hen to
any of her young ones that may chance to be ill, however careful of them previously ;
her parental character then seems altogether forgotten, and they commonly share the
fate that would so inevitably attend the intrusion of a stray chick from another
brood. Fits, apparently of an epileptic character, are among the maladies of young
chickens; and unless speedily rescued when thus attacked, the sprawling invalid has
a rapid termination put to its sufferings by its mother's beak, and the assaults of its
brothers and sisters. At times, also, a chicken gets entangled in its mother's .
feathers, and, if not at once strangled by its suspension, meets a like fate. The
instinct that prompts such conduct is not easily explained, but it is probably at first
a desire to relieve her young, and ignorance of the danger of such forcible means,
that produces the catastrophe. We cannot think that the treatment, however
apparently cruel, can be, according to all we observe in the habits of the animal
creation, otherwise than well meant, though the poor chick indeed might well ask
to be spared such serious kindness. |

The young birds grow so rapidly, that it is prudent to provide their food at very
frequent intervals ; for the first week the quantity taken into the stomach at one

MANAGEMENT OF CHICKEN. 43

time is necessarily very small. This being considered in connexion with their
increase in bulk, breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, teas, and suppers should have inter-
mediate collations. From a week old we should not allow more than two hours to
pass without providing for their wants; and, however hearty their appetite at the
previous meal, they will surely be ready again when the next is offered to them.
Nor will this be thought inordinate by any one who has witnessed the growth of a
brood of chickens from the shell to the time when they are left to shift for them-
selves. Let us add, moreover, that such liberality would be equally advisable,
in an economical point of view, in the case of poultry of every description. Vegeta-
bles, we know, to be good must have been rapidly grown. А head of asparagus,
for instance, that had languished for a week or more in tardy progression towards
maturity, would be most deservedly rejected, when placed in competition with one
the growth of which had been completed without a check. Just so is it with poultry
for our tables: if insufficiently fed when young, whether it be chickens, ducklings,
geese, or turkeys, no amount of after-cramming ever compensates for previous
meagre fare, nor ever produces a really good bird. So with breeding-stock: you
can never, by after-feeding, make up the want of size, or the imperfections of
form, which a niggardly provision of food has brought about when young. Not
that we wish to have birds that are intended for stock kept fat; but there is a wide
difference between over-feeding and.the portions that are commonly considered
sufficient to sustain the processes of growth and feathering in the inmates of a
poultry-yaxd.

With all our care, and even the occasional removal of some inches of the surface
soil, our poultry-yards are constantly liable to become tainted, as the expression
goes, after an occupation of some few years; not that you cannot rear your chickens,

for that evidences a far worse state of things than usually arises from the ground

having been overstocked, but they do not grow vigorously, nor attain the size and
. perfection of form and plumage that a fresh locality would give them. How many
winners at the various poultry-shows have had their health and condition improved
by a timely change of air, and a new run; and how many a medal has proved the
wisdom of this indulgence! "Those of our readers who may possess а large number
of poultry, and are anxious for first-rate chickens, will do well to seek such “ walks."
So much a-head per week is the usual arrangement; and the master's eye, on the
weekly or fortnightly visit, will soon see whether things are going on favourably.
À cottage, with a scarcity of young children and abundance of good water, with the
run of an adjoining piece of dry furzy heath on a sandy bottom, would be perfection.
We know how favourable a light porous soil is for rearing partridges and pheasants.
Poultry are no less benefited by it; and in such a spot the diseases incident to a low,
damp, or a clayey soil need not be apprehended.

Where the facility of a distant walk is wanting, the pullets and cockerels, at any
rate, should then be divided by separate inclosures; and though they would doubt-

44 THE POULTRY BOOK.

less improve still more if sent out, yet, if this be not practicable, pullets should be
diligently guarded against all intercourse with the other sex. If not involving
additional trouble, we should, moreover, keep them in this state of seclusion till
fecundated eggs were required from them the following Spring; and under such
management we should not doubt our ability to obtain infinitely finer specimens,
both male and female, than when they are allowed to run together.

* How long does chickenhood last?" is a question to be answered before this
part of our subject is concluded. The majority of the poultry prize lists apply the
term to such birds as are hatched during the year; this is done to avoid confusion
in the different classes — birds of the year, and those beyond it, being the only
distinctions recognized as to age.

In one sense, chickenhood might be restricted to the period during which they
remained with the hen, and were dependent on her care; but then “chickens” would
clearly be a term very commonly applied to birds of a much more advanced growth.
But some general agreement in the terms employed to express the age of our fowls is
undoubtedly required. Were they termed chickens till four months old, — above
that, and under twelve months, cockerels and pullets,—and after the year, cocks and
hens—we should possess a reasonable and serviceable distinction. 4

CHAPTER VII.

COCHINS OR SHANGHAES.

THE conclusion of the Chinese war in 1843, when the northern ports, including
Shanghae, were thrown open to European vessels, may be stated as being the period
of the first introduction of these remarkable fowls into this country. The date
usually assigned to their importation is frequently some few years later, and there
are several claimants to be regarded as the first holders of this variety ; but the fact
that a group of them belonging to Her Majesty were, under the name of Cochin-
China fowls, represented in an engraving in the’ Illustrated London News. for
December 93, 1848, carries the period of their existence in this country back to, at
least, some months antecedent to that date. They remained, however, comparatively

unknown for some years. At the poultry show held at the Gardens of the Royal

Zoological Society, Regent's Park, in May, 1845, there were prizes especially devoted
to “ Malays and other Asiatic breeds ;” but these brought to the exhibition no other
Oriental variety than Malays; and the celebrated and very superior stocks of Mr.
Moody and Mr. Sturgeon were not obtained by them until the year 1847. Re-
specting the latter, Mr. Sturgeon gives the following details :—

‚ “ The history of my Cochins is a very absurd tale, and full of ill-luck, or perhaps

»-

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COCHINS OR SHANGHAES. : 45

earelessness—a term for which ill-luck is often substituted. I got them in 1847,
from a ship in the West India Docks. А clerk we employed at that time happened
to go on board, and, struck by the appearance of the birds, bought them on his own
responsibility, and at what I, when I came to hear of it, denounced as a most extra-
vagant price—some 6s. or 8s. each! Judge of my terror, after my extravagance,
when I found a younger brother had, immediately on their arrival, killed two out of
the five, leaving me a cockerel and two pullets; nor.was my annoyance diminished
on hearing him quietly remark that they were very young, fat, and heavy, and would
never have got any better! The cock shortly after died, and, beyond inquiring for
another, which I succeeded in obtaining shortly after the original died, together with
а number of hens which reached this country under peculiar circumstances, І
personally took but little interest in them till the eve before their departure for
Birmingham, 1850. Neither my brother nor myself, before we obtained these birds,
had taken any particular interest in poultry, and why we came to prefer the light-
coloured birds still remains а mystery to me: but so it was, for to Mr. Punchard,
and to all others, we parted with none but the smaller and darker coloured birds. I
have often laughed at the dreadful passes my now famous breed has been reduced to,
and the very narrow escapes it has had of utter extinction,—first the attack of my
brother, already narrated; then the death of the cock; and, in the third year, the
incursions of some mischievous greyhound puppies, who killed, one morning, five
young birds, just as they were getting feathered, besides many more on different
occasions, Our birds all came from Shanghae, and were feather-legged. It is to
the cock of the second lot that I attribute our great success. І have had fifty others
since, in four or five lots, but not a bird worthy of comparison with my old ones, or
that I would mix with them,"

Ав in the case of many other varieties of fowls, they are known popularly by a
name to which they have no claim. Mr. Robert Fortune, who has passed many
years in various parts of China, says:—“ The man who first gave these fowls the
name of * Cochin-Chinas' has much to answer for. I firmly believe that what are
called ‘Cochin-Chinas’ and ‘Shanghaes’ are one and the same. One thing is
certain,—the breed you have in this country as Cochin-Chinas are plentiful about
Shanghae. ‘They were discovered there after the war, and were frequently brought
to this country, and taken to India, by captains of trading-vessels. Was not this the
date of their introduction to England? And what grounds has any one for suppos-
ing the fowls ever saw Cochin-China?” It may be thought that this variety might
have been earlier known, owing to our long-established commerce with Macao and
Canton, but Mr. Fortune says that it is a breed but little known in those warmer
parts of China, and that, “in fact, the southern Chinese were as much struck with
the size of the breed as we were.” Не adds, “ The Shanghae breed seems to be
more common about Shanghae than anywhere else in the north; but I found it over
all the low country of that part of China. The southern breeds have been long well

46 THE POULTRY BOOK.

known to ship-captains and English residents; but there is nothing very marked in
their character."

Having thus traced out the date of introduction and the place whence derived, let
us next inquire something of the characteristics and treatment of the birds as they
occur at Shanghae itself; and here Mr. Fortune again comes to our aid. In the
letter already quoted, he says, “The Shanghae breed occurs both with feathered and
unfeathered legs, but more frequently unfeathered. The most admired kinds there
are the game-coloured ones. However, I am safe in saying that the Chinese do not
attach so much importance as we do to purity of colour; large size and large eggs
aro what they most admire and prize. Some of the Shanghae fowls eggs have
double yolks. The young ones are most extraordinary-looking creatures. They may
be frequently seen half-clad with feathers, and oftentimes have long tufts on their
feet, making them seem to have several extra toes, when they are wet. The old
gentlemen have, in Shanghae, as in this country, most abortive-looking tails, and
they may be readily known all over the world by their ‘sweet voice.’ .

“ The Chinese are not particularly careful in managing their poultry. They feed
them in the same way as our cottagers do in the country ; that is, the birds are
allowed to get as much as they can for themselves, and I need scarcely tell you they
are not very particular. When the Chinese housewife feeds them, she generally gives
them paddy ; that is, unhusked rice."

it being certain that the true Shanghae fowl is met with in its native district
with plain legs, even more frequently than with legs feathered, or booted, as it is
technically termed, the point often disputed is now settled, as to whether this is any
demonstration of a distinet breed. Henceforth it must be held to be a mere matter
of taste; and we have seen plain-legged imported Shanghae fowls as superior in
every important characteristic as those feathered on the legs, but fashion has decided
‚ їп favour of the feather-legged birds, to which alone are now awarded prizes at our
Poultry shows. |

In accordance with the facts that these birds were imported from Shanghae,
and comparatively unknown in Cochin-China, it has been thought desirable to
endeavour to correct the popular but erroneous name of Cochins, and to substitute
the port from whence they were originally obtained; but the effort has not been
erowned with the success it deserves, and to the large majority of poultry breeders
they are known only as Cochins. In the United States both names are employed ;

those birds that are feather-legged being termed Shanghaes, whilst the clean-legged
specimens are known as Cochins.

We now come to enumerate the most important points of beauty and excellence
in this bird, and shall begin with the Hen, taking Messrs. Johnson and Wingfield's -
description first, and concluding with the additions collected for the present
edition :—

The HEN should have a slightly curved beak seven-eighths of an inch long,

COCHINS AND SHANGHAES. 41

measuring from the tip to the angle of the mouth, and the more yellow this is, the

greater the improvement of her countenance; the forehead well arched ; comb low,

not more than half an inch high in its highest part, which should be towards the
part furthest back,—single, erect, and slightly and evenly toothed ; wattles small and
eurved inwards; and the eye bright and prominent, with an expression tempering the
whole of motherly patience and contentment that is met with in no other fowl. The

neck eight inches long, but appearing shorter from its curved bearing,—nine inches ·
in circumference where it joins the shoulder, and six inches in cireumference where

it joins the head. The neck should be gently arched when held upright, and the

head held at a right angle with it. The body, from the neck to origin of the tail-

feathers, should be ten inches long and gently arched, the highest part of the arch
being rather nearer to the tail than to the neck. The girth of the body, measuring

over the wings and before the legs, should be twenty inches, and the girth similarly
measured behind the legs eighteen inches. The greatest depth of the body, measur-

ing from the shoulders to the point of the breast nearest the ground, nine inches.

Wings well rounded outward, so as to increase the apparent diameter of the body;

their shoulder well nestled in beneath the breast-feathers, and the end of the quill-

feathers, which are remarkably short, buried closely under the mass of feathers

which encompass the base of the tail. This mass of feathers is very peculiar, arch-

ing from the back to the tail, and sloping off so as to form a shght elevation round

the sides, as it does round the base of the tail. The thigh six inches long, seven

inches in circumference, and densely covered with fluffy feathers. Shank of the leg

four inches long and two and a-half inches in circumference; colour pale yellow ;

if of the booted variety, thickly feathered quite down to the toe on the outer side.

In the buff and other light varieties, these shank feathers should have no dark ones

among them, and the more near to the colour of the body-feathers the better.

Middle toe three and a-half inches long. The middle toe, in all pure breeds, is

nearly double the length of the two side toes. Tail five inches long, but buried

in the mass of feathers which surround it, so that no more than the tips of the rea!

tail-feathers are visible. The stern, beneath the tail, densely fluffy, and rounded.

Feathers of the entire body peculiarly smooth and regularly placed. Weight, when

fall grown, just before beginning to lay, and after moulting in the autumn, eight

to ten pounds. Birds of these weights will be from one to two pounds lighter

when moultng.

| "The Cocx should have a beak an inch long, measuring from the tip of the upper
half, or mandible, to the angle of the mouth; yellow, and slightly curved. Forehead |
broad, and well arched. Eye bright, large, and prominent. Comb single, erect,
thick at the base, feathering off to the edge, which should be moderately and
regularly toothed—following the arch of the head, about two inches high in the.

centre, and of a clear bright scarlet. Face of the same colour, but not coarse,
Wattles broad, hanging loosely down about two inches, and same colour as the comb,

48 . THE POULTRY BOOK.

face, and ear-lobe ;—this last so folded forward as to appear like a second wattle.
Neck nine inches long, held erect, and boldly arched, so as to place the beak at right
angles when the bird stands upright. Girth of neck at the lowest part, thirteen
inches, and close to the head, seven inches. The neck-hackle, or cape-feathers,
hanging down deeply over the back and shoulders. Body, from the neck to the
origin of the tail-feathers, fourteen inches; back nearly flat; greatest breadth across,
at the shoulders of the wings, nine inches; girth, over the wings and before the legs,
twenty-four inches, and behind the legs nearly the same; greatest depth, from the
shoulder to the point of the breast nearest the ground, twelve inches. Wings well
rounded outwards, so as to increase the apparent breadth of the body; their
shoulder well buried in the breast-feathers, and the ends of the .quill-feathers, which
are very short, buried under the body-feathers, and saddle hackle, which should be
close and long. Thighs wide apart, eight inches long, and seven and a-half inches
in girth round the thickest part; feathered quite down to the hock or knee, and the
feathers even projecting beyond it, as in the falcon. Shanks yellow, with a red tinge
where the scales are absent, four inches long and three in girth; in the booted sub-
varieties, feathered thickly down the outer edge quite to the toes, and the feathers
coloured like those of the body. Tail-feathers about five inches long, some few of
them scimetar-shaped, and covered to within an inch or two of their tips by the body-
feathers and saddle-hackle, Middle toe four inches long. Stern very fluffy. Weight
of full-grown birds, in the spring, from ten to twelve pounds.

The gait of both the cock and hen, when walking slowly, is peculiarly precise
and dignified, but when hurrying it is a heavy rolling waddle. When standing still
the legs should be firm, and the hocks kept wide apart. Mr. Sturgeon, who is one of
the breeders of our very best Shanghaes, has also favoured us with his opinion upon
these points. Не says:—

ҒА Shanghae, to please me, must have a stout curved and yellow beak, with
plenty of substance at the base, and the shorter the better. The outline of the head
should seem to be round in the hens when looked at from the side, and when the eye
catches the comb and wattles; and I like just so much comb of a fine quality as will
stand up, and give that appearance of roundness. In the cock the comb will be
larger; but the most careless observer will easily note the great difference of quality
— some races showing a close and smooth texture delicate as & lady's hand, and
others a roughness which might more properly be compared to the outer rind of a
horse-chestnut. The quality of the bird will peep out here, The eye should be red
and full, for beauty and for use; it gives a nice brisk look to a sufficiently quiet bird,
harmonizes better with the general colour, denotes more constitution, and is less liable
to disease. In all cases of contracted pupil and blindness, the pearl or broken-eyed
birds have been the sufferers. The neck cannot be too short, nor the body too long,
deep, and broad; nor the shank and tail too short. But why need I take up time
here on points that are obvious to all, beyond observing on what I believe to be the

га

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THE RESULTS OF PERSONAL OBSERVATION AND PRACTICE OF THE REV. W. W. WINGFIELD,
G. W. JOHNSON, ESQ.,

AND THE MOST CELEBRATED BREEDERS OF THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES.

A
THE PIGEONS AND RABBITS BY MR. HARRISON WEIR,

AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PHILOPERISTERON SOCIETY.

THE WHOLE RE-ARRANGED, AND PARTLY RE-WRITTEN, BY
MR. W. B. TEGETMEIER.
WITH

COLOURED REPRESENTATIONS OF THE MOST CELEBRATED PRIZE BIRDS, AND FAC.SIMILES
OF ALL THE MOST ESTEEMED VARIETIES OF PIGEONS AND RABBITS,

DRAWN FROM LIFE

BY MR. HARRISON WEIR,

Sun Printed in Colones ander his Superintemenr.

LONDON:
. 8. ORR AND Со, AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW.

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COCHINS OR SHANGHAES. 49

true form and carriage of the body, which, both in the cock and hen, I like drooping
forward, and with the hinder parts consequently raised. A great depth from the base
of the neck above, to. the point of the breast-bone, with its weight of flesh, tends
to produce this form, and to show to advantage the fluff and feathers peculiar to tho
Shanghae. The length of the breast-bone is to be desired and looked to. With
this form all will appreciate the neat head, short neck, and broadness of the back,
continued from aeross the wings to the tail; and that redundant supply of feathers
immediately before the tail, that gives the broad, square look that distinguishes the
high-cast birds, and which makes their tails apparently so short. ‘The small compact
wing will accompany these qualities. Оп the back, before the tail, will be found a
profusion of feathers, and that fluffiness about the thighs and the tail and hinder
parts of the body, that forms with the feathered legs one of the chief characteristics
of the race. Too much importance cannot be attached to straight, well boned, short
shanks; and if you want appearance, weight, and constitution, they must be wide
apart. To my mind, this is a capital requisite. For colour I prefer the light buffs;
but I do not place colour first. It stands with me thus—form, size, colour; and for
these reasons :—No bird can be perfect if exception can be taken to its form; and
our standard here is arbitrary, for unless a bird (I speak of matured specimens) has
attained a certain weight, I should say it ought not to be eligible for a first prize. І
do not mean that birds are to be judged by the scales, but that they ought to show
the size and form that would ensure those weights in fair condition. Now, in colour
there must be more latitude, and different persons will prefer other shades, do what
you will.

“Ав to dark hackle, although I prefer to have but little, I do not dislike that
little, provided it be not of a dead black, or painted on, if I may so express myself;
but if merely a tinge or stain of a darker hue, I would nearly as soon have it as not,
I dislike very much a broken mealy appearance, either in eock or hen, but more
especially in the former, which I prefer of a light red, deepening on the saddle. Tho
comb should be indented, but not too deeply; and in both sexes the appearance of
sprigs is very objectionable.

* [n forming а standard for Shanghaes, we ought to insist on those points that
are peculiarly theirs, and to discountenance those that in any way imply the
possibility of an admixture with another breed. Take a stubby spriggy comb, a
lengthy beak and head, a long neck, a long or clean shank, or a closely-feathered
body, and you see qualities that distinguish or are at least found in the Malay, and
which should be condemned accordingly in the Shanghae; and more especially as all
the opposites are found distinguishing the best specimens of that race.

“In neither cock nor hen do I like to see the tail sticking up, but forming a
nice agreeable line with the back, or very slightly elevated, and terminating in nice
soft but somewhat longer and drooping feathers in the cock ; the whole in the hen,

from the feathers around it, wearing a much shorter appearance. I object to the
4

50 THE POULTRY BOOK.

white ear-lobe. А tinge of red on the back of yellow legs, stout, short, and well-
feathered, I like." |

In preparing the present edition for the press, the editor has sought to avail
himself of the experience of the most successful rearers of all the different varieties
of poultry; to every breeder in the kingdom whose name and address was known,
was forwarded a printed form, on which the characters of the various breeds could be
detailed; each form contained the accompanying engraving—having no particular

А, neck-hackle; В, saddle; C, tail; D, breast; E, upper wing-coverts, or shoulder; F, lower wing-coverts,
or bars; G, secondary quills (the primary quills, or those attached to the extremity of the wing, are not

- scen, being folded under the secondary quills when the wing is not in use) ; H, thighs; I, legs and fect;
K, comb; L, wattles; M, ear-lobe.

reference to the variety to be described, but which was merely added as an indication
of the various parts.

The number of these that have been most carefully filled up and returned, has
been very great,—by far too numerous to enable him even to mention the names of
all those to whom he is indebted: he is, therefore, constrained to publish, in the case
of each variety, the characters as communicated by one amateur, and to state any
difference of opinion that may have been expressed by others. То Edward Hewitt,
Esquire, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, so well known as one of the most honourable
and able judges of the day, we are indebted for the following—

CHARACTERISTICS OF BUFF COCHINS,

SIZE AND WzianT,—Cocks. The larger the better, without coarseness. Some
have attained the weight of thirteen pounds and a half; but from ten to eleven pounds

and a half are fair average birds; if above the latter weight, they generally possess

CHARACTERISTICS OF BUFF COCHINS. 51

some serious defect or other. Hens, from eight to ten pounds weight; if they
continue healthy and are well fed, they generally increase in weight yearly.

CARRIAGE AND Form.—Cock. Fine, noble, and very majestic ; the breast very
broad and flat, forming a straight line from the crop to the thighs; the back short
and wide ; the tail only very slightly raised comparatively to other fowls; the wings
exceedingly short, and held tightly to the sides; the legs, thighs, and saddle unusually
large in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is small, and “ carried well
up" in the male birds. They are somewhat lethargic.—Hen, similar to the cock in
general character, but the head is carried much lower, and the neatness and fine
expression of face is extremely pleasing in really high-bred specimens.

GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE PLUMAGE.— Cock. Very soft, owl-like, and
exceedingly downy, which gives a peculiar softness to the general appearance; they
possess a great bulk of feathers, each one being wider across than in other fowls.
—Hen. The peculiarities of the plumage more marked than in the cock, especially
on the thighs and saddle.

NEcK-HaCKLE.—Cock. Extremely full, and of a rich but light bay colour,
spreading over the base of the wings. It is always desirable there should not be
any markings on the hackles whatever.—JH en. Clear ground-colour, a distinct
buff; if no markings, the more approved ; a slightly pencilled hackle far less objec-
tionable than a clouded one.

SADDLE.— Cock. Very full and strong, clear of all stain from pencillings of any
kind. Cockerels of the year will sometimes moult out perfectly clear at two years
old, though imperfect as chickens Нењ. Saddle clear, without any disposition
whatever to markings of any kind; colour a clear buff, from the extremity down
to the roots of the feathers.

TAiL.—Cock. Very short and compact; if the principal feathers are bronzed in
colour, it adds much to their appearance, but a black tail is equally as admissible,
The tail-coverts peculiarly brilliant, flexible, and fine.—Hen. Tail much less con-
spicuous than in the male; buff tails the most approved, though generally approaching
black in the larger feathers.

` Breast.—Cock. Clear buff, well furnished with feathers, each one of which is
prone to run somewhat lighter in colour towards the tip; but the more pure the self-
colour throughout, the better.—Hen as in cock.

UPPER WING-COVERTS OR SHOULDER.—Cock. Clear, but a little darker than
the body generally —Hen. "Тһе same as the body.

LOWER Wiwa-CovgRTS.—Cock. Approaching to clear deep-coloured bay. If
light whilst in their first year, such fowls are “apt to become “ grizzled ” with white
after a few moultings: besides, a clear dark-winged cock always produces the best-
coloured chickens.— Hn, same as body.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY QuiLLs— Clear buff, without admixture of other
colours.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

TuicHs.—Cock. The strongest in the thighs of any known variety; exceedingly
heavy in the feathering ; all the feathers sit very loosely, and are peculiarly downy.
The knees are all but concealed by these feathers, forming in part what is commonly
called “the Auf.” The shafts of these feathers are unusually weak and fragile,
strongly contrasting with what is termed “vulture hocked"; the latter is not an
advantage, but a defect.—Hen. These features are far more conspicuous in the hens
than their male companions; and in well-grown pullets (on the point of laying) still
more particularly.

Ї.Ев8 акр FEET.—Cock and Hen. Legs and feet perfectly yellow, well feathered
down the outside of the legs and the exterior toe; their feathers should be the same
self-colour as the body, without any admixture of black or gray whatever. In very
highly conditioned birds, the inside of the legs and webs of the feet assume a de-
cidedly pinky hue. If short upon the legs, the stronger in the bone the better.

ComB.—Cock and Hen. Flat comb, evenly serrated ; must stand perfectly erect
on the head, without any inclination to either side: any curvature whatever is a
serious defect.

WATTLES.— Cock. Thin, fine, and without coarseness; perfectly florid in colour.
Here's the same as ће cock's.

EAm-LoBE.—Cock and Hen. Ear-lobe exceedingly well developed, very long,
thin, and fine; in first-rate male specimens, I have frequently known it hang as low,
or even lower, than the wattles; any disposition to white is a decided defect, it (and
the wattles) being exceedingly florid in colour, and perfectly devoid of coarseness.
In the hens the same traits of character exist, but not so apparently on a casual
observation.

Eye AND Brax.—Cock. Eye of cock “ yellow-ochre” coloured; the bill also
perfectly yellow.—Hen. The eyes of the hen a little darker than the cock's;
exceedingly expressive, mild, and docile in general appearance.

The other varieties of Cochins will not require at our hands so lengthened a
notice, inasmuch as their general characters are, or should be, precisely identical
vith those of the best-bred Buffs, differing only in the markings of the plumage.
The most important of these varieties are the Partridge and Grouse-feathered, the
Cinnamon, the White, the Black, the Cuckoo, the Grey, and lastly, that extraor-
dinary variety known as the Silky Cochin. Originally the tide of fashion set so
strongly in favour of the Buffs, that the other varieties were comparatively neglected ;
the Partridge birds, however, have always had their admirers, and deservedly so. Atthe
present time, the best specimens of Partridge are fully equal to the Buffs in character ;
in truth, they may be described as rather exceeding them in weight, the hens being
remarkably square and short-legged. The cocks have a bright-red bay hackle and

saddle, whieh should be without dark markings; the tail bronze green, or greenish-

black, with high metallic lustre. The breast of a pure Partridge cock is dark-brown,
mottled; but owing to the fact that some of the adjudicators of the prizes at the

CHARACTERISTICS OF COCHINS. 53

various shows have demanded a black breast, such birds have been bred by crossing
a Partridge-feathered cock with a Black hen. The quills are generally maroon, the
thighs of a dark rich brown, and the colour of the legs darker than in the Buff
variety: they should have a gravel eye and a light-brown or horny-coloured beak.

In the Partridge hens the hackle has an orange rib with a dark edging ; the saddle
a rich brown ground, stippled with a darker colour; the tail with still darker stippling ;
and the breast-feathers should be deeply laced.

The Cinnamon Cochins, which are now usually classed with the Buffs at the
poultry shows, may be described as being bright orange-chestnut in the hackle,
saddle, and shoulders of the cocks; whilst the hens are of a light-brown sienna
colour, which is even throughout, except on the shoulders, tail, and wings, which may
be а little darker. In the variety of hen termed Silver Cinnamon, the body is pale
buff with a darker hackle.

The Whites are very beautiful birds; scarcely, however, equaling the darker
varieties in size. As exhibition fowls, it is imperative that their plumage should be
free from any other colour, and that their legs (which have a strong tendenoy to.
become an ugly green) should be of a pale yellow.

The Blacks were originally bred by crossing а buff with a white, and an union
of these birds will always be found to produce a certain proportion of black birds.
The hens are often of an uniform colour, but the cocks are rarely, if ever, seen
perfectly destitute of a golden tinge in the hackle. This variety is not in very
great favour with amateurs; it is very difficult to get them of a good metallic black
resembling that of the Spanish, which surpasses them also in possessing the striking
contrast of the white ear-lobe and face, which gives so aristocratic an air to the Dons
of the poultry-yard ; and, moreover, they do not generally breed true to colour.

The Cuckoo Cochins are of a gray colour, resembling the markings of the bird
from which they derive their name; they are inferior in character to the buff, and
are not likely to come into general estimation.

The Greys will be spoken of in the following chapter on the Brahmas.

The Silky Cochin, which is of a dark buff colour, and perfectly distinct from the
small white silk fowl with dark blue or black skin, was termed, on its first introduc-
tion to public notice, the Emu fowl. It is simply an accidental variation which not
unfrequently occurs, and which may be perpetuated by careful breeding. The cause
of the coarse fluffy appearance of these remarkable fowls, is to be discovered in the
fact, that the barbs of the feathers, instead of being held together by a series of
hooked barbules (so as to constitute a plane surface, as occurs in all ordinary feathers),
are perfectly distinct; and this occasions the loose, fibrous, silky appearance from
whence the fowl obtains its name. |

Silk Cochins are usually inferior in size to the ordinary varieties; they are good
layers and sitters, not differing in these respects from the other specimens of the

breed from which they have evidently been derived.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

Having spoken at some length on the characters of Cochins, we have now to
consider their general habits and value as a profitable fowl; to E. Hewitt, Esq., we
are indebted for the following notes on this breed :—

“These fowls are of extremely quiet, home-tarrying, and domestic dispositions.
A very low fence, of three or four feet high, is quite prohibitory of their straying ;
hence their advantage where the range appropriated to them is scanty and confined.
They are extraordinarily hardy (if not over-fed) ; the chickens are raised without any
difficulty, and they are undoubtedly the very best layers of eggs in winter-time with
which I am as yet aequainted. If properly managed, this latter propensity may be
so arranged as to yield very remunerative returns. The most lucrative plan I have
yet tried, is to obtain some strong and well-grown pullets that will commence laying
about November; let these be comfortably housed at night, where they will be but
little exposed to the vicissitudes of the weather, and be allowed to have access at
pleasure into the same building during the daytime, of which they will always avail
themselves for protection in case of sudden storms. Liberally supplied with food, if
combined with the advantages of a field-run—for they consume a far greater quantity
of grass than any other kind of fowls, which lessens the expense of keeping them
very considerably—they will then continue laying very freely until about the middle
or end of the following March; when, if profit alone be the consideration of tho
owner, they should all then be immediately disposed of, for if retained any longer,
it will most undoubtedly curtail very considerably the receipts that have already
arisen.

“The cause of this being so, is very easily explained. Every succeeding year
of their lives, they commence laying later in spring, being retarded by, and altogether
dependent upon, the completion of their annual moult; indeed, I have frequently
known some of my old favourite hens that actually have not had their new-feathering
altogether restored until after the winter-laying pullets I have just described had
entirely ceased laying, and even commenced moulting. It is well known how com-

paratively more valuable eggs are during mid-winter than in the height of summer,

even if precisely similar as to numerical amount, whether we view them as matters for
sale in general market, or simply for home consumption; therefore, the advantages
to be attained by production of eggs in winter, and not incurring any further expense
from keeping the fowls after they have ceased laying, will be easily acknowledged,
and need not be further insisted on. I am convinced there is very little, even if any
difference respecting the productiveness of the different varieties of Cochins as to
their colours; my own impression being, it depends more upon the quantity and
quality of their plumage, and the consequent general warmth of their bodies during
inclement seasons, than from the external colour of their plumage. The secret dis-
closing why some Cochins lay so much. better than others is, that those that most
abound with ‘fluff,’ as it is termed, or downy covering towards the roots of the
feathers, are comparatively less influenced by sudden changes in the atmosphere; and

CHARACTERISTICS ОҒ COCHINS, 55

maintaining an equable heat throughout the system, they consequently suffer less
from temporary hardships; and their laying is therefore unimpeded.

“Т am still more confirmed in this opinion from the fact, that the best layers of
Cochin fowls І ever yet met with were white ones—a colour generally reputed by
those who keep any kind of live stock as being the most weakly in constitution,
They were the fowls with which I obtained the first prize, or silver medal for Cochins,
at our Birmingham Poultry Exhibition in December 1853. They were, however,
most extraordinary fowls as to the superabundance of ‘fluff, and were pronounced
by the gentlemen who then officiated as judges, “ав very far outvying (in this par-
ticular feature) any Cochins they had hitherto inspected. Му own opinion is con-
current on that point; nor have І ever seen them equalled since that period, having
myself ceased to keep that variety. The Partridge-coloured ones are, as a general
rule, especially noted for extreme quantities of feathers, and those I have tested have
been good layers ; but I have noted the rule as without exception, that diminution
of plumage, and a scanty, ‘weedy’ build, always entailed proportionate decrease in
the number of eggs produced. But, as with all other poultry, none of the Cochins
wil lay freely if excessively over-fed. Undue obesity, throughout all the animal
creation, ever counteracts general produotiveness; whilst, moreover, Cochin hens
generally have a direct tendency to increase annually in weight, simply from
internal fatness, as long as they live. But there is still another and far more cogent
reason why Cochin fowls should not be unwarrantably forced by over-feeding. They
are peculiarly prone to apoplexy ; and, although I attribute many of the complaints
under this head that we hear of so constantly, as the result of a folly from endeavour-
ing to force nature beyond endurance, purposely to increase size only, it is equally
certain that, in many instances, this has occurred were it could not have resulted
from other than natural tendencies.

* Although the largest variety of domestic fowls, they endure the privations ever
attendant on really close confinement better than any others; but, in all cases, they
must be supplied with full abundance of green food, or they soon become ragged in
their feathers, and their general constitution suffers proportionably. Whilst I un-
hesitatingly admit the superior advantages of the largest sized birds in the exhibi-
tion-pen, providing all other points are similar; long and carefully-managed trials
prove, most decidedly, that birds of moderate size are the most prolifie, whether we
consider the number of eggs laid, or their subsequent fertility. It is best to breed
from fowls a little darker in colour—more particularly the cock bird—than the
chickens you are anxious to procure, as they generally “breed lighter.’ From my
own experience, І am of opinion that the male bird has most influence on the colour
of the chickens, and that in form and general characteristics they usually follow the
female parent. To do well, the young growing chickens, especially the cockerels,
require high feeding and considerable scope for exercise, or they very rarely become
superior specimens,

THE POULTRY BOOK.

“As exhibition fowls, no doubt the most opportune moment for their owner to

hope for success in prize-taking, is the period when the pullets are just about to
commence laying their first eggs. If they have been well attended, kept studiously
from intercourse with the male bird, and all means used to prevent them laying early,
they will then be as perfect in appearance as possible. The countenance of a Cochin

pullet at this time of her existence possesses much beauty, that is by no means
present in after-life; for at two years old, most Cochin hens appear really careworn
and aged; besides which, in very many instances, the comb becomes irregular, not
standing in а straight line, but what is technically termed “a waved” comb.
Cockerels for exhibition should, if possible, be two or three months older than their
eompanions, or they will certainly appear comparatively immature. As a general
rule, young Cochins show to much greater advantage than old ones, for I do not
know any fowls that seem so susceptible of injury to their plumage; and in very
aged specimens the leg-feathers are almost invariably broken and irregular. In
breeding chickens, those produced from the eggs of old hens, not only acquire their
feathers much more rapidly than those hatched from the eggs of pullets, but mostly
possess more bone, and consequently make larger birds. Old hens, and a one-year-
old cock, are therefore the most useful stock birds.

“ Cochin fowls are very attentive and indomitable sitters, and usually bring out
any chickens that are confided to them very strong; they are apt, however, to lay
again too speedily, and desert their offspring before they are sufficiently advanced to
be left to themselves. They are, also, by their great weight, subject to more
“accidents and misfortunes' with very recently hatched chickens than other fowls,
particularly those most heavily feathered upon their legs and feet.”

These valuable remarks of Mr. Hewitt so nearly exhaust the subject, that little
more remains for the present editor than to record his own opinion on some points
not noticed by that gentleman ;—namely, the cost of the keep of Cochins, and their
value as table and market fowls.

In the first edition many tables were published, compiled from different authorities,
some tending to prove that the cost of keeping Cochins was upwards of fourpence per
week each, and others estimating the entire expenditure required as little more than
a penny per head per week. As usual, the truth lies between the two extremes. At
the average prices of corn, when Cochins are entirely hand-fed, and have not the
advantage of the stray grains of the farm and rick-yard, it will be found that they
cost each about twopence per week, provided they are confined to a not very
extensive run. If, however, they have a free range, they supply themselves with a
very considerable quantity of food, as they graze, if the term may be allowed, to a
| much greater extent than any of the other varieties, —the quantity of clover con-
| sumed by them in this way being very large. But with these advantages they still
| consume much more than smaller breeds would do in the same situation. It is
| contrary to all experience to imagine that a bird weighing from ten to twelve pounds

CHARACTERISTICS OF COCHINS. 57

can be supported on the amount of nutriment required by one of half or two-thirds
the weight. | TU

Their value as a profitable fowl has already been insisted on by Mr. Hewitt; their
strong point is their unrivalled excellence as winter layers. The opinion of the
present editor regarding their value as table or market fowls, differs from that of his
respected predecessors, inasmuch as he places Cochins at a very inferior position in
the scale of merit. They have, in fact, many drawbacks to their value : instead of the
fine thin bone of the Dorking, they possess coarse spongy bones of a larger size, and
of a much greater weight. Itis evident that all the food which has been required to
form the extra quantity of bone has been uselessly employed, in a profitable point of
view. The short-horn steer is not more superior in the quality of its frame-work to
the coarse unimproved varieties, than is the Dorking, Polish, or Game, to the
Cochin. | |
The yellowness of the skin and fat is а serious drawback to their saleable value.
Again, they accumulate large quantities of fat internally, where it is useless ; but on
the breast they scarcely fat at all. From their terrestrial habits, the pectoral muscles
are very slightly developed ; consequently, thereislittle meat on the breast ; and when
dressed, the keel of the bone is prominent and ugly. It is frequently remarked that
they make up in size of leg what is wanted on the breast, This is true; but it is no
recommendation to a table-fowl to develop largely the inferior portions at the
expense of the finer parts. In the improved breeds of cattle the best joints are
developed, and the inferior lessened in size; there is small bone and very little offal.
The same peculiarities should distinguish a table-fowl: it should be as nearly as
possible all breast, with short limbs and thin bones. At the same time, the great
value of Cochins, as furnishing poultry for home consumption, is not to be denied.
They grow rapidly when chickens; they are so exceedingly hardy that they can be
reared at all seasons, and in winter with an amount of accommodation under which a
Dorking would perish. Broody Cochin hens are always to be obtained ; and eggs for
sitting are not wanting even in the coldest weather. Their. flesh, though inferior in
shortness to that of the Dorking, and of a more game-like flavour, is juicy to a high
degree. It is frequently said by their advocates, that the pullets are at least equal to
other fowls (a tacit acknowledgment that their cockerels are unequal) ; but it must be
borne in mind that there is a tendency in Cochins to produce an extraordinary number
of cocks in nearly every brood. Another recommendation they frequently receive is,
that the feathers are equal, or nearly so, to those of the duck and goose. If old
birds are killed, or chickens after they have completed their autumnal moult, this
statement has some weight; but at this period of their lives they are valueless, or
nearly so, as market fowls; and if killed at the age when they are in the highest
condition, it will be found that the feathers are mixed with stubs, containing so much
blood, that their value is very small; whereas in а duckling of from eight to ten
weeks, the feathers of the breast are perfectly formed, and consequently valuable.

I

$8 THE POULTRY BOOK.

To sum up, it may be stated that the Cochins are most valuable from their
hardihood, from the ease with which they are confined in a small space, and the manner
in which they bear confinement ; from their great prolificacy, in winter especially, from
their docility and the readiness with which they sit in any required situation, and at
any season of the year; also from the rapidity of growth and size as a family fowl ;
but as a first-class table and market fowl, it will be found that any attempt to breed
them for this purpose will only end in disappointment.

In treating of each variety of fowl, it may be regarded as desirable to allude to a
few of the more useful cross-bred birds, which, although generally valueless for
exhibition, are frequently useful for table and economical purposes. When Cochins
were first introduced, many persons were induced to turn down a cock into their
poultry-yard with a view to the improvement of the ordinary farm-yard stock. Never
was there a more fallacious idea: a half bred Cochin and common barn-door fowl are
about the least useful variety of poultry that can be imagined; gaunt, weedy, stilty,
big-boned, angular, yellow-legged birds are the produce of such a cross; and it is
only requisite to ask the opinion of the poultry salesmen at Leadenhall, and of the
higglers who collect the fowls for them from the country, to know the estimation in
which such birds are held.

Many persons who keep laying varieties, such as Spanish, Polands and Ham-
burgs, as their main stock, employ Cochin hens to act as sitters and foster-
mothers, and frequently rear half-bred birds for home consumption. In favour of
the first of these crosses little can be said,—the Spanish is along-legged bird, and
this is à character which it is not desirable to engraft upon a Cochin stock. The
offspring of Cochin hens running in a yard where Polands and Hamburgs are kept,
are compact and short-legged, and are useful as sitters; although the sires are of
more incubating varieties. The cockerels serve to supply the kitchen ; but they are
of course useless for stock birds. :

Of the other crosses, that with the Dorking is the only one calling for special
attention ; and there is no doubt whatever that many of our prize Dorkings have
had their size increased by the breed being crossed with Cochins, and then bred
back again for two or three generations from the Dorking; in fact, birds with the
apertures in their legs from whence the feathers have been extracted, have before now
graced the first prize pens at some of our poultry shows. To those who feel desirous
of trying such experiments, we call attention to an extract from the prize essay on
fattening table fowls before alluded to :— Е

"Should it be deemed desirable to cross the Dorkings for the purpose of pro-
ducing a hardier fowl, such а plan as the following seems to offer the best chance of
success; being based upon the fact, that, in cross-breeding, the pullets usually
resemble the mother, and the cockerels the father :—Early in the year, so as to
obtain a brood in May, put two or three large Dorking hens with a short-legged,
compact Cochin cock, either of the common buff, or of the gray variety known as the

CHARACTERISTICS OF COCHINS. | 59

Brahmapootras. From the chicken select those pullets possessing in the greatest
degree the Dorking character,—viz. having fine bone, short white legs, and compact
body, square on the limbs; and, in the following season, mate these with a good
Dorking cock. The progeny thus obtained from them will be three-fourths Dorking,
and, if care be taken in the selection, will show very little trace of Cochin blood;
whilst the size and constitutional hardihood of the breed would be much improved
by the infusion of new blood from the hardiest of races. One caution, however, |
would be requisite :—if these birds were allowed to breed amongst themselves, they
would occasionally throw back to the Cochin; it would be, therefore, necessary to
mate the pullets again with a Dorking cock; and, as in all cases of breeding for size
and strength, great care must be taken to avoid breeding closely, viz. from birds
related to each other.

* Cochins, although of great weight, cannot be recommended as a profitable
market fowl: their small breasts, yellow skin, and fat, game-like flavour, coarseness
of bone, and length of limb, being much against them ; and it is almost impossible
to render them fat upon the breast, as they have an unusual tendency to aceumulate
fat internally. It should be remembered, that unless a fowl has naturally a full
chest, it is impossible to put flesh or muscle on it by fatting; for there is this
distinetion between the flesh of quadrupeds and that of birds, that in the former, the
flesh can be increased in size by the intermixture of fat between the fibres, which
gives rise to the marbled appearance seen in prime beef. This, however, cannot be
done in the case of birds, their muscles being always destitute of fat, which is
deposited under the skin, or in the interior of the body only." |

The general consideration of the diseases to which fowls are subject, and the
best method of treating each complaint, will form the subjeet of а separate chapter,
by which arrangement much needless repetition will be avoided; nevertheless, our
account of each variety must be regarded as incomplete, unless some mention is
made of the diseases to which they are most prone, and the readiest mode by which
they may be obviated.

Cochins, as already stated, have a great and unusual tendency to the accumulation
of internal fat; this impedes the action of the respiratory and circulating systems,
and the result is that apoplexy supervenes. The mode of preventing this sudden and
usually fatal illness is self-evident: it is simply to diminish the amount of food,
and to avoid those kinds which, like Indian corn, are of a very fattening character.
When internal fat accumulates very largely in the hens, the abdomen becomes quite
pendent, nearly touching the ground, and the animal assumes ће perpendicular attitude
of the Penguin. It is needless to say that such hens are useless for stock purposes.

When heavy Cochins are allowed to roost in houses where the perches are high,
or small and angular, they are very subject to an inflammatory affection of the feet,
often ending in suppuration ; this disease is also apparently not unfrequently caused
by the runs being paved with loose sharp-edged stones,

THE POULTRY BOOK.

White comb—a skin disease of an obstinate chronic character, which commences
by a scurfy whiteness of the comb—is another result of over-feeding, and the employ-
ment of food of an unduly stimulating or unwholesome character. They are
remarkably free from liability to that pest of the poultry-yard known as roup ; and, as
chickens, are as hardy and as little, perhaps it would be more correct to say less,
liable to disease than any other variety whatever.

CHAPTER VIII.
BRAHMAS OR GRAY SHANGHAES.

Іх writing the account of the origin of these birds, we are dealing with a subject
which has given rise to a vast amount of warm and almost angry discussion amongst
poultry breeders; two totally opposite views are taken of their history, origin,
and claim to be regarded as a distinct variety. According to one party, they are a
totally distinct breed, taken to America from the banks of the Brahmapootra river,
in India. On the other hand, they аге stated to be simply gray Cochins, differing
in colour only from the buff and partridge breeds; or a cross-bred bird between the
gray Chittagong (a coarse variety of Malay well known in the United States) and
the Cochins. We strongly incline to these opinions for very many reasons. In the
first place, there was never a particle of evidence adduced to show that they originated
near the Brahmapootra river, or were exported from India. Birds precisely similar
to Drahmas were imported into this country from Shanghae along with the earlier
importations of buff Cochins; and from them many of our so-called Brahmas have
been bred. The first birds of this breed that attracted any notice in this country,
were those sent to the Royal Aviary as a present to her Majesty the Queen, by Mr.
G. P. Burnham,—a sharp American, who, after making as much money as was
practicable out of the prevaling passion for Asiatic fowls, published an account of
his transactions in a work entitled * The Hen Fever,” Boston, U. S., where he gives
the following history of their origin :—

“Ап ambitious sea-captain arrived at New York, bringing with him about one
hundred Chinese fowls of all colours, grades, and proportions. Out of this lot I
selected a few gray birds that were very large, and consequently very fine. I bred
these with other gray stock I had (Chittagongs) at once, and soon had a fine lot of
birds to dispose of, to which I gave what I have always deemed their only true and
appropriate title (as they came from Shanghae), to wit, that of Gray Shanghaes. I
distributed them all over the country ; and, finally, it occurred to me to present a few
of the choicest to the Queen of England." "These birds were accepted by her Majesty ;
and having been engraved in our pictorial papers, there was a demand for them in

BRAHMAS OR GRAY SHANGIIAES. 61

this country ; and Mr. Burnham states that “опе of the British steamers in the
summer of 1853 took out to Europe from my stock, for Messrs Bakers of Chelsea,
Baily of London, &e., &c., six cages of these extraordinary birds. The best of the
hens weighed from nine to nine and a half pounds each, and three of the cocks drew
over twelve pounds each. ‘There were forty-two kinds in all, which probably at that
time could not be equalled in America or England for size, breeding, or uniformity
of colour.” Some of these fowls became afterwards very celebrated. In The Field of
December 24th was a paragraph respecting the Birmingham Poultry Show, stating
that ** one pair of these fowls from Mr. Burnham, of the United States, the property
of Mr. Baily of Mount Street, were shown among the extra stock, and were purchased -
from him during the exhibition by Mr. Taylor of Shepherds Bush, at one hundred
guineas.” Mr. Burnham remarks respecting this statement, which he quotes—" This
was the largest figure every paid for two fowls, I imagine! Mr. Baily paid me
twenty pounds sterling for the three, and I thought that fair pay, І remember.” We
have been thus particular in quoting the history of this bird, because it was once well
known at our poultry shows as the hundred-guinea cock, and received many prizes
as a Brahma. With regard to the fowls sent over to this country by Dr. Bennett,
who claimed to be the original holder of the breed in America, and who first entitled
them Brahmas, Mr. Burnham remarks— Never was a grosser hum promulgated than
this was from beginning to end. There was absolutely nothing whatever in it, about
it, or connected with it, that possessed the least shade of. substance to recommend
it, saving its name; the variety of fowl itself was the Gray Chittagong,—of this,
no one now entertains a doubt: they were the identical fowl, in size, plumage, and
characteristics.” |

If further proof were wanting respecting the identity or close approximation of
the Brahma and Cochin, it may be discovered in their osteological character and
anatomical peculiarities. It has been remarked that it is a fact universally recognized
^ by comparative anatomists, that the. distinguishing characters of nearly allied animals
are more strongly marked in the bones of the skull than in any other part of tho
body. Now, the skull of the Cochin is vaulted and arched, both from before back-
wards, and from side to side, with а peculiarly marked groove, extending from before
backwards on the frontal bone ; and, what every anatomist will regard as a character
of great value, the long axis of the aperture through which the spinal cord issues
from the skull, is the perpendicular опе. Now, in these characters the skull of the
Brahma is identical; whereas, our ordinary fowls have the long axis of the
occipital foramen placed transversely, and the skull wants the distinguishing frontal
peculiarities.

At the present time many of our poultry shows have made two classes for these
birds; one for the Dark Gray or pencilled varieties, the other for the lighter breeds.
In accordance RH our plan, by which each variety is described by one of its most
successful rearers, we: insert the following account of the darker birds, from the pen

E ачаг g рана EE DE aa

к Зэ ee nern

62 THE POULTRY BOOK.

of a lady who is well known as one of the most successful authors on all subjects
connected with poultry.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PENCILLED OR DARK BRAHMAS.

COMMUNICATED BY MISS E. WATTS, HAMPSTEAD.

WEIGHT AND SIZE.—Cocks. Eight to eleven pounds;—may be made much
heavier.— Hens. Seven to nine pounds.

CARRIAGE AND FonM.—Cocks. Square made; full and wide in the chest; carriage
dignified.—Hens. Square made; full in the chest.

GENERAL CHARACTER оғ PLuMAGE.—Cocks. The more general the marking on
the plumage the better; the gray to predominate ; bottom colour of plumage dark-
gray; brow protruding, giving breadth to the head—Hen. The more general and
regular the marking on back, breast, and wings, the better; bottom colour dark-
| gray ; brow protruding.
| Nrck-HackLE.—(Cocks. Streaked.—Hens. With nd defined markings.
| SADDLE.—Cocks. Streaked.
| TArL.—Cocks. Black or nearly so; larger than that of the Cochin-China; and
when spread, full and fan-like.—Hens. Black or nearly so ; larger than that of the
Cochin-China,

Breast.—Cocks. Wide, deep; plumage marked with gray, or spangled.

UPPER AND Lower WiNG-CovERTs, AND QUILLS.— Cocks. With markings to
agree with the rest of the plumage; quill feathers black or nearly so.— Hens.
Plumage of wings marked ; quill feathers black or nearly so.

TuieHs.—Cocks. Gray.—Hens. Gray.

Less AND FEET.—Cocks. Yellow; well feathered, feathers to agree with the rest
of the plumage.—Hens. Yellow, and well feathered.

Coms.—Cocks.—Triple or pea-comb.—Hens. Triple or pea-comb.
| WarrLks.—Cocks. Medium.—Hens. Small.
| EAR-LoBE AND FAcE.—Red.

Evz.—Cocks and Hens. Either pearl or gravel eye. In my opinion, colour and
| marking in the Brahma should come quite after shape, properties, size, and character.

The lighter breeds have also always had their admirers, and we are indebted to
Mr. P. Jones, of Fulham, for the following :—

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHT BRAHMAS.

WEIGHT AND SızE.—Cocks. Ten to thirteen pounds.—Hens. Seven to ten
pounds.

CARRIAGE AND FonM.— Cocks. Body very broad across the shoulders behind the
wing ; chest prominent ; thighs set wide apart on the body; body set somewhat square

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHT BRAHMAS. 63

on the legs, but neck carried well up and arched ; broad chest.—Hens. Carnage
rather waddling ; walk well, run ungainly; body square and lumpy.

GENERAL CHARACTER or PLUMAGE.—Cocks.—Abundant, loose, and fluffy, more
especially about the breech and thighs; clearest white on surface, with best black
markings; inside of feathers and fluff, blue or smoky.— Hens same as cock.

HaoxrE.—Cocks. Full and long, each feather tipped or laced with clear black.—
Hens. Neat and close, each feather tipped or laced.
SApDLE.— Cocks. Full, but not over-long; marked as neck-hackle.— Hens.
White. г

"Тат, Cocks, Full of feathers of a brilliant greenish-metallic black | mossed or
silvered; feathers curving outwards from each other.— Hens. White,—each feather
tipped or edged with black.

Breast.—Cocks. Grayish-white.—Hens. White.

UPPER WixG-CovERTs OR SHOULDER.—Cocks. Best white, and most free from
yellow or straw tinge.—Hens. Best white. |

Lower WING-OOVERTS ов Bars.—Cocks. White, tipped with black.—Hens.
Nearly all black.

SECONDARY QuILLS.—Cocks, White, tipped with black.—Hens. Nearly all
black, — |

Primary Quitts.—Cocks. Usually the inner portion of the web Маск; and outer
half, white.

'Tuiaus.— Cocks. Large, short, and muscular, almost hidden by fluff; light-gray
or smoky; shorter the better; wide apart.—IIens. Short and very fluffy: this іза
great point. |

LEGS AND FxEET.— Cocks. Short, pale yellow, well feathered to outer toe, which
should be short as compared with others.—Hens. Same as cock.

ComB.—Coclcs. If single, not too high; evenly serrated; not extending too far
over beak ; outer skin fine in texture; pea-comb neatest and best shape, not to fall
on one side.— Hens. Neat and straight; bright red. `

WarTLEs.— Cocks. Very broad; bright vermillion; fine texture.—Hens. Neat
and fine in texture.

Ean-Losz.—Cocks. Large and pendulous, reaching nearly to bottom of wattles ;
fine texture.— Hens. Bright red.

EYE AND Beax.—Cocks. Pale yellow beak ; gravel eyes.—Hens. Same as cock.

To Mr. Jones, well known as one of the most successful breeders and exhibitors
of Brahmas of both kinds in their earlior days, we are indebted for the following
account of their merits, which we the more willingly insert, as it is counter in some
degree to our own opinion ; and not only in this, but in all other cases, we are most
desirous that the motto, “audi alteram partem," should be that of the Росітву Boox.
In fact, the value of the work, as one of reference, necessarily depends upon its
reflecting, not merely the opinion of one or more individuals, but that of the whole

un ar - ? Dune desees Lis

64 THE POULTRY BOOK.

body of poultry amateurs in general; which, with the assistancé 50 liberally rendered,
we may safely promise it shall do.

“ The chief points of merit in both varieties of Brahmas consist, first of all,
in their hardihood and rapid growth as chickens; cockerels at four months old
frequently weighing over five pounds, and early pullets sometimes laying at the same
age. If required for culinary purposes, they will be found at this age to possess whiter,
more tender, and juicier flesh than Cochins,—will also stand confinement in a small
space equally well; but if they have the advantage and opportunity of а run, will
forage for themselves much better. In common with their first-cousins, they are
most excellent winter-layers, and do not age so soon; some hens ас four and five
years old looking, after moulting, and in а good run, as fresh as two-year-olds. Both

the single and pea-combed varieties have their admirers and champions; and while

confessing my predilection for the single comb on the score of beauty and individual
fancy, must admit that the pea-combs are generally the heavier, although combined
with a certain degree of coarseness and ungainliness in form. The light-coloured
birds, having nearly white bodies, with well-defined lacing on the hackle, and dark
tail and flight, were the original birds introduced to this country ; but the dark or
pencilled have to some extent supplanted them in publie favour: but it is found that
they do not breed nearly so true to colour and general characteristics а8 their lighter
brethren. * Pea or single combs are met with in both varieties, evidently the result of
crossing the strains from different yards."

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The volume is illustrated with sixty plates, representing nearly three hundred of the rarest ornamental
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THE PERCFERRTY OF САРТ. И. W. HORNBY, E. М,

THE MALAY FOWL.

CHAPTER ІХ.
THE MALAY FOWL.

Тнів is another of the tenants of our poultry-yard for which we are indebted to
tropical latitudes, and which, though natives of such a constantly torrid climate,
have the power of enduring, e s temperatures so varying, 80. cold, and so
trying as our own.

Malays are natives of the Peninsula from whence they derive their name, the
most southern point of Asia, where they still abound, and from whence they are
now occasionally imported. We have little doubt that we are correct in sanctioning
the opinion that the Malay is the Kulm or Gigantic Cock, with no other change

than such slight ones as are caused occasionally in wild specimens of the ای‎

naceous races when thoroughly domesticated.*

E. Bond, Esq., of Leeds, writing to us concerning the Malay fowl, justly E
observes (раб -“ Previous to the introduction into this country of the more

quiet and domesticated Shanghaes, whoever required size resorted, almost of
necessity, to the Malay blood. They were undoubtedly at that time, if, indeed,
with the same attention to breeding and cultivation now bestowed upon their
competitors, they would not yet remain, the largest of the many different varieties
of poultry known to us; and beyond doubt, taking size, appearance, carriage, and
all into consideration, the most majestic fowl we have is the Malay. But a few
years ago, these fine breeds formed a feature in most collections of any extent ;
and it is hoped that they will not be lost sight of in the prevailing taste for
Shanghaes and Spanish. In Ireland, especially in the vieinity of Dublin, many fine
specimens were kept, and probably some of them still remain."

Mr. J. J. Nolan, of Dublin, was one of the earliest and most successful culti-
vators of the Malay fowl. “The first,” he says, “that I brought to Dublin І
purchased in the London Docks. They were brought direct from the Peninsula as
good specimens, and were the progenitors of all the fine Malays I have since

forwarded to every part of England, Ireland, and Scotland. The cock and hen both

were а reddish yellow." з
The western distriets of Cornwall, especially around Falmouth, i bonded some

* Colonel Sykes found the Kulm cock domesticated in the bot but he believed it was there introduced
from Sumatra by the Mussulmans. He imported two cocks and a hen into England in the June of 1831.

They bore the winter uninjured: the hen laid freely, and by September, in 1832, she had reared two broods.

One of those cocks measured, when standing erect, 26 inches to the crown of his Tend. His length, from the

tip of the beak to the root of the tail, was 23 inches. In comb, colours, and other points, they resemble the

Malay fowl. Тһе hen was one-third smaller than the cocks,—Zoologicul Society’ s Proceedings for 1882.
K

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66 THE POULTRY BOOK.

few years since with fowls of good Malay blood. Many of these had been landed
there from the East Indiamen that were accustomed to make that town their port of
call on entering the English Channel.

The following characteristics of Malays are compiled from the forms that we
have been favoured with by Mr. Ballance, of Taunton, Somerset, and Mr. Buncombe,
of Wellington, well known as most successful breeders and exhibitors of this
variety; and also from that of Mr. Hewitt.

In those cases where the opinions of the latter gentlemen agree with that of Mr.
Ballance, they are notinserted ; when differing, they are printed enclosed in brackets.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MALAYS.

WEIGHT AND SIZE.—Cock. Size very large; weight from nine to eleven and a
half pounds; when full grown, stands two feet nine inches to three feet high when
reaching his food. [From nine to ten pounds, but if still more weighty by far the
better; it is only, however, in a few isolated cases that this is attained without
depriving the bird of its peculiar gait and characteristios.—M R. HEWiTT.] Hen.
From seven and a half to ten pounds. [From eight to eight and a half pounds is a
fair average for hens.—Mr. Hzwirr.]

CARRIAGE AND Form.—Coch. Long in the neck and legs; very erect in
carriage; back always at an angle of 45°, except when eating; appearance, resolute
and daring; disposition, thorough game. [Carriage most particularly upright; the
wings carried very high and firmly closed, but not at all pressed tightly to the sides ;
they are very bulky across the shoulders, and the wing stands away from the body
as in the Carrier Pigeon. The body narrows very rapidly indeed towards the tail,
which is drooping nearly to a straight line with the back; the thighs are long,
strong, and well developed. The longer and stronger the legs the better, if combined
with an easy gait in walking. The head is carried very high; and from the short
and very scanty nature of the neck-feathers, the fowl looks much more gaunt
and spare than is really the case.—Mr. Hewirr.] Hen. Back sloping down from
neck to tail like the cock; erect carriage ; eagle-like eye; and long in neck and legs.
[Form and appearance generally similar to that of the cock; but from the hackles
being still shorter in the hen, the extreme prominency of her wings is even more
visible than in the male.—Mm. Hewrrr.]

GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE PLUMAGE.—Cock. Short and close, but ex-
ceedingly brilliant and glossy; the colours vary as with the Cochin, comprising
every variety of colouring—pure white and black, and every intermediate shade.
The most esteemed are the Black-breasted red, and the Chestnut mottle-breasted
red. [Every feather is peculiarly narrow, and possesses by far less down towards the
root than that of any other known variety ; the feathers, therefore, lie as closely as
scales upon each other; and, consequently, should the bird be taken in hand, the fowl
always proves much more weighty than the eye anticipated. The extraordinary

THE MALAY FOWL. 67

lustre of the whole plumage (in well-bred and high-conditioned birds) is most
astonishing.—Mr. Неўлтт.] [Should handle like а Game cock.— Mr. Вохсомве.]
Hen. Plumage short and close, and in some places metallic. [Proportionally com-
pact, and lying closely as in the male.—Mr. Hewitt. |

NECK-HACKLE.—Cock. Red, varying from bright to dark; somewhat striped in
the centre, with metallic green towards the shoulder. [There are several colours.
In black-breasted cocks the hackles are dark chestnut. In the Piles (now rarely
seen) the hackles are alternately red and white. In all cases, the hackles of the Malay
are very horny in their texture, and far narrower than in any other domestic fowl.—
Ме. Hewirr.] [In Black-breasted red, dark maroon not surrounding the neck and
falling full over the shoulders, but on each side of the neck like a double mane;
throat naked, skin red, hard, and pendulous.—Mr. Вохсомве.] Hen. Very dark
reddish brown, occasionally metallic towards the shoulder. [Very slightly deepened
towards the extremities in colour, the general ground being chestnut brown. In
particular varieties, to match cock for colour.—Mr. Нкуттт, |

SADDLE.—Cock. Dark red or maroon; sometimes bright orange on the under
part of the feathers next the tail. [The saddle-feathers are much darker in their
shades, but very similar in character and colour, to the hackles; they are also
extraordinarily small for the size of the bird, very rapidly tapering towards the points, .
and altogether leave the impression on the eye of a bare and scanty covering.—MR.
HewrirT.] Hen. Colour and character same as other body feathers.

Tar.—Cock. Black, with purple and green metallic lustre, in sickle-feathers very
rich. [The feathers of the Malay cock's tail are short, narrow, and much pointed
at the ends; the principal ones are black, very richly shaded with green. All the
feathers are peculiarly hard, shining, and “ glossy," and the whole tail hangs much
lower than in any other domesticated variety Мк. Hewrrr.] Hen. Black. [Tail-
feathers short, and the whole very compact; drooping much; and the principal
feathers are black.—M n. Hewrrr.] ë

BREAsT.—Cock. Black is most: preferred; but chestnut, and chestnut mottled
with black, are very commonly met with in really good birds. [Black, or irregularly
spangled with reddish brown; a spot in the centre of the breast destitute of feathers,
with the skin hard and red.—Mn. Вочсомве.] Hen. Brown, but lighter than the
back. [In dark birds, the colour of wetted cinnamon; in the lighter varieties,
brown.—MR. Hewitt.| [Naked in centre as cock.—Mr. Вохсомвк. |

UPPER WixcG-CovERTS, OR SHOULDERS.—Cock. Deep rich maroon. [Deep
brown, intensely glossy; this latter feature adds very greatly to the depth of colour.
--Мв. Нкмттт.| Hen. Brown.

Lower Wing-CovErts.—Cock. Metallic green or purple. [Bluish Маск.- Ме.
BuncomBE.] Hen. Brown.

SECONDARY QuiLLs.—Cock. Pure brown chestnut.—Hen. Brown.

Primary QuiLLs.—Cock. Black. [Nearly black—Mr. Вохсомве.] Short,

M E TI CNN T EA

68 THE POULTRY BOOK.

but extraordinarily strong in the shafts; will bear great bending without breaking.
--Мк. Hewitt.| Hen. Black or brown.

Tnurens.—Cock. Same as breast, [but faded towards under side of tail, where this
variety is partially bare of feathers; the skin in health being very red and coarse,
especially in old specimens.—Mr. Hewirt.] Hen. Same as breast, but less bare of
feathers.

Lees AND FEET.— Cock and Hen. Pure intense yellow.

ComB.—Cock. Not double or single, but a thick fold; generally leaning a little
on one side; small and irregular in shape. [Comb small, double, and knotted in
appearance, and attached extremely close to the head. It is altogether without
points, and ends very abruptly on a line with the back part of the eye, leaving no
terminal “peak " whatever. It should not rise at all loosely from the head, but be
fixed and immovable, and without any tendency to fall over—Mr. Hrwrrr.]
Hen. Scarcely any ; but when developed, resembles the cock’s.

WarTLES.—Cock. Scarcely any, but a profusion of red colour about the face and
throat. [Wattles very small indeed, leaving much of the skin of the throat bare and
exposed, which, from the extremely scanty nature of the surrounding plumage,
becomes a strong feature in this variety.—M n. HEwrrr.] Hen. None. [Similar
to male, but much smaller.—Mn. HEwrrrT.]

Ear-LoBE AND FACE.—Cock and Hen.—Fiery red. [Ear-lobe very red and
rather small; the face very hollow and thin, with eyebrows projecting greatly, as in
birds of prey. The whole expression of countenance is cruel, restless, and vindictive.
— Mr. Hewrrr.] [Expression of face impatient, cruel, and fierce.— Mr. BUN-
COMBE.]

COLOUR or EYE AND BEAK.—Cock and Hen. Eye red; beak yellow; in very
dark specimens the top of the bill is tinged with black. [Beak yellow, shaded and
streaked with dark, strong, and hooked; pearl-eye clear amber-coloured.—MR.
BUNCOMBE. | |

In these characteristies, for which we are indebted to two of the first Malay
exhibitors, and one of our best judges, there is a remarkable agreement, the only
difference worthy of note being that Mr. Hewitt insists more strongly on a central
comb that Mr. ВаПапсе considers necessary; and in а minor point, respecting the
colour of the eye, Mr. Buncombe differs from both of the gentlemen named.

For the following account we have again to express our obligations to Mr. Hewitt,
who states, “І am not aware of any variety of fowls so cruel, oppressive, and
vindietive, as Malays; they are literally, when kept with other varieties, the tyrants
of a poultry-yard. From their great strength, they speedily do irreparable injury to
their opponents, frequently ‘treading them down, and then actually tearing them to
pieces. They, however, appear rather to rely on their superior physical strength
than on their real courage and activity, for I have frequently known an agile, sharp-

fighting Game cock (not perhaps one-third their own weight) make them cower

THE MALAY FOWL. 69

almost immediately, and run into the first corner that offered itself for temporary
protection ;—but, on the contrary, any want of self- -possession manifested by their
opponents is certain to be taken advantage of; and with an irresolute cock they
will continue fighting with the most pertinacious obstinacy.

“In confined premises they very frequently contract a most injurious habit of
eating away each others plumage, which they continue to so great an extent as
eventually to seriously affect the constitution of the fowls thus attacked ; constantly
plucking away the half-grown feathers (which nature was endeavouring to reproduce),
and sometimes, by also eating away large portions of the cuticle, occasioning serious
inflammatory disease. The upper part of the neck, throat, second joint of wings, and
the thighs, seem to be the points most alluring to birds that have unfortunately con-
tracted this truly depraved habit. І have proved that a more extended range, plenty
of green food, and a little very fine bone-dust (mixed with their soft meat), will
speedily correct them; indeed, my own impression is that the habit is frequently
acquired, where too closely confined, from a spirit of pure idleness, arising from listless
inactivity, and at the onset eating feathers that have been accidentally shed, and
were lying about in places where they were accustomed to stand to sun themselves.
Sometimes when the evil practice has been too long persisted in, the eventually-
restored plumage grows quite altered in colour (assuming a dirty gray, or even
actual white), giving the bird a piebald appearance, which even natural after-moults
will not rectify; for in such cases I have known this party-coloured feathering con-
tinue for many years, and until the fowls died of natural decay. For this reason, the
more expeditious the means used for prevention, the better; as fowls such as those
just described, or those in a state of semi-nudity, are certain of non-success in
the exhibition-pen, however perfect in all other traits of character. Malays are
especially prone to quarrels among themselves if closely confined, for which reason
they not unfrequently prove most troublesome when penned for the purpose of
exhibition ; indeed, there are but few among our poultry-show committees who can-
notlook back.with feelings of horror at the torn and mangled state of some pens
thus entrusted to their care, although previously to their confinement the fowls “were
the best of friends,’ and sent in the first instance quite uninjured,

“From this peculiarity, and combined with the well-known fact that few
entries are generally made in the Malay classes, some poultry exhibitions have been
held where they have been altogether excluded from competition, It is contrary to
my opinion that prizes should be thus withheld from a variety of fowls that, despite
some failings, are certainly not without many truly good qualities, besides being a
really distinct variety. When full-grown, they are unusually hardy fowls; and
although they produce but few eggs, the quality of the eggs is very superior, They.
are, however, small in comparison to the size of the bird itself; and the extreme
strength of the shell is remarkable. Truly-bred Malay chickens are very long in
attaining their first feathers, from which cause they are somewhat easily chilled, and

ot. LL diia A Ae u abs AA ы а ллы,

70 THE POULTRY BOOK.

consequently are apt to become stunted and deformed, more particularly in the
feet and legs.

* Although extremely long in the legs and thighs; these birds possess breasts,
wings, and merry-thoughts that surpass those of most fowls as to general develop-
ment; and when killed at an early age, the flesh is of good flavour. But the chief
advantage of the Malay 18 to be obtained by using them for cross-breeding with any
other of our large varieties. The produce of the Malay and Gray Dorking—always
presupposing that both parents are purely bred—is a most extraordinary table-fowl,
carrying incredible quantities of flesh, and principally in those parts most esteemed.
The pullets of this cross lay far more freely than Malays, but the chickens (to main-
tain their gigantic proportions) must be confined strictly to the first cross. Chickens
thus obtained feather quickly, are hardy, and very easily reared. The best cross
is for the female parent to be the Dorking, as the body of the fowl thus bred is far
larger, better covered with flesh, the colour of the skin is whiter, and the flavour
superior.

“ The cross between the Malay and Cochin is not by any means so good for the
table; but these latter are much superior as to the quantity of eggs they produce.

* There are many varieties of Malays; among which, one of the most beautiful I
have yet met with is the purely white. They possess all the characteristics of
their darker coloured associates; but the striking contrast between their clear
unsullied plumage, and intensely yellow beak and legs, brings them into very advan-
tageous notice. These white Malays are most common in South Devonshire; and I

am told—although contrary to general rule—they are more easily reared than the

dark-coloured ones. А most beautiful breed of * Red Piles” is obtained by crossing
these two varieties: their plumage is extraordinarily good, and. by some amateurs
they are highly esteemed. The bird called the Kulm fowl is simply a gray variety
of Malay; whilst the fowls that have frequently appeared of late at our poultry-shows
under the title of “Indian Game,’ evidently possess all the principal characteristics
of this class of poultry. Unless frequently crossed to obtain fresh blood, closely-
bred Malays quickly lose size so: materially that, in в few generations only, they
become but very little larger than common fowls; but even when thus degenerate, a
couple of years of well-planned and careful cross-breeding (with fowls of their own
class) at once raises the progeny to the original gigantic standard. They should be
renewed frequently, for this reason, at farthest once in three years."

Of the cross-breeds, there is the Pheasanted Malay, which we believe to be a
cross between the Malay and one of the Golden Hamburghs, or some other of the
small varieties of domestic fowl. The cock resembles closely the pure Malay in its
head, but the neck-hackle is black, with a green metallic lustre; breast and rump
black, tail not strongly sickled; and legs white. The hen has bluish ear-lobes;
black neck-hackle, with metallio lustre; rump feathers partridge-coloured, spangled
with very dark brown, and the shaft of each feather yellowish; legs white; tail

|
|
|
|

THE MALAY FOWL. 71

dark brown, and held very upright; breast light brown, spangled with black or
very dark brown. The markings on the breast of the hen, from somewhat
resembling those on the plumage of the cock pheasant, occasioned the suggestion
that they are a cross between this bird and a Malay hen. It is, however, an error;
and the best mode of defacing this mistake would be to change the name to
Spangled Malay.

The Chittagong fowl, we are strongly of opinion, is a cross between the Malay
and the Dorking. We have seen hundreds of them in the Indian bazaars, and they
bear about them strong marks of their cross lineage. They are usually pencilled or
spangled gray in plumage; but we have seen many a mixture of yellow or brown
upon the feathers; they have the Malay head and “expression of countenance,” but
with more of the ample breast of the Dorking; and their legs are somewhat white,
but not rarely yellow.

There is no variety of fowl that requires more circumspection in the selection of
breeding stock than the Malay, because being of all the known varieties one of those
gifted with the fewest points of beauty, if these are deficient the specimens, as we
once heard remarked, are “real Guys.” Beauty of plumage is the compensation for
deficiency in compactness of form ; and if they have not a firmness in their gait and
an easy carriage, their length of neck and leg is most distastefully apparent. Even
Mr. Ballance feels this in his very excellent comments upon this his favoured breed.
“Majestic carriage," he says, “and richness of feather are indispensable requisites in
this breed ; and I know of no breed of fowls, not excepting the splendid varieties of
Game, which may not be outshone by this in brilliance and richness of plumage."

“Му experience,” adds Mr. Ballance, “goes to prove that the male bird
has the greatest influence over colour in chickens, and the female over their
size. Much, however, depends upon the system of management as to board and
lodging."

We have no accurate experiments upon their comparative expense and produce,
but find that all who have attended carefully to them agree in thinking that they
require no larger amount of food than other varieties, due allowance being made for
their superior size. Аз a table fowl, Mr. Ballance states, “they are quite equal,
when properly dressed, to any turkey ; and very early-hatched pullets lay in October,
and continue laying more or less throughout the winter."

We have in our preceding pages given directions generally applicable to the
poultry-house and yard. For Malays no special direction seems requisite, for we
have already dwelt emphatically upon the extra importance of low perches for such
weighty. birds. Malays require, says Mr. Ballance, a large yard and extensive
walk, if it is wished to keep them in perfection. The roosting-house, also, should be
kept during the night in winter at a temperature of forty-five degrees, if eggs are
desired for early spring hatching.

As the evil tendency of breeding in-and-in is apparent in weakness of the limbs,

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72 THE POULTRY BOOK.

as well as in defect of form and size, it is even more especially to be avoided in such
birds as the Malay. |
When, for the infusion of fresh blood, another cock is to be introduced into the
yard, Mr. Ballance recommends that this should be done during the autumn, “ that
the hens may be accustomed to him before spring commences.”
Malays lay a moderate sized egg, averaging about two and a-half ounces in

` weight. The shells. usually are slightly coloured—a pale chocolate. The size and

colour, however, vary, for Mr. Ballance has “ pullets of last year laying eggs equal in
size to those of any description of duck; and hens two and three years old which lay
an egg very little larger than a good-sized bantam's egg. Some, too,” he adds, “ are
as white as a Spanish hen's egg, and others from a light cream to a deep rich buff,
and even to a brown. Аз a general rule,” he observes, “the light brown birds are
produced from the darkest eggs, and the dark brown birds from the cream-coloured
or paler eggs."

Ifa hen of any breed is in health, we incline to agree with Mr. Ballance, that,
though it may vary in size, yet her egg is always of the same shape. “So true is
this rule," he adds, * that I can always decide when an egg is brought to me which
hen has layed it.”

They are not the best layers, but still, if well fed, they certainly are of average
merit in this respect. In this opinion we are sustained by that of Mr. Bond, who
adds this additional praise :—“ Upon an average there will be fewer unproductive
eggs among a given number than among the same number layed by any other hen
under the same treatment, The Malay hen usually begins laying in March, and lays
about twenty-four eggs in as many days before she shows any inclination to sit.

Young pullets may be brought to lay at the beginning of winter, but the produce

from very early eggs, if chickens are wished for, are very difficult to rear, and such
forced laying is injurious to the size of the pullets."

The Malay hen sits closely and well, failures in the number of her brood rarely
arising from any defect on her part. She is also exceedingly attentive to her
chickens, although her great weight and long legs render it necessary to watch her
for the first few days after hatching, lest she should crush any of her progeny whilst
small and weakly. Such accidents, however, may generally be prevented by giving
her abundance of room. Mr. Ballance says that the Malay hen requires a very large
nest box, at least twice the size needed for ordinary hens. If this point be not
attended to, many of the eggs will be broken by the hen during incubation.

Like those of Cochins, the chickens feather slowly, and therefore no brood should

| be hatched after June, otherwise the cold and variable weather of autumn comes
upon them before they have the defence of a sufficient plumage. The management

directed for Cochins, applies equally well to the Malays. The chickens are not
difficult to rear, but are gawky, long-legged creatures until they have attained their

full growth, and then fill out or “square up."

THE DORKING FOWL.

CHAPTER X.
THE GRAY OR COLOURED DORKING FOWL.

. THE Dorking might be much more correctly designated the English Fowl, the
probability being that they are either lineal descendants, with various intermixtures,
from those which our British forefathers bred at the time when they first became
intimately known to the Romans; or that they are similarly descended from fowls
introduced by those conquerors of our island.

From Cesar we learn that the Britons had abundance of cattle; and among the
animals which they had domesticated were hens and geese, which they bred merely
for pleasure, the Druidical religion forbidding them to be нарина as food.—(Com-

qent., 1. v. c. 5.)
It is in vain to endeavour to follow their origin further; but those who would

trace our gallinaceous birds to an eastern source, will take comfort from the certainty,
or all but certainty, that the world's merchants in the days of Solomon—the Phe-
necians—visited the British Islands, the Cassiterides, for their tin. These merchants,
who brought goods to exchange for it, seeing the Britons fondness for domestic
poultry, may have brought fowls to barter for the metal.

On the other hand, there is strong evidence that this breed may have descended
from fowls imported here by the Romans; for the description of the Roman fowls,
given by Columella, is applicable to our own Dorkings. “It is not advisable," he
says, “to buy any but such as are very prolific. They should be of a plumage very
red or tawny, with black wings. Let the whole be of the same colour, or of a near
approach to it. But if of any other colour, let white fowls be avoided, for they are
tender and less robust; neither is it easy to find specimens of them that are prolific.
Let the breeding hens be of а choice colour, of robust body, square framed, large
and broad breasted, large headed, with small, erect, bright red comb, white ears; and
of those thus characterized let the largest be procured, and not with an equal number
of claws. Those hens are reckoned of the purest breed which are five-clawed, but
so placed that no cross spurs arise from the legs; for she that has this male-like
appendage is rarely fruitful; and when she does sit she breaks the eggs with her
sharp claws.

“The cocks should be lustful; coloured like the hens ; with the same number of
claws, but taller; proud of carriage; combs erect and blood-red ; eyes brown or
black; beak short and hooked; ears very large and very white; wattles looking
whiter from their shining, and hanging down like a hoary beard; the feathers of the

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74 THE POULTRY BOOK.

neck or mane varying, but preferably from yellow to golden, and spreading down
over the shoulders; the breast broad and muscular; the wings brawny, like arms ;
the tail lofty, and composed of a double row of arching feathers, alike on each side ;
the thighs ample, and usually thickly clothed with coarse feathers ; legs sturdy, not
long, but armed as it were with dangerous spears. Even when neither prepared for
fighting, nor for the triumph of victory, their temper should be shown to be
highly generous, haughty, active, watchful, and given to crow often, also not easily
alarmed ; for sometimes it will be needful for them to repel attacks, and to protect
their conjugal flock.”

The Romans prohably weakened the prejudice of the Britons against eating the
domestic fowl; and as it is well known they strove to improve the British farming
and gardening, so it is more than reasonable to conclude that poultry shared in the
effort. As already observed, the Dorkings share the five-toed excellence that cha-
racterised the most esteemed fowls of Rome.

We have sought for information as to the time when Dorking and its fowls first
became noted, but our inquiry has been fruitless. When Camden wrote his
“ Britannia” in 1610, Dorking was so inconsiderable as not even to be mentioned by
him, and in his map of Surrey it is marked as a mere village. It is probable that
the soils in that neighbourhood, sand and chalk, which are particularly favourable to
the rearing of chickens, may have led to particular attention to poultry culture. At
all events, a century ago the fame of Dorking poultry was established ; for а writer
in 1768, who evidently knew the neighbourhood well, says :— An incredible quantity
of poultry is sold in Dorking, and they are well known to the lovers of good eating, .
for being remarkably large and fine. І have seen capons about Christmas which
weighed between seven and eight pounds each, out of their feathers, and were sold at
five shillings a-piece."—(Gentleman's Magazine, xxxiii. 991.)

The district in which they are now most extensively bred is that portion of Sussex
bordering on Surrey, which includes Handeross, Bolney, Cuckfield, and West Grin-
stead; and this fact probably induced Mr. Arthur Young to conclude that Sussex is
their place of origin. The breed now known as the Sussex fowl has only four
claws, and is a less compact though larger bird than the true Dorking, which it
otherwise much resembles.

The possession of the fifth claw being regarded as an essential characteristic of
the so-called Dorking, breeding-stock were selected with a view to the retention
of this additional member; and hence the present improved Sussex fowl, thus
furnished with the extra limb, has gained the same appellation as the old white
Dorking.

Previous to entering into any detailed account of the different varieties of this
renowned breed, we will first give the characteristics of that most in request at the
poultry shows, and known as the Gray Dorking ; again having to express our obli-
gations to Mr. E. Hewitt.

THE DORKING FOWL.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GRAY DORKINGS.

WEIGHT AND SrzE.— Cock. Size the larger the better, if not coarse in general
appearance; weight of a first-rate cock, about ten pounds.—Hen. Size as in the
cock bird; the weight varies from six and a half to eight and a half pounds; at the
latter weight they very rarely breed well.

CARRIAGE AND Form.—Cock. Very heavily and squarely built; broad in the
shoulders; very full tails, and wider across the breasts than any other variety of
domesticated fowls.—Hen as in the cock.

GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE PLuMAGE.— Cock. Plumage somewhat soft to the
touch, but very abundant.—Hen. Same.

Меск-НАскгЕ.-- Cock. In the greatest abundance; the colour silvery gray
throughout, although many of the very best birds 1 have yet met with of this descrip-
` tion had a narrow black line down the centre of the hackle, which contrasts rather
favourably with the lighter edge.—Hen. Either dark or light gray, but in show-
pens must “match” the cock birds.

SaApDLE.— Cock. In all cases should be extremely full, as it adds very much
to the apparent weight of the specimen; in colour closely approximating to the
hackle feather.— Hen. Grizzled gray.

Tar.—Cock. Tail fall and black throughout, though in Gray Dorkings the
admixture of a little gray or white will not disqualify for exhibition. The side
covert-feathers are very wide and long, and give much character to the bird.—Hen.
Tail full and black, sometimes tinged with brownish gray.

Breast.—Cock. Jet black is preferred for the breast, but many of the most
excellent cocks are slightly spangled with gray or white; both are admissible.—
Hen. Ruddy-breasted most approved, but hght gray matches the mottle-breasted
` male. The former are usually called “robin-breasted.” :

UPPER WixG-CovERTS oR SHOULDER.—Cock. Silvery gray.—Hen. Freckled gray.

Lower WING-COVERTS.—Cock. Same as shoulder, but a little darker.— Hen.
Clear dark-freckled gray.

SECONDARY QuiLLs.—Cock. Silvery gray.—Hen. Freckled with deep brown.
| Primary QuiLLs.—Cock. Black, somewhat slightly grizzled with white.—Hen.

As in cock, but somewhat freckled with brown.

Tmrens.—Cock. Black or speckled, the first most approved for exhibition; the
thighs are heavy and strong.—Hen. Grayish brown.

Leas AND FEET.— Cock. Perfectly white throughout, the extra toe well-developed,
and turning upwards from the posterior one; these toes should be well divided down
to the legs, forming two distinct toes, and not a double toe. In very good birds the
upper hind toe will be six or eight times the size of the under one. The legs must
be free from feathers of any kind.—Hen. As in the cock bird, white. Some hens

spur greatlv, even аба very early age.

ANS аа ааа

76 THE POULTRY BOOK.

ComB.—Cock. The flat or single combs on cocks should stand erect. Either
rosy or flat-combed are equally admissible in Gray Dorkings; the rosy-combed
birds are, however, most prone to be coarse in general character. As to what are
called *cup-combs,” and other variations from the usual rosy and single combs,
they are disapproved.— Hen. Flat combs should lop over. Either single or rosy
combs equally admissible; but the single combs are decidedly the neatest looking,
especially in old birds.

WarrLES.—Cock. Wattles large, but not flaccid; they should be perfectly florid
throughout, and firm in appearance, also to the touch if handled, otherwise “ con-
dition " is absent.— Hen. Аз in male.

Ean-LoBE AND FACE.—Cock. Pure red both in face and ear-lobe, fine and. neat-
looking.—Hen. Ear-lobe and face pure red throughout, regular, and not coarse.

COLOUR or EYE AND BEAR.—Cock. The eye of cock red; slightly tinged with
brown. Bill, white—Hen. The eye of hen а reddish brown. Bill, white.

Nearly related to the Gray Dorking above described, is the variety having the
saddle and hackle in the cocks of a bright straw colour, with a dark midrib to each
feather; the lower wing-coverts forming a dark bar across the wings. We have been
favoured with descriptions of this variety by Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. C. H. Lindsay,
and other amateurs; but the points of difference are not sufficiently numerous to
require the descriptions to be printed at length.

The Red Dorking cocks, whether black or speckle-breasted, are characterised by
the red saddle and hackle; the hens to match them being speckled with white on а
reddish-brown ground. :

The Cuckoo or Blue-mottled Dorking, so called from the resemblance of the
markings to the transverse bars on the breast of the cuckoo, is remarkable from
having nearly similar markings in both sexes, allowance being made for the difference
in the texture and form of the feathers. To Mr. Elgar of Reigate, one of the most .
ardent admirers of this variety, we are indebted for the following account of their

merits :—
“There is also another variety of the Dorking which has become scarce—the

Blue-mottled, or, as called by some, Blue-shells, and by the fanciers Cuckoo,
although this last name is not much known in this neighbourhood. These are larger
than the White, and, in my opinion, can challenge апу variety for quality of flesh.
I have heard it remarked by many old countrywomen, who have fattened fowls many
years for market, both farmers’ wives and cottagers,, that the Blue pullets are the
best and earliest to fatten of all the coop. Some may object to this variety on
account of not reaching the great weights attained by the dark birds; but in my
opinion they quite compensate for this by their superior quality and beauty. These
birds I consider to be the old Dorking Grays, and with care and moderate feeding
will, I doubt not, prove one of the most profitable varieties of the Dorking fowl I
have kept the large dark variety for some years, and found them, when very large,

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= „Мою Publishing, to be continued in Monthly Parts till completed,
Price Half-a-Crown each,

» CONTAINING FOUR CAREFULLY-COLOURED GROUPS, -

BRITISH WILD FLOWERS,

WITH THEIR DESCRIPTIONS, |

ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE NATURAL SYSTEM,

BY MRS. LOUDON.
ILLUSTRATED BY H. NOEL HUMPHREYS, ESQ

4.
санд

“Ye Field Flowers! the gardens eclipse you, 'tis true ;
Yet, wildings of Nature, I doat upon you ;
For ye waft me to summers of old,
When the earth teemed around with fairy delight,
And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sight,
Like treasures of silver and gold."—CAMPBELL.

A
4-

Тнв present Work was undertaken under the impression that a selection of the more beautiful ang `
attractive of our Wild Flowers, with Illustrations of them, would be useful to those who Have neither
time nor opportunity of consulting larger works on the subject. In order to confine herself within the
necessary limits, the Authoress found she could only take the most ornamental Plants, avoiding, as inter-
fering with her other Works, any Flowers commonly found in the Garden, her chief object being to
enable the Amateur Botanist, who might find a pretty or interesting flower growing wild in their
rambles, to ascertain its name and history. In addition to such details, a few remarks on the botanical
construction of most of the plants have been offered, in the hope of inducing such readers as might be
unacquainted with Botany to study so charming a science. 3

The volume presents to the redder almost all the information which is absolutely necessary for a
general knowledge of this branch of the subject; the reader will likewise méet here with remarks
regarding the great question of education, in which the Authoress indulges the hope that the botanical
construction of plants, and the study of the science of Botany in general, may become a branch of general
education. |

«Nothing, I must confess," writes the Authoress, “ would give me more pleasure than to see Botany
as commonly taught in girls' schools, as French and musie are at present; and I think it more than
probable that in another generation it will be so—as, though the Linnwan system was unfit for females,
there is nothing objectionable in the Natural Arrangement; and the prejudice against botanical names
is every day declining, from the number of beautiful plants exhibited at flower shows, which have no
English appellations. I sincerely hope the time may arrive, though probably I shall not live to see it,
when a knowledge of Botany will be considered indispensable to every well-educated person."

In the systematic arrangement of the plants, the Authoress has followed Dr. Lindley's Synopsis of the
British Flora, which few botanical students are without; and few genera are omitted, except such as do
not contain any ornamental plants, or only include such plants as are rarely met with growing wild in
Great Britain. While the Natural System is adopted in this work, it has also been borne in mind that
many books of a leading character are arranged according to the Linnean system; the Authoress has
therefore added the Linnsean class and order of each genus, with a few words explanatory of the terms
88 they occur. | [

The volume is illustrated with sixty plates, representing nearly three hundred of the rarest ornamental
wild flowers, drawn by Mr. Noel Humphreys, and carefully coloured after his drawings, grouped so as
to form bouquets of flowers. The volume contains besides, descriptions of nearly all our known indi-
genous flowering plants, and a copious index, which completes the general attraction and utility of the work.

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THE DORKING FOWL. 77

very delicate in constitution, and liable to disease. The Blue-mottled variety are
both double and single combed ; the single are rather the largest. There are a few
double-combed Blues kept in the neighbourhood of Dorking; they are small, not
any larger than the White variety, and are very frequently imperfect in the claws,
either four on one foot and five on the other, or only four on each foot. Some of the
Blue variety have yellow hackles, especially the cocks when old birds. Ido not con-
sider a good cock, if old, should have any other than silver-gray hackle and wing-
feathers. Most of the Dorkings being reared for market, but few persons have
hitherto paid much regard to colour, as they frequently have a black-breasted cock
with gray hens, and, indeed, with every variety of colour."

With regard to the general management and profitable characteristics of Coloured
Dorkings, Mr. Hewitt has favoured us with the following remarks :—

«There is not а doubt that coloured Dorkings are decidedly the most useful of
all fowls for general table-purposes; as not only is the flesh of extremely good
quality, but it is produced in far greater abundance than in most varieties. Another
he Gray Dorkings is, that the greater

very important point in consideration of t
proportion of the flesh will be found on those particular parts most generally
esteemed — viz. the breast, wings, and merry-thoughts ; hence they carve to
especial advantage. They also grow rapidly, and carry good condition at almost
any age, if at all freely supplied with food. Аз layers, many are better ; and they are
fowls that do not thrive well without a good and extensive grass-run. The chicks
are delicate youngsters to rear, particularly unless the subsoil is remarkably dry and

warm: this will at once account for their unvarying success on chalky soil. In
consequence of their great weight, they frequently, when aged, become quite lame
and distorted in the feet and toes, from injuries producing eventually corns and even
abscesses: these are most difficult to cure, if of long standing ; but as a preventive,
low perches are absolutely essential: they should never exceed two or three feet
from the ground. Dorkings degenerate most rapidly in size and character from inter-
breeding; and from this cause, ‘ fresh-blood ' should be frequently introduced, or the
most speedy and vexatious disappointment will certainly ensue.

* In the selection of birds for showing, pains should be taken to ensure uniformity
of colour throughout the pen; and monstrosities of conformation in the legs or feet
must be scrupulously avoided. As these are frequent in otherwise good Dorking
fowls, I will briefly point out a few I have met with. I have seen a faultless pen in
other respects, in which a cock was placed with three hind toes on each foot; on
another occasion, a male with the spurs growing directly outside the legs; whilst in
a third I have known competing ai various publie exhibitions, the two back toes
were both situate midway in the leg (between the knee and foot), although the toes
themselves were perfect. Grossly enlarged toes or feet are decided imperfections,
and should be avoided in competition, although sometimes present in par-

ticularly good ‘ stock-birds. The dark grays are generally the most weighty hens
4;

78 THE POULTRY BOOK.

in the hand, but from being more closely feathered deceive the eye; my own convic-
tion respecting them is, they are naturally the most hardy in constitution. Abun-
dant plumage tells favourably on Dorkings for exhibition, adding greatly to their
© squareness ' of appearance and size at first sight; but, to be fairly judged, Dorkings
must be handled. These fowls should not have heavy, clumsy heads, but neat,
compact combs, moderate in size, whatever their variety (rosy or flat); wattles
neither coarse, loose, nor flabby; the combs should stand well on the top of the head,
a lounging heavy comb looking very unsightly, although too often (by far) seen
among our first-class competitors.: “Condition” is really all-important with Gray
Dorkings for exhibition; unless that is tolerably good, few fowls look so very
disadvantageously as they do, nor do any disappoint the anticipations of their owners
more generally. If frequently competing, they mostly lose both health and weight
very rapidly, as they endure close confinement but indifferently. In the present
day (when weight is considered a great desideratum), many Dorkings have been
irretrievably spoiled from over-feeding, so as to be quite unserviceable afterwards for
general and useful * brood-stock.’ |

“In this state of undue obesity, they cannot breed well, neither should it be
encouraged by parties who wish rather to inerease their stock than make idle boast
of the attainment of great weights in isolated individuals ; carefully withholding
mention, however, of the comparatively numerous instances in which apoplexy has
been induced, and their folly been repaid by the sudden death of highly valued
specimens. No doubt the extreme delicacy of constitution now so universally com-
plained of among Dorking chickens whilst young is mainly attributable to the
emaciated health of their progenitors; and in support of this opinion І have
invariably found, that the less artificially they аге reared, and the more generally the
parent-fowls are allowed to take their * own luck, the more rude health has been dis-
played by the offspring, and the quantity surviving been increased in due proportion.

* Much controversy has been maintained respecting the most approved confor-
ation of the combs in Gray Dorkings as exhibition fowls; nor have either the rosy
or single-combed specimens lacked strenuous supporters. Being essentially, beyond
all others, ‘ the fowl for the table,’ I willingly acknowledge I have not any prejudice
whatever in favour of either variety, as regards this particular feature; and will
confine myself altogether to my own individual experience as to a striking difference,
at once perceivable, in the generality of cases that have been placed before me for
supervision at our various public poultry shows.

“The rosy-combed fowls almost invariably maintain a superiority for strength
of build and massive proportions; but unfortunately this has, in the generality of
cases, been combined with a uniform coarseness of character, that told fearfully
against them on the prize-lists. Still, this serious drawback is not universally
prevalent; the rosy-combed birds readily produce single ones, and vice versa; but
the desired character may be pretty closely perpetuated by carefully breeding for

THE DORKING FOWL. 19

successive generations from either one of these varieties excluswely. For the reason
before assigned, the rosy-combed Gray Dorkings ‘show’ to most advantage during
their first year, compared with their condition when advanced in age. For the
guidance of any inexperienced exhibitor, it is well to mention that the rule is strictly
imperative that all the fowls in the same pen must be alike as to combs, for other-
wise, however good in other respects, their defeat is certain and inevitable."

There remains but little for the present editor to add to the valuable remarks of
Messrs. Elgar and Hewitt, unless it be to record his own opinion respecting the `
origin of this valuable table breed, which is decidedly in favour of the view that they
are a composite fowl; deriving, in all probability, their size and aptitude to fatten
from the large Surrey or Sussex fowl ; their fifth toe and rose-comb, when present,
from the old Dorking. In this opinion he is borne out by Mr. Elgar, who has
paid much attention to the various strains of Dorkings, and who states—“ In my
opinion, the true old Dorking has been crossed with the four-toed Sussex or Surrey
fowl, and has produced a breed which is superior in size and quality to almost any
other as a table-fowl.” This composite character of the breed is perhaps the reason
why so much care is required to breed them true to colour, or even in many cases to
comb. It is singular that the English table-fowl, the Dorking, and the French table-
fowl, the Creve Cœur, should both be, as they evidently both are, composite breeds,
in which, during a long series of years, the object of the rearers has evidently been
to obtain a first-class table-fowl by breeding from any bird likely to improve the
original stock. At the present time one of our most successful agriculturists,
whose name is a “household word” amongst scientific farmers, has got together a
renowned breed of Dorkings of great size, evidently the result of such a system of
cross-breeding as was described in the chapter on Cochins.

As Dorkings are by pre-eminence, in this country at least, the table-fowl, it may be
desirable to enter into a consideration of the best method of fattening them; the
following account is therefore taken from the “ Prize Essay on Fattening Fowls,” by
Mr. Tegetmeier.

“Tn rearing fowls for the market, the early treatment of chickens is of the highest
importance; they should be warmly sheltered and housed, and moreover fed most
liberally at very short intervals. Ifa chick receives a check in its growth at an early
age, it never afterwards attains a large size, as the bony frame becomes set, and a
stunted growth is the inevitable result.

* With good and abundant feeding, and the advantage of a free run, in favourable
weather, Dorkings will become fit for the purpose of fattening at the age of three to
four months in summer, and four to five or six in winter. In order to be in the
highest perfection, fowls must be killed before they have arrived at their full develop-
ment: the male birds should be taken when the sickle-feathers of the tail begin to
show; or, as the countrywomen say, “when their tails begin to turn; and the
females while still pullets—viz. before they have laid.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

* The house in which poultry are fattened should be free from draughts of cold
air, and kept at a moderately warm and uniform temperature ; the roof, therefore, if
of tiles, should be thickly lined with straw. Quietude being so especially desirable,
it should be so situated as not to be accessible to those fowls atliberty: andit should
be partially darkened, if possible. It is also important, in the highest degree, that
it should be perfectly dry, as it is scarcely necessary to add that a fowl suffering

from cold and inflammation is not likely to fatten.
“The fatting coops should be two feet six or eight inches high in front, and

about two feet deep, with a boarded roof sloping backwards; the back and ends
should be closed, and the bottom made of flat bars with rounded edges, two inches
wide at the top and narrower beneath, so as to prevent the dung sticking to the sides.
These bars should run from end to end of the coop (not from back to front), and
they should be two inches apart on the upper sides. The front of the coop should
consist of rounded bars, three inches apart; and two rods connected together below,
and sliding through holes made in the roof, will be found more secure than a door.
Before the front should run a ledge to support the feeding troughs, which are best
made by joining two pieces of wood at a right angle, and securing the ends by letting
them into grooves in stout end pieces. |

“The fatting coops should stand on legs, to raise them a convenient height from
the ground, so that the dung may be removed daily ; the most scrupulous cleanliness
must be observed, otherwise disease will be produced. The coops, therefore, should
be frequently lime-washed (with freshly-slaked lime and water), and then thoroughly
dried before a. fresh batch of fowls is introduced.

“То cold weather, the front should be covered up with matting, or some other
warm material, at night.

“The length of the coop must depend on the number of fowls that it is required
to contain; but it is never advisable to place more than ten or a dozen together; and
if strange fowls are put up, care must be taken that they agree well together, as
otherwise the constant excitement would prevent their fatting.

“Tt occasionally happens, that fowls are infested with lice to such a degree that
they become irritable, and refuse to fatten ; in these cases, a little flower of brimstone
dusted under the feathers, before cooping them, immediately expels the vermin.

“The food usually-selected for fattening poultry is oatmeal mixed either with
scalding milk or water; the cause of the superiority of this meal over that of barley
has already been stated. Cooped fowls should be supplied with fresh food three
times daily—namely, at daybreak, or as soon after as possible ; at midday ; and again
at roosting time. As much as they can eat should be given on each occasion, but no
more than can be devoured before the next meal: should any be left, it should be
removed and given to the other fowls; as, if kept, it is apt to become sour, when the
birds will not eat it freely. The troughs for the soft meat should be scalded out
daily, which can onlv be done conyeniently by having a supply of spare ones.

THE DORKING FOWL. 81

* [n addition to soft food, a supply of fresh clean water must be constantly
present, and a little gravel must be given daily, otherwise the grinding action of the
gizzard, which is necessary to the due digestion of the food, does not go on satis-
factorily ; the supply of a little green food will be found very advantageous to health ;
a little sliced cabbage, or some turnip-tops, or a green turf to peck occasionally,
being all that 1s required.

“А variation in the diet will be found very conducive to an increased appetite, and
therefore the occasional substitution of a feed of boiled barley, for the slaked oat-
meal, is desirable. Some feeders have a division in their troughs, or, still better, a
small extra trough, which always contains some grains for the fowls to peck at.

“Should the birds be required very fat, some mutton suet or trimmings of the
loins may be chopped up and scalded with the meal, or they may be boiled in the
milk or water preparatory to its being poured over the food; the fat of fowls so
fed will be found exceedingly firm.

“ An objection to this mode of fatting will probably be made, namely,— that it is
expensive, owing to the cost of oatmeal. In the yard of the writer, this objection
has been removed by the partial substitution of the finest middlings for oatmeal.
The plan adopted is to bake the middlings dry; and when made as hot as possible,
without burning, cold water is added, so as to make the whole a crumbly mass.
When it is borne in mind that the constituents of fine middlings are nearly the same
as those of oatmeal, its value as a fattening food must be admitted ; and the writer,
from long experience, can speak very decidedly as to its utility when used in con-
junction with oatmeal.

“Та the course of about a fortnight to three weeks, at the utmost, a fowl will have
attained, under this system of feeding, the highest degree of fatness of which it is
capable, and it must then be killed; for if the attempt be made to keep it any longer
in that state, it becomes diseased from an inflammatory action being established,
which renders the flesh hard and even unwholesome.

“When the fowls have arrived at a state fit for killing, they should be kept for
twelve to fifteen hours without food or water, in order that the intestines may be as
empty as possible, otherwise the bird turns green and useless in a short time; this
is readily managed by killing the bird before feeding-time in the morning.

“ In cramming, to which unnatural practice the writer has never found it necessary
to have recourse, the usual plan is to mix the oatmeal rather solid, with milk or
water, and to roll it into small sausage-shaped masses, the size of the finger, and
about two inches long; half a dozen of these are taken, and having been dipped in
some liquid, as milk, are placed one after the other in the back part of the mouth of
the fowl, when the beak is closed, and the mass gently assisted down the throat by
the latter being stroked by the hand, before a second is inserted.

“ The birds are crammed in this way two or three times a day, care being taken to
ascertain, by gentle handling, that the last meal has passed through the crop:

NS S | THE POULTRY BOOK.

should this not be the case, more is not given, but some lukewarm water is poured
into the mouth to loosen the hardened mass, and prevent the bird becoming crop-
bound, an evil which would render it useless for the table.

“The fattened Dorkings prepared for the London market by the plans above
described, are frequently termed capons, but incorrectly, as the operation of caponiz-
ing has not been performed on them; in fact, it is not required, if the birds are
cooped before they have arrived at maturity; and the extremely severe nature of the
operation in fowls, as compared with the corresponding one on quadrupeds, renders
it attended with so much risk and loss, that it is very seldom practised in this

г

country. | :
In another point, also, Dorkings have a great advantage as a table-fowl—

namely, in the early age at which they arrive at an eatable size. To meet the

requirements of the chicken classes at the summer poultry shows, early maturity
has been one of the chief points aimed at by the breeder; and the result has been a
great improvement in this respect. At the same time, the Editor is compelled to
observe, that it is his deliberate opinion as an old Dorking breeder, and an opinion
which he knows is held also by some of the most successful exhibitors of the present
time, that a very considerable proportion of the Dorkings exhibited in the chicken
classes at the early summer shows, are hatched in the previous autumn; he has seen
so-called Dorking chickens of the same year, laying in their pens in exhibitions held
the first week in June, and others beginning to moult during the same month. The
circumstance that, owing to the quarrel between two dealers, the fact was made
publie, that certain celebrated prize Dorking chickens were hatched in the September
of the previous year, must still be in the recollection of a great number of our
readers.

Asin the case of Cochins, it may be regarded as desirable to allude to a few of
the more useful cross-bred birds originating with this variety.

The cross-breeds between the Dorking and the Cochin and Malay, have already
been described, and their economical value insisted on. The only additional cross
calling for any special notice, is that between the Dorking and the ordinary mon-
grels, that constitute what are usually termed Barn-door fowls. These may be vastly
improved, and rendered much more valuable as market poultry, by the introduction of
a good Dorking cock into the farm-yard ; in the following year, serviceable pullets of
compact shape, short on the legs, should alone be retained for stock, and the old
Dorking exchanged for a fresh bird not related to the first. By following this plan
for a third year, the chickens will have become seven-eighths Dorkings; and at a very
small expense and trouble, a farm-yard of worthless, bony, and useless unsaleable
stock may be converted into really valuable marketable birds.

The diseases to which Dorkings are peculiarly subject, are the chronic inflamma-
tion of the foot, known as bumble-foot, and which is most readily prevented by broad
low perches, and the absence of rough stones from the run; and a tendency to lay

THE WHITE DORKING FOWL. 83

soft eggs, arising from unnatural food or excitement. The treatment of both will be
duly described in the chapter on the diseases of fowls.

CHAPTER XI.
THE WHITE DORKING FOWL.

THE opinion of the present Editor is so strongly in favour of the view that the
White Dorking, as generally known, is a perfectly distinct variety from the Gray or
Coloured, that he unhesitatingly assigns it a separate chapter. Тһе grounds for this
opinion may be briefly stated. The size of the White Dorking is much less than
that of the Coloured ; the general form and carriage are totally distinct. The White,
if pure, invariably breed true to colour, which would not occur if they were an Albino
variety of the Coloured breed, in which case they would occasionally produce some
coloured chickens. Lastly, the osteological characters of the skull are not identical
in the two varieties.

Some years since, when the Editor was a rather extensive breeder of Dorkings, he
endeavoured to rear a White variety from the Coloured birds, and with very con-
siderable success ; but in this case, the distinction between the two breeds was even
more evident. As stated in the last chapter, the White Dorking is in all probability
the original breed, and the Coloured a composite fowl produced by crossing it and
the large Surrey or Sussex breeds.

For the characteristics of this variety, we are indebted to one of its most success-
ful exhibitors—Mr. Clift of Dorking, who has for a length of time been sedulously
engaged in improving the size and general character of this very beautiful and
striking breed.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF WHITE DORKINGS.

COMMUNICATED BY MR. CLIFT, OF DORKING.

WEIGHT AND SIZE.—Cock. About 9 to 10 Ibs.—Hen. 7 to 8 lbs. These
birds had much degenerated, but are now yearly increasing in size and beauty.

CARRIAGE AND Form.—Bold and upright, having much the bearing of the Game.

GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE PLUMAGE.—A pure white, without a single false
feather ; the purity of the breed bearing the test of always reproducing the same colour.

Тап. —Сосі. Large, having a full round sweep.

Breast.—A full prominent breast; more so in this variety than in any other
class.

Less AND Feer.—The legs should be quite white. Birds should be chosen

84 THE POULTRY BOOK.

with large legs, as the body will almost always be found to be in proportion; the
claws should be five on each foot, and well developed.

Comb.—Birds may be equally pure with either single or double combs; but in
the White Dorking, preference is generally given to those with double combs, which
should be evenly serrated, and pass over the back of the head, terminating in a single
point.

Ear-Lope.—Ear-lobe white as in the Hamburgh.

BEAK AND CLAWs.—Beak and claws a good white.

The only point requiring notice in the other deseriptions with which we have
been favoured, are, that in general the weight of these birds is stated to be from one
pound and a half, to two pounds less; but the statement of Mr. Clift that, until the
recent impetus given to poultry-keeping by the exhibitions, these birds had much
degenerated, and are now, by careful selection in breeding stock, yearly increasing in
size and beauty, is borne out by several old breeders, to whom we have made
reference. Mr. Higgs of Southampton, formerly also a very successful exhibitor of
White Dorkings, differs slightly from Mr. Clift in one or two other characters: he
prefers the bone of the leg to be small and fine, and the colour of the eye to be
bright red.

As table and market fowls, White Dorkings are decidedly inferior to the Coloured
breed, inasmuch as they are smaller in size and yellower іп the skin and fat.

With reference to the White Dorking as an exhibition bird, Mr. Hewitt remarks :—
“Tt 15 quite indispensable that the whole of the plumage throughout should be perfectly
white, without any admixture whatever. Тһе cocks are ofttimes prone to show a
light lemon-coloured tinge on the neck-hackles, shoulders, and saddle-feathers; but
it is decidedly objectionable in an exhibition bird. They ought not to compete with
Gray Dorkings in one common class for premiums at our poultry shows, as they are
generally a far inferior bird to the darker varieties ; nor can I call to mind a single
instance in which (both varieties being good) the supremacy was ever yet awarded to
the White ones. Separate classes to each kind are therefore advisable.

“Аз to the combs of White Dorkings, I am myself a decided advocate for the so-
called “rosy, as being the only correct one; although І am perfectly aware I differ
from some few highly réspected poultry judges in this particular. І have taken
much trouble to ascertain the descent of two different lots that have come under my
observation, of the flat or single-combed ones; and in both instances found them
obtained by an intermixture with the White Game, although still retaining the
additional posterior toe. I do not for a moment say this is always their derivation ;
but the sadly decreased size of the so-called * Dorking-toe' in most of our White
Dorkings, as exhibited in the present day, combined with the general change in
character and conformation to that of a much more sparely built fowl than the
Coloured variety, favours strongly the conclusion. This eross improves the consti-

tution of the offspring, but quite destroys their general character as White Dorkings.”

THE SPANISH FOWL. 85

The other crosses of the White Dorking do not call for any particular remark :
the- delicacy during chickenhood, which is usually alleged against them, might
perhaps be equally well obviated by crossing with the White Cochin, and then care-
fully breeding back again to the Dorking for several generations, avoiding all blood
relationship. This cross, which, as stated in the chapter on Cochins, has been
extensively carried out in the case of the Coloured Dorking, would increase the size
and hardihood; but the peculiar carriage and the full chest would necessarily be
altered ; it is possible, also, that the colour of chickens so produced would be very
uncertain, as it in general happens that two white varieties so crossed throw
slaty-gray or other colours. Тһе experiment, however, might readily be tried by
any breeder of White Dorkings placing а White Cochin hen in the run, and then
preserving year after year a single pullet in which the desired characteristics were

most distinctly shown.

CHAPTER XII.
THE SPANISH FOWL.

Tur names by which many of our domestic poultry are at present known to us, so
far as they are indicative of their native country, are frequently matters of discussion.
That Poland gave us the tufted bird, so remarkable an ornament to our yards and
exhibitions, or that the Spangled Hamburghs were originally of German extraction,
is more than doubtful: but with Spanish the case appears different ; though possibly
the wider term of the ** Mediterranean fowl" might be still more applicable.

From Gibraltar to Syria—north and south—the countries that border on that
vast inland sea, with its numerous islands, abound with fowls that bear so close a
degree of resemblance to the Spanish race, as may warrant our assigning them to
one common stock. Names, also, that denote some subdivisions of this family,
strengthen our conclusion; for the Anconas and Minorcas derive their designations
from localities that carry us far beyond mere Spanish boundaries.

The quantity of poultry kept in those countries greatly exceeds anything we
witness in England, even since publie attention has been more generally given to this
branch of agricultural economy. Purity of blood, however, is there but little
esteemed, and the miscellaneous collection of hybrids described by every
Mediterranean traveller who has touched on this subject, will probably long
remain in the same heterogeneous state as we ourselves found ii many years since.
Nevertheless, with those who have examined with any care into the natural history
of this section of gallinaceous birds, little hesitation would be felt as to the extreme

probability of a common descent.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

They certainly are not likely to have had their origin in the more northern parts
of the European continent; since those who now keep them, know to their cost how
apt they are to suffer in their combs and the fleshy excrescence on the face, in
weather which other poultry brave with impunity. Their prolonged and excessive
moult is also indicative of their original habitation having been under the mild
temperature of those southern lands.

We have spoken of the Spanish fowl as found in a state more or less degenerate,
in comparison with the beautiful birds that are now seen at our exhibitions, through-
out a wide range of the Mediterranean coasts.

So little attention, indeed, has been given to preserve the pure breed in any part
of what we may term their native districts, that the specimens ‘thence imported by
Captain Hornby and others have been usually of a very indifferent description.
Captain Hornby states :—“ The fowls I obtained from Spain were altogether worth-
less; but I have received some good birds from Holland, from whence I believe the
best of this race imported to England have usually come.”

The introduction of the Spanish fowl into Holland and the Low Countries may
be reasonably assigned to the period when the latter territory belonged to Spain, and
constant intercourse was maintained with the Peninsula by the commercial habits of
the Dutch nation.

In England they have long been favourites with poultry-keepers of all grades.
Mr. Bond informs us that he has kept them for thirty years; and his recollection
carries him back to as good specimens in those days as any that are now seen.
The vicinities of London, Islington, and Spitalfields were then their principal
localities. | |

Mr. Bond gives the following account of their characters as they were formerly
bred by the London fanciers.

Black Spanish—Male.—Head large; beak of moderate size ; eyes very bright ;
comb single, upright, very large, red as coral, and slightly serrated; face and cheeks
perfectly white, the white extending round the eye; wattles long and pendulous ;
neck of moderate length, but strong; body broad and close-feathered ; wings of
medium size; rather long in the leg, which is of a bluish-white colour ; tail a good
plume; plumage a glossy black, having a greenish shade in the sun. |

“Female.—Head and beak neat, and of moderate Size; eyes bright; comb
single, very large, and pendulous; face entirely white, the white extending round
the eye; neck of moderate length, neatly set on; body broad; wings of middle
size; legs almost white; tail long and well-squared ; plumage as in the male, but
less brilliant. —

“ Characteristics.—The uniformly fine black plumage; immense comb in both
sexes: and the white face and ear-lobes, which increase with age, especially in. the
female."

This description of Mr. Bond's has been objected to on the score of slaty-blue

THE SPANISH FOWL. : 87

legs being now regarded as indispensable to success in the exhibition pen; but it
certainly appears that the London fanciers, some years since, required pale legs for
their Spanish birds; and a good story has been handed down of an enthusiastic
amateur, whose bird was detected with its legs in poultices the day previous to its
being exhibited, in order to effect that object.

It has also been suggested that the head of the Spanish is incorrectly described
as large, the beak only being long. In reference to the size of the skull, the present
Editor finds the extreme length of the cranium of a Spanish cock, that had taken
many prizes, to be three inches and a half, the same as that of the skull of a
Dorking cock that weighed ten pounds, and one quarter of an inch less than that of
a Brahma cock, the largest skull that the writer ever saw.

In general size, also, the skull of the Spanish almost equals that of the Dorking ;
but in form there is a very remarkable distinction, as the Spanish skull has a large
well-defined flattened surface, fróm which the enormous comb distinguishing the
variety takes its rise,—and which strongly contrasts with the rounded forehead of
both Brahma and Dorking.

In describing the character of the Spanish fowl as at present exhibited, the
difficulty presents itself of selecting from the very numerous forms with which the
Editor has been favoured by many of the most successful exhibitors; he has there-
fore printed the return received from Mr. Hewitt, and added a few notices of the
more important differences that occur in the other descriptions.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK SPANISH FOWLS.

WEIGHT AND SizE.—Cock. Weighs about seven pounds in full condition; is
rarely found to exceed that weight, it approaching perfection in other respects.
[Eight pounds.—Mn. D. ParsteY.] Hen. When about laying, a full-sized hen will
weigh six pounds. [Six pounds and three-quarters.—M n. D. PAnsLEY.]

CARRIAGE AND FonM.—Cock. Very stately and upright; slow in his movements ;
the head well drawn back; the breast protuberant; and legs and thighs long and
high in the bone for the size of the fowl. [Broad full chest, back sloping down
towards the tail—Mm. D. PAnsLEY.] Hen. Rather high on the legs, which gives
them a somewhat slightly built appearance ; still they possess good breasts, and “in
hand" are weightier than they appear to the eye.

GENERAL CHARACTERS OF THE PLUMAGE.—Cock. Purely black, with a lustrous
shading of green when viewed in a strong light, easily broken. [Bright metallic
green black, the green shown most on the saddle and tail plumes of the cock, and
more vivid the higher the condition of the bird—Mr. В. B. Posraxs.] Hen. [Like
the cock, except that the metallic lustre is more sober.—MR. R. В. PosTANS.]

Ngox-HackLE.— Cock. Well developed. [Ample, well covering the shoulders.
--Мв. В. B. Posrans.] і

SappLE.—Cock. Ample, flowing well down.

THE POULTRY BOOK,

TArr.— Cock. Tail ample, and black to the very roots of the feathers. [The sickle
feathers well developed and carried high.—Mr. В. В. Postans.] Hen. Rather long ;
closed more than in most fowls; must be uniformly black.

LEGS AND FEET.—Slaty-blue legs; the more unbroken in colour the better, but
not unfrequently the whitest-faced Spanish are “Табу” in the legs, more particularly
the feet and toes, and the soles of the feet blotched with white ; but itis objectionable.
[Shank long; colour steel blue.—Mr, R. B. Postans.] [Needle blue—Mr. C. Н.
BRoww.]

ComB.—Cock. Comb of cock very large; the serrations should be regular and
perfect throughout, not coarse in general appearance, distorted, or overgrown, without
any twisting or wrinkle, or tendency to fall Over; if thin towards the edge is
preferable, and is less likely to lop as the bird gets old ; when the points of the comb
are dark, the bird is either in bad condition or frost-bitten.—Hen. The combs of
Spanish hens should lap at front, and fall over sideways; and in fine healthy hens
the comb, from its peculiar position, will entirely cover one side of the face.

WATTLES.—Cock. Very long in the wattles, which are peculiarly pendent; florid
throughout; although in some of the best cocks the wattles at their junction with
the base of the bill have very many minute spots of white on a red ground ; and in
some fowls of a singularly high condition, these spots blend so closely together as
to appear at first sight of a clear bluish-white.— Hen. Well-developed florid red
wattles.

Ear-LoBE AND Face.—Cocl. Ear-lobe entirely white, and the more developed
the better; the face white, without any red stain; the cocks are most liable to fault
above the eye, but in perfect specimens no stain or blush is to be seen ; the fate
should be very long and free from coarseness.—Hen. Ear-lobe to be equally white
as 1n the cock, but less in size; the face in first-rate hens is a clear and unsullied
white, but in many the face is better on one side than the other.

COLOUR OF EYE AND BEAR.—Eye, a dark red or orange brown. Beak, a dark
slate, approaching to black,

The distinction between two very distinct strains of Spanish has been long
recognized by the older Metropolitan amateurs, but has been rarely, if ever, described
in books. We have been favoured with the following notes on this subject, by one
of the most experienced London breeders, Mr. C. H. Brown,—who, in describing
the birds imported from Holland, states, “The Dutch birds are small and short-
legged, although purer in face than the old English strain; they are, in fact, so
different in size, shape, comb, and general characteristics, that I almost consider
them a different kind. Crossed with our breed, they have tended very greatly to the
improvement in the face. In those birds termed by fanciers “paper-faced ” birds, the
face is quite smooth: they are generally the smallest specimens, and are derived, I
think, from the Dutch breed. The larger, coarser strain of Spanish are the finer
built birds, larger framed and longer limbed ; they lay very fine eggs, much larger

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Ix the year 1847 an Institution was opened at Ipswich, the history of which cannot be too widely
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The impressions hitherto taken from the stones have been limited very nearly to the presentation
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4

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ROMATIC PROCESS.

Мече 23

LEIGHTON, BROTHERS', CH

TURKEY,

THE PROPERTY OF JOHN FAIRLIE, ESQ.

PRIZE PEACOCK;

THE PROPERTY OF WILLIAM DRaY, ESQ.

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— oe 0 eee "Tem me
T e nr S; —— j ¿G тонн

THE SPANISH FOWL. 89

than those of the Dutch variety, and are known amongst the London fanciers as
‘ Warty-faced, ° Cauliflower-faced, and * Rough-faced ' birds. In these the carun-
culated white excrescences break out in clusters beyond the surface of the face;
in old age, and often before, preventing the bird from seeing in'front or behind,
the eye being nearly buried ; and the white above often falling over, so as almost to

obscure sight altogether.
“The Dutch-bred Spanish are much earlier than ours in showing the white face,

and arrive at maturity much quicker. Young cocks of this sort will be quite white
perhaps at eight months, and never improve afterwards; while our own English
breed would at that age be very inferior, but continue to improve each month up to
two years old or upwards : the pullets are also subject to the same remark."

In his remarks on Spanish in general, Mr. Brown states, regarding the plumage,
that “the white tips occasionally seen оп some of the feathers are no indication of
impure blood, as the purest bred birds, and those hatched from raven-black parents,
often have a few, and rarely а vast number of speckled feathers. In old age,
Spanish sometimes become pied, and the following moult change to pure white, —
the legs also changing colour. In Spanish cockerels of the first year the tail is
scanty, but in the second season it assumes its very ample and beautifully arched
form. The cock’s comb should be thick and self-supporting at the base, thinner
towards the edges and perfectly erect; when the bird is in motion, the wavy,
tremulous action of the extremity of a thin comb gives rise to a much more grace-
ful appearance than when it is too short, thick, and stunted to sway with the move-
ments of the head.”

“Та breeding Spanish, the chickens bred from the same parents differ much in
quality; but it is all nonsense to represent that such wretches as have been produced
from many sittings of eggs purchased at extraordinary prices, ever came from a

really good stock." |

Mr. Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, furnishes the following notes on this breed :—“ These
fowls, for exhibition, must imperatively be quite free from any ' sprinklings’ of white
(or any other colour whatever) throughout their entire plumage. They are rather
prone to this defect (as is usual in all fowls whose feathers are naturally black).
'The faults alluded to are generally most apparent upon the head and upper part of
the neck of the hens, and on the hinder portions of the thighs. Feathers rudely
torn away are sometimes reproduced thus ‘sprinkled,’ yet at the natural moult return
to their proper hue. The cocks are most apt to be faulty in the shoulders, and
longer neck-hackle feathers. All Spanish are good layers ; but the more perfect the
general external character of the hen (as a rule), the finer eggs she produces. The
chickens feather very slowly, especially if closely bred, sometimes becoming all but
naked of plumage of any kind; they are most susceptible of sudden changes of
weather, and frequently droop away in only a day or two, about the time of shooting
their first tail-feathers : hence one great difficulty of rearing them. They require (in

M

90 THE POULTRY BOOK.

the northern and midland counties of the United Kingdom) high feeding whilst
young, complete exclusion from all damp, and much general attention, if even
tolerable success is hoped for, and the stock is of high descent. The old fowls are
much afflicted by being frost-bitten in the combs and feet if the winter happens to
be severe. The serrations on the edge of the combs are sometimes altogether
destroyed from this simple cause alone, and the fowls spoiled for exhibition. Heavy
weather tries their constitutions severely, and soon stops their produetiveness. They
are also long in recovering from their annual moulting.

“Still, of all fowls, they appear the most truly aristocratic, and on a good walk
always look a most respectable addition to the live stock; they very much like to
steal their nests in out-of-the-way places ; but it is most unusual for them to sit
afterwards, although isolated cases have taken place of their so doing, and both
hatching successfully and proving also good mothers ;— still it is decidedly the
exception to their natural propensities.

* When plucked for the table, they are very good in point of the colour of the
skin, but always appear high in the bone;' the bridge of the breast being very deep
(more particularly in the cockerels), they seem to the eye to carry much less flesh
than they really possess. For this reason they do not stand high with poulterers, |
who have to resell them when “ready for the spit. The flavour of the Spanish fowls
is good, but not of extreme excellence; the value of Spanish chiefly arising from their
great production of eggs, although this is mostly confined to the summer months
only."

With regard to the economical value of Spanish as productive fowls, Captain
Hornby states :—“ As for eggs, І reckoned last year that my Spanish hens laid six

days a-week from early in February to late in August (they «moulted early).

Between November and February they averaged perhaps three eggs a week, which
are large and handsome ; broad, but slightly rounded at each end ; one end, however,
is not so much more pointed as the other, as in some fowls. As for weight,—I am
eautious in speaking. І know that last year, from February to August, І considered
their average weight to be above 33 oz., but under 4 oz. The largest eggs were
in May (when we had rain after a long drought), many of them weighing 43 oz. ;
but the average of those laid in December and January I should place at 2% oz.
The eggs are, to my mind, very milky and good. I may add, however, that of the
eggs of the best white-faced, I had frequent complaints of the tenderness of their
shells, in spite of lime, calcined oyster-shells, soft food, &c. I attribute this to high
feeding."

The colour of the Spanish egg never varies: it is clear white, with а smooth
polished surface. In selecting such as we desired to set, we should prefer those of
medium size to others which departed from the average, remembering that although
it has been demonstrated that hens may produce impregnated eggs after three weeks
separation from the male bird, considerable limitation of that period would be the

THE SPANISH FOWL. : 91

more prudent policy. Pullets are commonly found to commence laying from five
and a half to six months old, and they certainly may be described as good layers,
save only in the severer winter months. The task of incubation is very rarely
undertaken by the Spanish hen, for she is a bad sitter—so bad that you cannot
trust her; and even if she manifests a disposition to perform that duty, the chances
are greatly against her hatching out; but if she succeeds so far, they have been found
to prove good mothers.

In the selection of eggs for sitting, what was said by Columella, and recently
repeated in Mr. Trotter's treatise, in the twenty-seventh number of the Royal Agri-
cultural Society's Journal, as to the sex of eggs being discoverable from their form
and the internal position of the air-cell, claims our attention.

Eggs in general are there spoken of, with a view to such a selection being made
as may present us with chickens of either sex, according to our wil. Now for the
plan that shall so happily proportion the denizens of our yards, and check the usual
superabundance of the male sex in our broods:— Select the round eggs, for they
contain female birds, and reject the oblong-shaped, for they contain birds of the
opposite sex.”—Again : “By the position of the air-cell at the butt end of the egg,
those may be selected which will produce the male sex; in these the air-cell is in
the centre of the end. If the cell be a little on one side, the egg will produce a
female chick. The position of the air-cell is easily discovered by holding the egg
between the eye and the light.” But, nevertheless, the round egg, according to this

theory, may still have the cell in the centre of the end, and therefore produce (if
the cell argument be valid) a male chick; while, on the other hand, the oblong-
shaped egg may have the air-cell on one side, and therefore the inmate should be of
the feminine gender. "We must admit, therefore, that these tests may be somewhat
contradictory. For our own part, remembering how little, if any, variation is ever:
visible in the shape of the eggs of any one hen, we might suppose that the produce
should invariably continue of one sex, of which we have no instance; we are, there-

fore, but little inclined, in this case, to assent to the opinion so zealously advocated
in the essay we have referred to.

Respecting these erroneous ideas that have been thus placed before the public,
with regard to the possibility of judging beforehand of the sex of eggs from their shape
or the position of the air vesicle, a slight acquaintance with the anatomy of the
fowl would disprove the truth of the statement. The germ of the future bird is
formed with the yolk in the ovary; and as it passes along the egg-passage—a tube
upwards of two feet in length—it merely receives in its progress the white, the skin,
and lastly the shell, these being formed or secreted by different parts of the canal.
It is evident that the shape of the egg depends on the shell, which is formed after
the whole interior of the egg is completed, and can therefore have no influence upon
it Moreover, the alleged fact has been repeatedly disproved by experiments,
which, however, certainly indicate the probability that, of twenty-four eggs laid by a

d

1
M

|
p

92 THE POULTRY BOOK.

single hen, the twelve largest would give a great majority of male birds, the others
the same of pullets.

With regard to the time of year that our earliest Spanish broods should make
their appearance, we cannot do better than give the opinion of Mr. Lawrence of
Penzance, who has bred them largely and successfully :—

_ “J think the chicks hatch readily and are easily reared, with proper attention to
the season of the year selected for that purpose. I do not recommend Spanish eggs
being put under hens earlier than the first week in April, on account of the
unfeathered state of the chickens, for it is nearly ten weeks before they can be called
perfectly fledged. They require more care for the fortnight following hatching than
Cochins; but after that time, I have found them to be as hardy and as easily reared
as any other fowls at this season of the year. They call for no precautions, as to
subsequent management, beyond what falls to the lot of fowls in general.”

These recommendations we find confirmed by the practice at Knowsley, where,
when desiring to have early chickens, Captain Hornby never places more than seven,
or, at the most, nine eggs under a hen during the months of February and March.
He justly observes :— “ She cannot then properly cover more, nor generate sufficient
heat at that chilly season; and when, as happens thus early in the year, * scrattle” is
not plentiful, what will keep five chickens is but a bare mouthful for ten."

Soft blue-black down, more or less marked with white on the face, throat, and
breast, forms their early garb ; and when feathering begins, there is usually a longer
interval than we wish between the casting off of the one covering and the assumption
of the other. However immaterial this may be found in the warm sunshine of a
Mediterranean climate, it is apt to prove a serious matter in the chilling blasts of
our own island, and calls for nutritive food and warm housing. But with these
precautions, which indeed would pay well for all poultry hatched very early in the
season, the Spanish fowl is as likely to thrive, and answer our several purposes, as
any other race,—so far, we mean, as regards their vigour of constitution and
endurance of our seasons when thus cared for.

The great secret, after all, in rearing poultry of any kind, but more especially
birds like the Spanish, whose natural abode would have been in & warmer climate
than our own, is to feed the chickens—as young pheasants are fed—every hour in
the day, for the first five weeks. The stomach can digest but little at a time; but
that little must be regularly and frequently administered. In the case of very early
chickens hatched during the winter months, it will be found necessary to feed them
after they have retired to rest; young chickens cannot be expected to thrive if con-
strained to go without food from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock the
following morning. X

Spanish chickens grow rapidly— feathers usually begin to appear at about five
weeks on the centre of the back, and on each side of the breast; if healthy, the fifth
month should see them in full plumage. Cockerels anticipate the pullets in the

THE SPANISH FOWL. 93

appearance of the white face, the latter rarely acquiring it in any perfection during

the first year. But there is great uncertainty with regard to this much-coveted point 1

of excellence. Some chickens, which give little or no promise at first, afterwards
display this feature in perfection, while others of which we were sanguine in their |
early days have grievously disappointed us in maturity. Whenever a pullet has a
red fleshy face, the chances, we believe, are 100 to 1 against a favourable result.
But if, on the contrary, we find a blue shrivelly look, let patience be exercised, and
in due time the white face, more or less perfect, will surely reward us.

Let us sum up this part of our subject by some general remarks from a commu-
nication by Captain Hornby, whose experience in the successful management of this
breed cannot be otherwise than valuable. “Т ат not aware,” he says, “that the Spanish
fowlis liable to any particular disease, and but little subject to the roup, that curse
of the poultry-yard. In addition to their hardihood, I may add that I consider the
Spanish fowl inferior to Cochins in the number of eggs they lay, but superior in the
weight laid; they are smaller consumers, equally hardy; they bear confinement as
well; are inferior as nurses and mothers, but superior as table-fowl, their flesh being
white and delicate, although cooks and poultry-dealers dislike their dark legs. Like
other fowl, they require constant change of food, which is conducive to health in all
fowls. If fed too high, I have found them subject to an eruption on the white ear-
lobe, which is difficult to cure. Аз regards food and feeding, I prefer soft to hard
food; butitis my practice to scatter a handful of the latter daily in straw, which
compels the fowls to scratch and look about for 1t, and prevents gobbling and repletion
of the crop. Gravel or any coarse sand—the former in preference—is indispensable,
and the range оЁа grass field is highly conducive to health ; raw meat is, in my
opinion, objectionable, although many breeders give it. In winter, when worms and
slugs are not to be had, and animal food is required, I prefer a little cooked meat or
а bone for them to peck. Potatoes with gravy, or with milk and meal, is capital food.
Imay add, that more chickens die from drinking dirty water than from any other
cause. Old birds (hens much more so than cocks) sometimes suffer severely in the
mouth, and if cold weather should then come are a long while in getting over it;
but soft and hot food, as bread and milk, porridge, a little chopped meat, bread and
ale, with warm lodging, will pull them through."

Mr. Hinxman, another high authority on the subject, “ does not consider Spanish
so liable to fasciole or gapes as many other varieties of fowl. In common, however,
with other slow-feathering breeds, they occasionally suffer from cold and wet; they
seldom show any inclination to sit; and this, combined with the circumstance of
their being bad incubators, renders them unprofitable as a farmer's breed ; otherwise
their numerous, large eggs would justly recommend them for that purpose."

Although these birds have many points of merit beyond mere appearance, never-
theless, considering the manner in which the rural homestead is generally managed,
we should hesitate to recommend them to the farmer. All persons agree in declaring

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94 THE POULTRY BOOK.

the old birds to be hardy and vigorous in constitution; and with the precautions of
warm and dry housing and good food they generally get well through their prolonged
moult. These requisites, however, are by no means so generally afforded to the
feathered stock in the farmer's yard as they ought to be; and unless these valuable
birds receive more attention than has been bestowed on their mongrel predecessors,
we could not recommend their being purchased.

On the other hand, when poultry are properly housed and fed as they ought to
be, we have no doubt of their being kept with profit, especially in localities where
eggs are in demand. In such a case the Spanish fowl will be a valuable addition to
the poultry-yard. They submit readily to confinement, and with care they thrive
within narrow limits. Plebeian specimens are constantly seen in our London mews,
which, however draggled and forlorn they may appear, lay well, we are told, on the
stimulating food afforded by the stable heap.

Edward Bond, Esq., of Leeds, states—“I have myself kept Spanish for many
years, and though on the whole inclined to assign the palm to the Cochins, І have,
nevertheless, no intention of giving up my Spanish. The latter are not so easily
reared in this locality as the former, but I consider them less tender in bringing up
than the Dorkings; and when they have reached maturity І perceive no difference.
They have done well with me here, and there is undoubtedly no variety, taken
altogether, that presents a more striking appearance. Individually they are hand-
some, both males and females; and the lustrous black of their plumage, so strongly
contrasted with the white cheek and coral comb, and the uniformity of the whole
flock, render a good collection of these birds as agreeable a sight as the poultry-yard

- ean well produce.

* As to their utility, —that must depend upon the requirements of their owner.
If he seeks for eggs, they are as good, if not better, than any other fowl he can
keep. True, they do not lay so well in winter as the Cochins, but then their eggs
are larger, and the desire of incubation does not occupy their time, Believing that
they will lay as great a weight of eggs in the year as hens of any other breed, I
should say that no other fowl is better suited to the wants of such farmers or
cottagers as possess а good sale for eggs. ІЁ they live, as І do, near a large town,
they have this additional advantage, that their flocks never look dirty or soiled.

“They are certainly good. table-fowls; by some, indeed, they are considered as
very superior for this purpose. With regard to their consumption of food, I do not
think that Spanish are аб all extravagant in this respect: for anything that will keep
ordinary fowls will keep them when once they reach maturity.

* In their habits there is nothing peculiar requiring notice ; they are not, it is rue,
so quiet or so disinclined to roam as the Cochins; but if well-fed at home, they will
not be found to stray far from their walk. Nor are they quarrelsome among them-
selves, to a degree at all troublesome. Ав regards management I need only say that
what other good birds require will suffice for them ; with all poultry, in my opinion,

THE SPANISH FOWL. 95

a good, dry, warm roost is half the battle; and to keep the damp away, sand, dry
earth, chaff, or anything that is at hand, and will effect this object, should be spread
upon the floor, and frequently changed.

“ These are all the precautions I employ, and they prove amply sufficient to keep
my birds in health, vigour, and beauty."

In concluding the present chapter on the Spanish fowl, a few remarks may be
made on the different cross-bred birds owing their parentange to this race. It is
difficult to imagine any cross that would not utterly destroy the noble and truly
aristocratic appearance of these birds, and that without any counterbalancing
advantage to be gained, for the long limbs of the Spanish would not fail to deterio-
rate the form of any other variety. In consequence of Cochin hens being frequently
kept as foster-mothers for Spanish, crosses between a Spanish cock and Cochin hens
are not unfrequent; they are good layers of fair-sized eggs, and also good sitters,
but the plumage varies in colour, nor can they be regarded as ornamental: some
cross-bred chickens between the White Spanish and White Cochin were remarkable
as being of a uniform slaty gray. Some suggestions were made some time back by
Mr. Trotter in the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal, as to the improvement in
the size of the eggs of the Pencilled Dutch or Chitteprat by a cross with the
Spanish; but the fact was probably overlooked that a cross between two non-sitting
varieties of poultry almost invariably produces a mongrel that becomes broody and
¦ sits with remarkable steadiness; hence the value of such birds, viewed as mere
machines for converting so much barley into eggs, would be greatly less than that of
either of the pure breeds from which they were descended.

The only disease which requires notice in this place is the frost-bitten comb to
which Spanish in cold exposed situations are not unfrequently subject. When this
accident occurs, the comb becomes very dark-coloured and stiff: if the bird is, with
a mistaken spirit of kindness, taken into а warm, room mortification inevitably takes
place, and the entire or partial loss of the comb 18 the result; if, on the contrary, the
circulation is restored by rubbing the comb with snow, or, if that is not to be pro-
cured, with ice-cold water, until such time as the natural colour is restored, no harm

results, provided the application is made before the bird has been suffering any
lengthened period of time.

The most important varieties of the Spanish breed are the Minorcas and the
Andalusians, to which may be added the White Spanish and the Amconas, and a
race which has nearly or quite disappeared, the Silky Spanish.

The Minorca fowl is very common in Devonshire and Cornwall, though by no
means limited to those counties. In the western parts of Cornwall especially, birds of
this variety have long been valued as first-rate layers, and for some years they formed
the principal stock of our own yards. The milder temperature of the south of England
offers peculiar advantages for the successful management of these fowls, which, though
for a long period accustomed to our climate, still manifest impatience of severe cold.

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THE POULTRY B00K.

In the Minorca we miss at once the white face, the ear-lobe alone being of that
colour. But in both male and female there is the full development of comb and
wattle, especially in the hens; some of ours, indeed, have been seriously incon-
venienced in feeding by the undue proportions of the former flapping over the eye,
and interfering with the action of the beak. We should also describe them as lower
on the legs and of squarer build than the true Spanish. They are excellent layers ;
and readily, therefore, do we assent to Captain Hornby's opinion when speaking of
these birds; he says—“ The poultry called Minorca resemble the Spanish, except in
the white face possessed by the latter. І am not sure whether the former are not
as good layers, with as large eggs, as the latter; and certainly they lay eggs with
better (harder) shells; but this may probably be attributed to the present over-high
feeding of the white-faced Spanish fowls."

As table fowls, their more rounded form gives them advantages over their
aristocratic relations. Like the latter, they are very rarely found evincing any

desire to sit; we had indeed but one that ever did so.
The Ancona is a first cousin to the Minorca, the difference being a mottled or

splashed plumage, black and white, in about equal proportions ; but specimens of a
rich partridge-colour are not unfrequent. The colours of the mottled Ancona are.
seldom clear; and their appearance, therefore, is rarely calculated to obtain
admiration. 4

Under the title of the White Spanish, are included two varieties of the breed : one,
resulting from the action of some peculiar constitutional cause, which determines
the production of а partial or entire white plumage at moulting time, is a bird
previously black ; occasionally, also, white Albino chickens will be bred from black
parents,—but in breeding from both these varieties, the original colour is reproduced.

А permanent breed of White Spanish was frequently exhibited some few years
since; but the presence in many of an additional toe, and the red colour of the face; led
to the suspicion of their being cross-bred birds; and the want of the striking con-
trast between the jet-black plumage, the coral comb, and white face, which so
renfarkably add to the ornamental appearance of the original bird, caused them to
have but few admirers.

The Andalusians, however, have become established favourites with several
breeders; and a poultry exhibition seldom occurs in which good specimens do not
make their appearance, and take honours in the class for extra varieties. The most
successful exhibitor of this variety at the present time is Mr. Coles, of Fareham,

Hants, to whom we are indebted for the following gocount.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ANDALUSIANS.

COMMUNICATED BY MR. C. COLES,
WEIGHT AND SIzE.— Cock. Six to seven pounds.—Hen. Five to six pounds.
CARRIAGE AND FoRM.—Stately and good.

THE SPANISH FOWL.

GENERAL COLOUR OF THE PruMAGE.—Bluish gray, or light slate.

Меск-НАСКІЕ, SADDLE, ТАП, AND Upper WING-CovERTS OR SHOULDERS.—
Cock. Varying from dark slate bordering on black, to a dove colour.—Hen. Bluish gray.

BREAST, LOWER WING-ÜOVERTS, QUILLS, AND THigHs.—Bluish gray or bright
slate in both sexes. |

LEGS AND Ferr.—Blue. |
CoMB.— Cock. Very large, erect, single, and evenly serrated.—Hen. Very large,

single, and pendent.
WarrLes.—Cock. Very large.
Ean-LoBE.— White in both sexes.

FAcE.—Red.
CoLoUR оғ EYE AND BEAK.— Very dark, bright eye, and black beak.
In addition to the above description, Mr. Coles has furnished us with the

following account of their economical merits .—“ I have kept the Andalusian fowls
and find they are the least trouble of any variety tried by me; my
runs are very limited, without grass field or outlet; and I have less sickness in this
class than in Black Spanish. I obtained my first stock from Portsmouth, where
they were landed from a Spanish trader in 1851. I consider them in all respects
very superior for hardiness, and as layers. Coming to hand early, they no doubt
would be a useful kind to breed as a table fowl, in the early part of the year. The
hens usually commence laying in December, and continue with scarcely any omission
until November, averaging four to five weekly. І have pullets, hatched 3rd March
last, that commenced laying 19th August (when little more than five months old).
They are non-sitters : I have never had one instance of their wanting to hatch. 1
fnd the chickens very hardy, feathering early, and very precocious. І do not know
that they crow at a fortnight old, as stated some year or two back; but I have had
them do so at six weeks. 1 believe them to be a useful and beautiful variety,
that only requires to be better known to be appreciated. I find them far wilder in

their habits than Black Spanish, and also more pugnacious. As to feeding, &c.,
night and morning ; soft food in the middle of the day ;

for several years,

my system is— corn in variety,
meat once a week, with all the green food that can be procured from a large garden ;

and I believe шу birds are far healthier in their confined runs, than my neighbours
birds having plenty of grass outlet."

Mr. John Taylor, Junior, was formerly one of the most enthusiastic amateurs of
this variety, and in his description of them he states .—“ The following are some of
the points to which І attach most importance — Comb large, erect, and evenly
serrated; cheek white; legs bluish; plumage bluish-gray or dove-colour, each

feather being lightly margined with a darker tint. Hackles glossy, velvety, black,
f the breast, in strong contrast to the colour of the

| falling evenly on each side o
the sickle feathers well arched, The

latter; tail full, carried very uprightly, with
hens have the same colours, but pendent combs,

сэг ee анха лм

THE POULTRY BOOK.

“ Cocks will average in weight 7 Ibs., while the hens may be stated at about 53 Ibs.
Pullets hatched in April commence laying in October, and continue throughout the
winter. Two pullets and three hens averaged 120 eggs ech in the year. In shape
and colour they resemble those of the Black Spanish. The hens seldom show any
desire to sit; but when this does happen, they prove themselves excellent mothers.
The chickens, unlike the Black Spanish, are feathered early, are hardy and very
precocious. Asa table fowl, I have a very high opinion of their excellence."

We may gather from this statement of Mr. Taylor's, that the Andalusian has a
fair title to be considered as a permanent variety of the Spanish family. Тһе rich
slate-colour of their bodies is well contrasted with the deep black of their hackle and
tail; while in size and vigour of constitution, especially as chickens, they seem to be

on at least equal terms with their black cousins.

During a severe gale in the spring of 1842, a Spanish xebeck was driven by
stress of weather on to the pier of St. Michael's Mount, in Cornwall. Some singular-
looking fowls having attracted our attention, negotiations were commenced, and we
purchased two hens. Each of their feathers having its separate plumes or web split
or divided nearly to their point of junction with the shaft, gave them the exact
appearance of a large brown silk fowl; while a drooping comb of considerable size,
а very conspicuous white ear-lobe, with a tinge of white on the cheek, evidently
bespoke their Spanish origin, without the further guarantee of their having
been brought from Malaga. Unfortunately there was no cock with them; and
certain alterations being required in our own yard, they were consigned to a friend.
Since that time we have lost sight of them. The facts, however, are sufficient to
justify this allusion to the Spanish silk fowl, though we have had no opportunity of
examining other specimens.

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C E LEA. X TEL
THE GAME FOWL.

To those who regard the Jungle fowl of India as the common ancestor of all our
domesticated cocks and hens, the Game fowl naturally suggests itself as the first link
in the genealogical chain. But speculations of this kind, though in every way
interesting, we must leave to the Naturalist. Our present task is with the English
Game fowl. He is, we affirm, essentially an English bird; for the specimens which
we have seen in other countries, or Which have been imported thence, always
appeared to us to have been of second-rate merit; and such we apprehend is the
general opinion of all competent judges.

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—

THE GAME FOWL. 99

In this country he has long held а post of high honour, and in some instances
pedigrees and stud-books, running back over a period of 60 and 100 years, testify to
his unstained descent from birds of note and fame in other places than the poultry-
yard. The jealousy and vigilance with which the most successful strains were then
watched; the reported secrets of the feeders; and the general favour with which, in
days gone by, their ardent temperament and high courage were regarded, have all
eontributed to confer a degree of interest upon this family of fowls which has
probably been shared by none besides. |

Not only, however, have they been very generally kept for those purposes to
which their pugnacity has destined them, but many farmers and cottagers have long
regarded them with a favourable eye, merely as profitable poultry. {

In describing the characteristics of the Game fowl, there is a generally recognized
standard for form and figure, which must not be departed from, whatever variety of
colour the birds may present. Consequently, these characters may be stated once
for all, leaving merely the variations in plumage to be spoken of under the head of
each sub-variety. |

In weight, Game fowls vary very considerably. In the days when they were bred
almost exclusively for the cockpit, 4 lbs. 8 or lO oz. for the cocks was the size
aimed at by the breeders; at the present time this limit із often passed, and some of
our most successful exhibitors state that their birds reach 6 Ibs. when two years old ;
but beyond this weight the bar sinister may be looked for іп their escutcheon, owing
to an alliance with that bane of the Game fowl, the Malay. 5 Ibs. for the cock,
and 34 lbs. for the hen, would give us birds possessing in a higher degree the true
attributes of the Game than any heavier weights.

The carriage and form of the Game are certainly more beautiful than that of any
other variety of domestic fowl. The neck is long, strong, and gracefully curved ; the
breast broad and museular; the back short; the whole body round and tapering to
the tail; the wings large and powerful, and carried (as well described in a paper
before us, by one of the Cockers of the present day) “Бу his sides like a robin, and
not on his back like a goose;" the thighs strong, muscular, and short, tightly
clothed with feathers, and well set forward on the body, so as to be available for
fighting ; the shank strong but not coarse, covered with fine scales, and of moderate
length; the toes long and fine.

The plumage is compact, hard, and mail-like to a remarkable degree, and
possesses a brilliant glossiness that cannot be surpassed. The tail in the cock is
large, with gracefully arched sickle feathers, and in the hen forms a large and beauti-
ful fan.

The head in this variety is extremely teu fus being thin and long like that of
à greyhound ; the beak massive at its root, strong and well curved ; the eye large,
very full, and brilliant in lustre; the ear-lobe and face of a bright scarlet, and the

comb single, erect, and thin. The spur, which is exceedingly dense and sharp, should

100 THE POULTRY BOOK.

be set low on the leg, its power as а weapon being thereby greatly increased ; an
it should be remarked that this offensive weapon is often present in the softer sex.

The varieties of Gamé are very numerous, as from the anxiety to avoid any
deterioration in figure or courage, crosses between the principal breeds have been
frequently resorted to, so that a number of sub-varieties present themselves to our
notice, many of which are still further complieated by the use of names of merely
provincial employment.

In place of endeavouring to give а description of each sub-variety, frequently
perhaps of merely local celebrity, we will follow the arrangement that is used at the
principal poultry exhibitions, and deseribe them accordingly in the following

order :—

1. BLACK-BREASTED Reps. 5. BLACKS, INCLUDING THE BRASSY-WINGED.
2. BrowN-BREASTED REDS. 6. WHITES.

3. Duck wiNos. PILES,

4, Grays AND BLUES.

And several breeds of less notoriety, as the HENNY-TAILED, the INDIAN, &c.

First on our list, then, come the Black-breasted Reds; and of these the white-
legged variety is known as “ Lord Derby’s.” They have been kept at Knowsley for
upwards of one hundred years, and, from the care with which all crosses have been
managed, they still maintain their high reputation. То Mr. Roscoe, their hereditary
guardian, must we refer for a description of the male birds :—

“They are of a good round shape, well put together; have a fine long head ;
daw eyes; long and strong neck; hackle well- feathered, touching the shoulder ;
wings large and well-quilled; back short; belly round and black: tail long and
sickled, being well-tufted at the root; thigh short and stiff; legs rather long, with
white feet and nails, the latter being free from all coarseness.”

The required “ daw eye, we should observe, is that which resembles the gray eye
of ajackdaw. Their distinctive features are the white beak, feet, and claws, essential
to every bird claiming descent from this illustrious stock.

The colours of the “Derby Red” should be as follows :—Cock. Face bright
red; breast and thighs coal-black ; hackle and saddle-feathers bright orange-red ;
back intense brown-red, a depth of colour that painters would term dragon’s blood ;
upper wing-coverts and shoulder deep maroon; lower wing-coverts marked at the
extremity with steel-blue, forming a bar across the wing; wing-feathers bay; tail
iridescent. black. It seems a peculiarity in these fowls, that one at least of the pinion
feathers is marked with white. Beak, legs, and feet white.

Throughout the whole catalogue of Game fowls, the male birds are by far the
most conspicuous in plumage; and wherever colour has given the name to a breed,
the markings | of the cock explain_ the reason. The Black-breasted Red hens, for
instance, possess little of their consort's brilliancy of feather, and may be described
as chestnut-brown around the eye, continued beneath the throat; shaft of neck,

2

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Professor of Chemistry, Royal Institution. Surgeons, London.

POULTRY, RABBIT, SHEEP, AND CAT FENCING.

EW TWINE NETTING (Tanned if required), one yard wide, 2d. per yard; two yards wide, 4d.

per yard; four yards wide, 8d. per yard; half-inch Mesh ditto, 2 yards wide, 8d. per yard.
Tannen NzrrrxG, two or three yards wide, 11d. per yard; four or six yards wide, 3d. per yard. Cocoa
Nur Frere, or Hemp Sheepfolding Net, of superior quality, four feet high, 4d. to 6d. per yard. Razsır
Құт, four feet wide, 13d., six feet wide, 21d., eight feet wide, 3d. per yard. ‘Each edge corded, 54. per
yard extra, suitable for Poultry Fencing. Square Mesh Cricketing Net, fix its full width and length,
made of stout cord, 3d. to 4d. per square yard—this is the best article for fencing against Fowls, Cats, &c.

W. CULLINGFORD’S, No. 1, Edmund Terrace, Ball’s Pond, Kingsland, London.

BANK OF DEPOSIT,

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Now Publishing; to be continued in Monthly Parts tall completed,
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Aa s
Юй»)

CONTAINING FOUR CAREFULLY-COLOURED GROUPS,

BRITISH WILD FLOWERS,

WITH THEIR DESCRIPTIONS.

Р.

"229 "ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE NATURAL SYSTEM,

6 ; pY MRS. LOUDON.
p^ t, ILLUSTRATED BY Н. NOEL HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

4.
+

“Ye Field Flowers! the gardens eclipse you, 'tis true;
Yet, wildings of Nature, I doat upon you;
S For ye waft me to summers of old,
а When the earth teemed around with fairy delight,
х ¿And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sigbt,
^ ° © Like treasures of silver and gold," —CAMPBELL.

2-4

ne Wo же же”
T Ë 1 p eti

^k, Tue present Work was undertaken under.-the impfession that a selection of the more beautiful and

“attractive of our Wild Flowers, with-Tlfustrations of them, would be useful to those who have neither
time nor opportunity of consulting larger works on the subject. In order to confine herself within the
necessary limits, the Authoress found she could only take the most ornamental Plants, avoiding, as inter-
fering with her other Works, any Flowers commonly found in the Garden, her chief object being to
enable the Amateur Botanist, who might find a pretty or interesting flower growing wild in their
rambles, to ascertain its name and history. In addition to such details, a few remarks on the botanical
construction of most of the plants have been offered, in the hope of inducing such readers as might be
unacquainted with Botany to study so charming a science.

The volume presents to the reader almost all the information which is absolutely necessary for a
general knowledge of this branch of the subject; the reader will likewise meet here with remarks
regarding the great question of education, in which the Authoress indulges the hope that the botanical
construction of plants, and the study of the science of Botany in general, may become a branch of general

. education. |

«Nothing, І must confess," writes the Authoress, * would give me more pleasure than to see Botany
as commonly taught in girls' schools, as French and musie are at present; and I think it more than
probable that in another generation it will be so—as, though the Linnsan system was unfit for females,
there is nothing objectionable in the Natural Arrangement; and the prejudice against botanical names
is every day declining, from. the number of beautiful plants exhibited at flower shows, which have no
English appellations. I sincerely hope the time may arrive, though probably І shall not live to see it,
when a knowledge of Botany will be considered indispensable to every well-educated person." |

In the systematie arrangement of the plants, the Authoress has followed Dr. Lindley's Synopsis of ¿he
British Flora, which few botanical students are without; and few genera are omitted, except such as do
not contain any ornamental plants, or only include such plants as are rarely met with growing wild in
Great Britain. While the Natural System is adopted in this work, it has also been borne in mind that
many books of a leading charaeter are arranged according to the Linnean system ; the Authoress has
therefore added the Linneean class and order of each genus, with a few words explanatory of the terms
as they occur.

The volume is illustrated with sixty plates, representing nearly three hundred of the rarest ornamental
wild flowers, drawn by Mr. Noel Humphreys, and carefully coloured after his drawings, grouped во as
to form bouquets of flowers. The volume contains, besides, descriptions of nearly all our known indi-
genous flowering plants, and a copious index, which completes the general attraction and utility of the work.

LONDON: WM. 8. ORR € CO., AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW.

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THE PIGEONS AND RABBITS BY MR. HARRISON WEIR, .

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THE PROPERTY OF MR. C. BALLANCE, TAUNTON.

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THE GAME FOWL. 101

hackle light buff; web pale brown, edged with black; breast shaded with roan and
fawn colour; belly and vent of an ash tint; back and wing-coverts partridge-coloured ;
wing-feathers and tail black, the latter carried vertically and widely expanded ; beak,
legs, feet, and nails perfectly white. |

If any circumstance could prove more decidedly than another the enthusiasm
with which the Game fowl are reared by amateurs, it would be the very large number
of descriptions received by the Editor. The mere enumeration of the names of those
who have forwarded descriptions, would alone take up more space than can be
afforded. In the case of the present subvariety, а selection is needless, for all agree
in the characteristics of the breed,—with this difference, that each amateur has his
-peculiar predilection respecting the colour of the legs. Thus, amongst other success-
ful exhibitors, Mr. Pickthall advocates blue legs; Mr. Wilson of Redditch, Mr.
Mr. Matthew of Stowmarket, one of the most successful

Sewell, &c., willow or olive;
breeders of Game, prefers yellow ; and others again those with black or “crow” legs.

It is, however, most important for intending exhibitors to bear in mind, that uniformity

in the colour of the legs 15 an indispensable requisite to success in the show-pen.

A writer in the “ Poultry Chronicle," evidently well versed in the requirements
of the cockpit, published, under the signature of “Cockspur,” an elaborate
eriticism of our engraving of the Black-breasted Reds or Derby birds, in which
he eulogised the representation, stating that the head of the cock, in particular,
was excellent, being, as it should be, fine and taper, with а beak strong and massive
at the root. He took exception, however, for practical purposes, to the thigh as
being a little too long, and to the shank as rather short ; and furthermore decried the
carriage of the wings as being too much “tucked ар; and also to the plumage of
the hen as being fluffy and not sufficiently close and hard.

The Brown-breasted Reds, sometimes called Gingers, next claim our attention,

inasmuch as they stand very high in the estimation of many of the most celebrated

breeders and cockers. |
In this subvariety, the breasts of the cocks are brown, marbled with darker colour ;

the neck-hackle bright orange-red; the saddle-hackle gradually assuming a brighter
orange colour as it falls over the tips of the secondary quills; the tail black, and

blackish to rusty brown, v
colour of the legs is variable, some preferring willow or olive, others dark blue, black

yellow, &c.
Among the Brown-breasted Reds may be classed those birds formerly known as

Mufs and Tassells, the first being characterized by а beard around the throat;

the second deriving their name from a few long feathers forming а sort of erest: ! :

but however favourably these may have been regarded some years since, they

would meet with total disregard in the show-pen at the: present day; their additional
N

102 | THE POULTRY BOOK.

peculiarities being in all probability derived from a distant alliance with another
variety of fowl.

Duckwings are by many regarded as the most beautiful of all Game fowls ; and in
support of their claim to be thus considered, we need but refer to our engraving.
The cocks vary considerably in the colour of their’ saddles, hackles, and breasts:
thus in some strains, the saddles and hackles are light silver-gray ; in others a straw
colour, deepening to red in the saddle ; and in the same manner the breasts are black
or gray. The upper wing-coverts or shoulder are usually deep reddish straw; the
bars a metallic purplish green-black, which is thrown into strong prominence by the .
very light silver secondary quills, on which they rest, the whole arrangement resem-
bling so far the wing of the Mallard as to give rise to the name of the variety,
namely,—Duckwing Game.

The hens are extremely beautiful; the hackle being streaked with black and
white, or creamy gray, the breast brownish red (hence, they are often termed Robin-
breasted) ; the saddle dark gray; the legs vary, as with the other breeds.

Blwes and Grays have usually a dull slate breast, with straw-coloured hackle and
saddle; the hens being wholly of the former colour. The Birchen Yellow cock has
a yellow and black streaked breast; blackish gray thighs; tail and belly nearly black,
and remainder of the plumage yellow. The hen is.an extremely pretty bird, her )
body being dark, almost approaching black, with a light cloud of gray on each.
feather; the hackle being edged with white.

Black Game are birds of unquestionable purity, being formerly a celebrated
fighting breed. One strain, now in the possession of Mr. Barber of Rowington, was
formerly known in the cockpit as the “ Cheltenham Sweep.” Their plumage, in good
specimens, is of an extraordinary degree of metallic brilliancy, varying with lustrous
shades of green and purple; in many the eye is orange, which contrasts remarkably
with the dark plumage.

In Brassy-winged Game, the cocks have the wing-coverts of a bright golden
yellow, the rest of the plumage being entirely of the beautiful raven black, charac-
teristic of the pure black birds. The hens are of a uniform good black ; the wing- )
coverts being destitute of the peculiar colour of those of the cock. ;

White Game require no lengthened description of the characteristics of the
plumage : it should be pure and unsullied white, in both sexes. The colour of the legs
varies ; most breeders prefer the White—some, however, adhering to the Yellow. In
the Midland Counties, where they have long been favourites, the White Game are
frequently termed. Smocks.

The Piles are the Game fowls whose plumage has a proportion of white for one
of its component colours. They are usually heavy birds, and in many districts are
very highly esteemed. The cocks of all the various strains of Piles are red and
white, or yellow and white, in one or other of the shades of those colours; but the
markings of each individual vary so greatly, that it is somewhat difficult to describe

THE GAME FOWL. 103

their arrangement. The object of breeders із to get the colours as distinct and as
brilliant as possible ; thus, Mr. Matthew of Stowmarket states, “ My opinion is that
a good Pile should be red where а black-breasted is red, and white where he is
black." ;

Those best known are the Worcestershire, the Staffordshire, and the Cheshire
Piles. The difference between these and some other provincial varieties 15 enveloped
in much confusion,—a circumstance little to be wondered at, when we consider the
probable origin of the whole class as resulting from crosses between the red and
white breeds. Thus, as we might suppose, sports are frequent, and their compo-
nent colours are varied in every possible proportion.

The Cheshire Pile may be described as of a deep chestnut on the back and wings,
while the Staffordshire has a lighter tint of yellow: and the Worcestershire Piles are
again subdivided into the cream-coloured and blue. The hens of the former are
mainly of that colour, while the cocks display the same, with the addition of black,
red, and white. The Blue Pile hen has a tint of that colour prevailing in her plum- |
age, while the cock unites black, red, white, and blue. The legs and beaks of both
kinds are commonly of an olivecolour. To Mr. Wilson of Redditch we are indebted
for this notice of varieties that have been in his possession for many years.

In addition to these more important breeds, there are several other strains of less,
and in some cases of merely local, celebrity: as the Furness Game fowl, which is
sometimes, but erroneously, termed a Pile, as no white should be visible in its plum-
age, and a Pile must be a combination of white with some other colour. It derives
its name from one of the hundreds in the county of Lancashire, and is a fowl of good
repute. The cock has a black body, with buff or golden saddle-feathers. Its
courage is highly spoken of, but of late years it appears to have become scarce. |
The hen is black, with hackle slightly marked with the same colour as the cock's |
saddle. : |

In this group we have also Polecats, which appear to be the same strain under |
another name,—the only distinction being the appearance of lighter shades on the
saddle, and occasionally on the wing and hackle also.

The Cuckoos repeat the colours of the Cuckoo Dorking, each feather having
several bars of dark gray shaded with a white ground.

The Henmies are thus described by Mr. Thurnall of Royston :—“ The hens very
closely resemble those of Lord Derby's breed of black-breasted reds, and the cock's
plumage in no way varies from that of the hen's—for he possesses neither hackle,
saddle, nor sickle feathers—the tail being very little more developed than in the hens. |
I regard it as a distinct variety, and to be depended upon for like producing like; *
the cock is a high-spirited bird, and I have been told that their courage has been
often proved."

The Indian Game fowls that have been imported are coarse, heavy, ill-shaped
birds, that have evidently been produced by crossing the true English Game fowl,

104 THE POULTRY BOOK.

with several of the smaller Malay native breeds; they fight, but without the courage
or wondrous activity of the true breed. Some few years since, some good White
Game were exhibited as Indian, and attracted to the breed whose name they took
more attention than the mongrels deserved.

Little need be said as to the accommodation necessary for Game fowls. А good
grass run is essential, and we cannot advise their being kept by any who are unable
to grant them this indulgence. They are impatient of restraint, and never appear in
really good. condition when debarred from the country exercise that seems required
by their hardy constitutions. |

In the selection of breeding stock, whatever the variety preferred, the greatest
care must be taken, in matching the proposed parents, as regards form, feather, and
the colours of the beak and legs; since an injudicious selection may injure the strain
for years, and present unwelcome features even after generations have passed away.

'l'he male bird does not appear to influence the progeny to the same extent as the
hen. Thus Mr. Brent has observed—“ In breeding them much depends on the
purity of the hens, for а good Game hen, with a Dunghill cock, will breed good
fighting birds; but the best Game cock, with a Dunghill hen, will not breed a bird
good for anything." Respecting the ages of the breeding stock, it 15 not desirable
to mate old birds together; a stag or one-year-old bird, placed with hens of two or

three years old, will be found to produce finer chickens than when an old cock is

mated with last season's hens ; at least such was the experience of the breeders for the
cockpit. Where great excellence is aimed at, we would not advise the companionship
of more than four hens with the cock. The rule to avoid all relationship in your
brood stock, if possible, was not constantly followed by the breeders of fighting birds.
They made one exception, that of pairing a hen to her own son ; and provided both
were superior birds, they found the result very satisfactory ; but they were cautions
not to repeat the in-and-in breeding.

In colour, the eggs of the Game fowl vary from a dull white to fawn, but crosses
with the Indian bird impart a still darker tint. The average weight of those laid by
full-grown pullets we found to be 2 oz., and 2$ oz. might be considered as а liberal
allowance for those of the full-grown hen.

The Black-breasted Red is as good a layer as any of this numerous family; as
many as twenty-five eggs being laid by them before manifesting äny desire to sit.

But with regard to the number of eggs laid by Game fowls of any breed, previously
to their manifesting a desire to incubate, much will depend on whether the eggs
are removed and a nest-egg only allowed to remain, or whether they are allowed
to accumulate as day by day the store may receive additions. If the latter
plan be adopted, few Game fowls, we imagine, would be found to lay beyond the
number that instinct would suggest as the proper complement for their nest; and this
we find varies from ten to fifteen. Game hens usually lay on alternate days: in
favourable weather, with good keep, this may be extended to two days, stopping one.

THE GAME FOWL. 105

As sitters, Game hens have no superiors. Quiet on their eggs, regular im the
hours for coming off and returning to their charge, and confident, from their fearless
disposition, of repressing the incursions of any intruder, they rarely fail to bring off
good broods. Hatching accomplished, their merits appear in a still more conspicuous
light. Ever on their guard, not even the shadow of a bird overhead, or the approach
of man or beast, but finds them ready to do battle for their offspring ; and numerous
instances are on record where rats and other vermin have thus fallen before them.

Their remarkable prowess in defending their young is strongly set forth in the
following most interesting aecount with which we have been favoured by Mr.
Hewitt :—“ Not a doubt presents itself to my own mind, that, viewed exclusively for
their actual merits, unencumbered by the caprice of poultry fashion or individual
prejudice, Game fowls are undoubtedly the most strikingly beautiful of any among
the very numerous varieties of domestic poultry. Among any of the truly bred
fowls of this variety, the superiority of gait and general contour strikes the eye of
parties even the most indifferent and uninterested ; and from this cause I have almost
universally noticed that the avenues appropriated to the Game at our poultry shows,
are those most commonly thronged by visitors. This fully proves how much a good
display in these classes tends to the eventual pecuniary success of such meetings.
In situations where a free unlimited range can be tolerated, there is not a doubt that
Game fowls will take care of themselves, and their progeny, more successfully than
any other kind of poultry. Accidents of any kind where these advantages exist very
rarely occur; asof all poultry none are more vigilant in avoiding dangers, nor, again,
so capable of repelling aggression ; and many are the instances that recall themselves
to my memory of cases in which by far more powerful adversaries have found an
unforeseen retreat suddenly enforced upon them: or if doggedly pursuing their
attacks, the valiant defender has at length laid prostrate and powerless in the field
the opponent that had confidently relied upon its superior strength ensuring &
very different issue. I will simply refer to a couple of such incidents, where prowess
alone carried the day, and also where the odds were vastly in favour of the unexpected
assailant. |

“Т am not myself an advocate for the cock-pit, but contrariwise the staunch
adherent for the most entire preservation of peace, goodwill, and quietness, throughout
the habitation of bipeds of every kind. Nevertheless, I fancy there scarcely exists
throughout the United Kingdom a man—ay, or woman either—who does not feel,
as it were, a mental gleam of satisfaction when they hear of true valour being
triumphant: or a veritable instance where heroism and indomitable determination
carried the day against a Hérculean opponent, who rested his hopes of successful
oppression entirely on the superiority of his own physical power.

Ina very rural part of Derbyshire, some ten or eleven years back, a Black-breasted
Red Game cock (only a small bird, in weight about four pounds two or three ounces)
was ‘walked’ with three or four especially good hens, one of which had some chickens

106 THE POULTRY BOOK.

running with her, about & fortnight old. These latter were enjoying themselves in
rather an exposed situation to the windward of some heather. А kite (or, as there
called, “а gleed’) that was on wing outlooking for the first prey that might offer,
espied them; and without the slightest warning, dashed violently at one of the
chicks that had strayed farther from its protector. The hen, however, instantly espied
the coming danger, and flew, regardless altogether of self-preservation, to the rescue.
This first effort of the dauntless mother certainly saved the chicken, and drew the
attention of the kite more especially to herself. Atthis instant the cock, that was some
twenty yards off, attracted by the outcries of his mate, went valiantly to the encounter,
and on first meeting his unusual foe was unfortunately clutched by the wing with
one or botH feet of the kite, nor could the quickly repeated efforts of the cock disen-
gage itself. Although labouring under so material a disadvantge, he still fought on,
and, as the result proved, successfully. It was in truth ‘an up and down fight,
sometimes the cock, at others the kite, appearing to have the advantage; feathers
flew around the combatants, and an eye-witness ran rapidly to the spot, simply in the
hope to prevent the anticipated escape of the intruder. No services whatever, on his
part, were required, as, before he reached them, victory had favoured our gallant hero.
The kite had received a blow of almost incredible severity from the spur of the cock,
— which, it should be borne in mind, was simply the natural one; it had entirely
destroyed the right eye, and bursting through the skull at the back of it, penetrated
the brain, so that death ensued as instantaneously as by gunshot. It was only with
difficulty the spur could be disengaged; and the tenacious grasp of the kite was
maintained even in death. The cock proved but triflingly injured by the melee; and
the fallen one, after being rudely preserved by some neighbouring taxidermist, still
graces a private collection of the fauna of the United Kingdom.

“The second instance was not, as above, a casual occurrence, but premeditated

by a couple of friends of mine in Birmingham, as a test not only of the dauntless
valour of a Game hen, but to teach a useful and admonitory lesson to an intruder,
whose fondness for chickens had added a somewhat extravagant item to the losses of
a notorious poultry-amateur, and that too among chickens of high merit and con-
siderable pecuniary value.

* It seems a large cat had for many weeks been making daily incursions, and had
sutceeded not only in taking a chicken all but invariably at every visit, but had like-
wise very seriously maltreated the old hens on three different occasions. They were
Cochins, and had become so alarmed by the frequent repetitions of these inroads as
to scarcely make any attempt at protection for their chickens; and consequently the
cat had increased in audacity accordingly. It was under these depressing circumstances
that a brother amateur volunteered ‘a certain cure, if he were allowed unrestrained
liberty as to the means adopted; a proviso most cheerfully permitted. Having
cooped up all the chickens, and parent birds also, of the fowls that usually had sole
possession of the yard, he produced a most beautiful Game hen and chickens, the

THE GAME FOWL. 107

latter not more than three or four days old; the hen being armed with a pair of steel
spurs, somewhat shorter than those used in the cockpit, but well suited for the pur-
pose intended ; and being naturally а spurred hen, they were easily and firmly
attached. The lot heing placed at freedom in the yard, the hen, from all around
being strange, was necessarily restless, and the chickens equally noisy. Grimalkin,
with stealthy pace, was soon seen crouching along a wall (her usual mode of intro-
duction) about nine feet high; the hen unfortunately at this moment had flown into
the body of a covered cart, that prevented any possibility of her seeing the threatened .
danger. А spring from the top of the wall—or rather gliding downit some few feet,
and then darting, as it were, from it midway—placed puss in possession of the nearest
chicken, and all the spectators thought certainly one youngster was irretrievably
forfeited to the experiment; but the idea was erroneous: with a shriek the hen flew
headlong at the enemy of her brood. Puss seemed but little concerned at her fury,
as the impunity with which she had faced other hens seemed rather to inspire her
with confidence, all but amounting to imperturbability.

“Perceiving the coming attack, the cat loosed the chicken from her mouth, but
instantaneously placed one foot upon it, and with hair 'erect looked defiantly ; while
a few deeply-drawn breathings at the window told how anxiously the lookers-on
speculated as to the event. The Cochins—poor, heavy, domesticated dames—had
‚always proved slow in their motions (however well intended), and their efforts were
easily avoided. Not во now: ablow the eye could scarcely follow, and a scream most
dissimilar to the noise from anything feline, gave evidence the contest was not во”
very unequal as it appeared to be. Two orthree other blows, in the most rapid suc-
cession possible, made retreat evidently the only way that remained to the cat of
making the best of an unlucky speculation; still, with an obduracy most remarkable,
she once more seized the chicken with her mouth and sprang with it upon the wall.
Nevertheless, bravery carried the day,—the hen proved close to her heels, and another
double rap brought both antagonists headlong back again to the ground. The cat
then loosed the chicken, bolted to another less exposed outlet, and the hen quickly
commenced her muster-roll, which 1 am happy to say embraced the whole of her
| progeny, and none were injured, the hen herself escaping literally “without a scratch ў
although her artificial helps were besmeared with gore,—so was the whole scene of
this extraordinary encounter. Some half year afterwards, 1 on inquiry found ‘a
longing lingering look’ was frequently still indulged in, but always from afar,—
* instinct is never quite suppressed ;' and the promise of the owner of the Game hen
has proved fulfilled: the “cure was a certain one.” No doubt one cause of Game
fowls passing through such really trying ordeals scatheless and unharmed, is the
extraordinary elasticity and invulnerability of their plumage compared with that of
other poultry. The more truly the birds are bred (if combined with a proper un-
limited run), the more conspicuously by far will this characteristic expose itself. 1
once saw a singular experiment tried on a feather plucked from the wing of a highly-

108 THE POULTRY BOOK.

bred two: year-old Game cock, to prove the difference in its repulsiveness, compared
to а similar feather taken from а Gray Dorking's wing, and another from that of a
Cochin. Tested by length, they were the same; in circumference they differed widely.
When measured by the tool used by dealers in iron wire, the Cochin was triflingly
the thickest of the three; the Dorking feather stood second; and the Game cock's
proved much less than either of the others. They were alternately placed in a vice
by the quill-end, protected from injury by a pair of hollow * clams, to prevent the
quill splitting from the unusual pressure, whilst fitting round it closely. Тһе dis-
tance they projected was equal in all cases, causing an equality as to leverage ;—the
ribbed or under part of the feather was placed uppermost, and weights applied to
them very gradually. Suffice it to say, the resistance before giving way in the Game
feather, was equal to something more than that of the two others combined! Its
elasticity proved nearly equal to that of the same thickness of unannealed iron wire.

“Hardy as these fowls are to excess, however, under favoured positions, none
seem more impatient of confinement, or do less benefit to their owner if deprived of
good country freedom and exercise; they speedily in such ease become sickly, and
lose inost of their commanding characteristics. Воб even when this ill- -judged treat-
ment is combined with unnatural food, they struggle on protractedly before death
relieves them, far longer than others; in constitution being unsurpassed by any
fowls.

* With good range, their flesh is undoubtedly excellent, and to my palate the best-

‘flavoured of all fowls. I willingly admit two trifling drawbacks,—viz. limited size,
and generally an inclination to prove yellow in the skin. Yet, with these admitted, І

still wish any sceptic to try for himself a Game pullet killed shortly before com- -
mencing laying her first eggs, and I do not doubt his becoming a convert to my
opinion ; whilst the carving-knife will prove my best witness, as they carry more flesh
than any variety of fowls whatever, under natural and inexpensive feeding."

The newly hatched chickens are exceedingly attractive in appearance ; those of
the darker breeds are light brown, with a broad dark-brown stripe down the back,
and a narrower line over the eye. The Duckwings, Grays, and Blues have propor-
tionally paler hues, but the stripe is rarely absent.

The chickens feather rapidly, and with ordinary care and a liberal and varied diet,
such as chopped egg, with a portion of onions, chives, or leeks, bread-crumbs, grits,
boiled oatmeal, wheat, and barley, with some new milk, in the earher stages of their
growth, are reared with as little difficulty as those of other fowls. Nor are they
subject to any maladies of chickenhood beyond what is common to the whole family
in its widest extent.

Let us, therefore, suppose that the perils of their early existence have been over-
come, and that a healthy brood of some two months old daily invites our attention,
and encourages our speculations as to their future excellence. We rise one morning,

and hasten as usual to our favourites; but, to our grief and consternation, the

THE GAME FOWL. 109

promising chicks of yesterday are gone, and in their place we behold an assemblage
of torn, dishevelled, bleeding wretches, with drooping wings, closed eyes, and evident
indications of a general melee. And such, in fact, has been the case; for rivalling
their ancestors' heroie deeds, they have scorned longer continuance in the pacific state
that becomes chickens of good behaviour.

But when, after a time, the powers of vision are restored, and the other tokens of
the fray are no longer manifest, the result is seen in the acknowledged authority of
one of their number: and henceforth quarrels between the beaten are comparatively
of rare occurrence ; when they do take place, both offenders are constantly chastised
by the former victor.

Allowance being made for the casualties resulting from this summary method of
settling their precedence, Game chickens are reared without greater difficulty than
those of other fowls, that is to say, wherever a suitable run is attainable. We make .
this reservation distinctly ; for if there is any race of our domestic poultry ill calcu-
lated for confinement 1n aviaries or yards of limited extent, it is the bird we are now
speaking of. Game fowls, indeed, to be produced in their highest state of perfection,
require to be kept in small numbers, that there may be no risk of the ground becom-
ing tainted ; while the range of a good “ walk” is as essential for the health of the
old birds as of their offspring. Yards and allotments of small dimensions may
answer for Polish, Spanish, and Shanghaes; but letit not be supposed that under
such conditions the English Game-fowl, of any variety, can show to advantage either
the varied beauties of his plumage or the faultless symmetry of his form.

In the days when cock-fighting was a frequent and recognised pastime, Game
fowls were, old and young alike, too often subjected to a highly stimulating system
of feeding ; it was pursued with the young birds to bring out their pugnacious habits
as early as possible, and with the old birds to retain them in the requisite condition.
Tf casualties from this unnatural diet were rare, the cause would probably be found
in the skill of the feeders, and the attention with which a bird's progress was watched
from hour to hour; but the severe trials by which the bird's system was tested, as to
powers of enduring fatigue, and exhibiting courage and endurance, are circumstances
that seldom affect the poultry-keeper of the present day. і

From the numbers of Game birds, of greater or less purity of blood, that are seen
in the farm-yards of this country, it is evident that, in an economical point of view,
they must be favourably regarded by many of those who pay but little attention to
form or feather. Now, thereis probably a general acquiescence in the common idea
of the ever-quarrelsome disposition and pugnacious habits of this bird that greatly
prejudiees its claim for admission to the poultry-yard: but those who have studied
it most carefully will confirm our opinion, that, his rule once recognized, the
thorough-bred Game fowl is not justly liable to such objections. Competitors, it is.
true, he will not brook; but if, after the preliminary trial of strength, precedence is
allowed him (and few of other varieties will long contest it), he manifests nothing of

110 THE POULTRY BOOK.

a vindictive spirit, and is easily induced to allow the companionship of other cocks in
a subordinate position. "The Dunghill and other birds will renew their combats day
by day, and the victor of one hour is often the fugitive of another. But with Game
fowls the cock of the walk claims and receives general homage; and not only.
abstains himself from these scenes of strife, but insists that his companions also shall
exhibit the same peaceable demeanour. The younger birds, it is true, do not always
at once settle among themselves who is to be the best man; but woe betide them if
their appeals to arms are witnessed by their senior. Where a numerous head of
poultry, comprising several cooks, are kept at large in а farm-yard, the advantage of
such monarchial authority is constantly acted on, though doubtless to the ultimate
detriment of the stock, for which, however, the maintenance of peace is thought to
compensate.

In suitable localities Game fowls are kept at a very small cost; for when indulged
with a good grass walk, a little corn, morning and evening, is found sufficient to keep
them in good order; they are thus well suited to the farmers present system of
poultry keeping; for after ten weeks or three months old the greater part of their

food is procured abroad, and their owner's corn but sparingly required. Yet, kill a

Game fowl when you will, it is always in good condition: and thus, where fowls
are not put up to feed, they afford a ready supply whenever they may be wanted.
Farmers wives are well aware of their good quality in this respect, and hence another
reason for the periodical introduction of a well-bred Game cock into their poultry-
yards, though the pugnacity of the hens may be frequent matter of complaint.

Mr. Roseoe tells us that Game chickens at five months old, if well-fed, should
weight 5 lbs. the couple, while he calculates their cost from 3s. to 3s. 6d.—a price
which for birds of such unquestioned excellence would leave a very satisfactory mar-
gin for profit. This supposes liberal feeding and attention while young, and a good
run as soon as they are able to profit by it. There certainly can he no question of
the superiority of such birds as dead poultry over the stuffed and crammed tenants of
feeding-coops; they truss capitally, and their plump full breast will bear comparison
with any occupants of the poulterer's counter. |

If any of our readers should desire the ne plus ultra of excellence in a fowl, let
him eat and pronounce his opinion on the wing of a well-fed Game pullet, and we
should have no fear of his disagreeing with this expression of our own judgment on
the good qualities of these birds for the table.

The prices of Game fowl are very uncertain; but as yet the poultry mania has
not placed them at any extreme rate ; and good birds for breeding-stock may be
usually obtained at from 5s. to 10s. each, although more perfect birds for exhibition
command much higher prices. In the Eastit is far different, for we are told by
М. de la Gironiere, in his “Twenty Years in the Philippine Islands,” that he saw
40,000 francs betted upon a cock which had cost 4000 (£160), and in a few minutes
this costly champion fell, struck dead by his antagonist.

THE GAME FOWL. 111

Ав exhibition birds, the vigour and hardihood of constitution of the Game carries
them well through what often proves so severe a trial to many of their neighbours.
А Game fowl steps out of his basket after a journey by sea or land, which would test
most severely other fowls, as unconcerned and apparently as indifferent to fatigue as
if brought from his walk but half an hour previously. |

Birmingham will probably be long distinguished by the excellence of its Game
classes, for the Midland Counties have for many years been the head-quarters of these
birds. Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire on the east, and Cornwall and
Devonshire on the west, with the north of England generally, are the districts where
they are held in most repute. Ireland and Scotland are also spoken of as producing
good specimens; but of such birds we have no personal experience.

In speaking of diseases peculiar to Game fowls, our reader's patience need not be
taxed, for of all fowls none appear more exempt from the usual maladies of the
poultry-yard, either as chickens, or in their more natural State; and even when
attacked, their great constitutional strength generally carries them through their
maladies with few casualties. They require, like other chickens, to be watched while
feathering, and distemper to be guarded against by careful housing and protection
from wet, administering their food in small quantities, not less than three or four
times a-day.

The amputation of the comb and wattles of the Game fowl, technically called
“ dubbing," is best performed at about six months old, the instrument being a sharp
pair of scissors. To save the bird from excessive loss of blood, the removal of the
wattles is sometimes postponed to a second occasion. The comb is taken off as close
as may be to the bone, so that the latter is not bared. However reluctant to inflict
pain, dubbing is still a wise precaution for all who keep Game fowls under any cir-
cumstances. Whatever our care and arrangements for peace and harmony, combats |
will occasionally take place, when the comb is a fearful vantage hold for the foe. /
Thus it often happens that our favourite, whose fair proportions we were unwilling '
to curtail, either falls before his adversary, or, even if victorious, remains with lasting
tokens of the fray.

* The crosses arising from the Game do not oall for any lengthened notice ;
stamina and constitution are inherited by their progeny ; but with the large breeds,
as the Dorking, size is lost. The cross with the White Dorking has already been
alluded to. Many strains of Game are disfigured by a union with the Malay; of
the other crosses, those with the different species of the native Indian jungle fowls

are the only ones claiming any lengthened notice,—they will be described in the
chapter on those birds.

А chapter оп Game fowls would necessarily be deemed incomplete, without at
least some allusion to the purpose for which they were formerly reared in immense,
and are even now bred in very considerable, numbers,—we allude, as may be surmised,
to cock-fighting: a pastime which, although now declared illegal, and punishable

112 THE POULTRY BOOK.

by fine and imprisonment, is still followed, of course sub rosa, by many in all ranks
of society. To the public at large, however, cock-fighting is virtually extinct; and
therefore we have no hesitation in printing the following most dramatic and life-
like sketch of one of the most favourite amusements of our ancestors. For the
permission to reproduce this account, we have to express our obligations to Mr. J. J.
Nolan of Dublin, in whose work on the * Domestic Fowl” it originally appeared.

After describing the cockpit, with its seats rising all around as in ап amphi-
theatre, its central stage about 20 feet in diameter, covered with matting, and with а,
raised edge to keep the birds from falling over, the Author of the sketch, said to be
a very celebrated amateur, thus proceeds :—

“The only persons allowed on the platform are the setters-to. The first I shall
name Nash, the younger; he was followed by a stout, plump, old, ostler-looking
man, named Nash, the elder. This person carried a white bag, containing one of
the brave birds for the battle. The two men stepped upon the mat; the hubbub
is instantaneous— Two to one on Nash ’—‘ A guinea on Nash '—' Nash a crown ;'
the bets are laid on the setter-to. From the opposite side of the pit, a similar pro-
cession entered ; the setter-to, Fleming by name, did not appear so great a favourite
as young Nash. The chuckle of the cock in his bag was answered deeply and
savagely from the other, and the straw seemed spurned in the narrow cell.

“Nash's bag was carefully untied, and Nash himself took out one of the hand-
somest birds I think I ever beheld ; he was a red and black bird ; slim, masculine,
trimmed, yet with feathers glossy, as though the sun shone only on his nervous
"wings; his neck arose out of the bag, snake-like—terrible—as if it would stretch
upwards to the ceiling; his body followed—compact, strong, and beautiful; and his
long, dark-blue, sinewy legs came forth—clean, handsome, shapely, determined, iron
like! The silver spur was on each heel, of an inch and a half in length, tied on in
the most delicate and neat manner ; his large, vigorous beak showed aquiline, eagle
like; and his black, dilating eyes took in all around him, and shone so intensely
brilliant, that they looked like jewels; their light was that of thoughtful, sedate, and
savage courage; his comb was cut close; his neck trimmed; his wings clipped,
pointed, and strong; the feathers on his back were of the very glossiest red, and
appeared to be the only ones which were left untouched; the tail was docked
triangle-ways, like a hunters. The gallant bird clucked defiance, and looked as if
һе ‘had in him something dangerous!’ Nash gave him to Fleming, who held him
up above his head, examined his beak, his wings, his legs, while a person read to
him the description of the bird from paper ; and upon finding all correct, he
delivered the rich, feathered warrior back to Nash, and proceeded to produce his
own bird for a similar examination.

“But I must speak of the senior Nash—the old man, the feeder. When again
may I have an opportunity of describing him ? and what ought a paper upon cocking
be accounted worth, if it fail to contain some sketch, however slight, of old N ash ?

d = Ж

Now Publishing, to be continued in Monthly Parts ИЙ completed,

Price Malf-a-Crown each,

CONTAINING FOUR CAREFULLY-COLOURED GROUPS,

BRITISH WILD FLOWERS,
245 2% 184 METH THEIR: DESCRIPTIONS.
— ^ ARRANGED: ACCORDING TO THE NATURAL SYSTEM,

BY MRS. LOUDON.
ILLUSTRATED BY H. NOEL HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

4.
+

“Ye Field Flowers! the gardens eclipse you, 'tis true;
Yet, wildings of Nature, I doat upon you;
For ye waft me to summers of old,
When the earth teemed around with fairy delight,
And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sight,
Like treasures of silver and gold.’ —CAMPBELL.

4.
¥

Тив present Work was undertaken under the impression that a selection of the more beautiful and
attractive of our Wild Flowers, with Illustrations of them, would be useful to those who have neither
time nor opportunity of consulting larger works on the subject. In order to confine herself within the
necessary limits, the Authoress found she could only take the most ornamental Plants, avoiding, as inter-
fering with her other Works, any Flowers commonly found in the Garden, her chief object being to
enable the Amateur Botanist, who might find a pretty or interesting flower growing wild in their
rambles, to ascertain its name and history. In addition to such details, a few remarks on the botanical
construction of most of the plants have been offered, in the hope of inducing such readers as might be
unacquainted with Botany to study so charming a science. |

The volume presents to the reader almost all the information which is absolutely necessary for а
general knowledge of this branch of the subject; the reader will likewise пібеб here with remarks
regarding the great question of edueation, in which the Authoress indulges the hope that the botanical
construction of plants, and the study of the science of Botany in general, may become a branch of general
education. | :

« Nothing, I must confess," writes the Authoress, “ would give me more pleasure than to see Botany
as commonly taught in girls’ schools, as French and music aro at present; and I think it more than
probable that in another generation it will be so—as, though the Linnean system was unfit for females,
there is nothing objectionable in the Natural Arrangement; and the prejudice against botanical names
is every day declining, from the number of beautiful plants exhibited at flower shows, which have no
English appellations. I sincerely hope the time may arrive, though probably I shall not live to see it,
when.a knowledge of Botany will be considered indispensable to every well-educated person.”

In the systematic arrangement of the plants, the Authoress has followed Dr. Lindley's Synopsis of the
British Flora, which few botanical students are without; and few genera are omitted, except such as do

not contain any ornamental plants, or only include süch plants as are rarely met with growing wild in .-

Great Britain. "While the Natural System is adopted in this work, it has also been borne in mind that
many books of a leading character are arranged according to the Linnean system; the Authoress has
therefore added the Linnean class and order of each genus, with а few words explanatory of the terms
аз they occur. 4

The volume is illustrated with sixty plates, representing nearly three hundred of the rarest ornamental
wild flowers, drawn by Mr. Noel Humphreys, and carefully coloured after his drawings, grouped so as
to form bouquets of flowers. The volume contains besides, descriptions of nearly all our known ind:-
genous flowering plants, and a copious index, which completes the general attraction and utility of the work.

LONDON: WM. 5. ORR & CO., AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW.

PanT IX.] | pour PRICE ONE янца нө. [JANUARY.

INCLUDING

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MDCOCLVII.

ысы E E тарал кар

In consequence of the great time required in printing and
properly drying the Plates, the Proprietors are compelled to issue
the present Part of THE PouLrrY Book with Letter-press only;
but Parts X. and XI. will each oontain Three Plates, to supply the
deficiency. |

It will be observed that the Letter-press short in Parts УІ.,
VIL, and VIII. is now supplied.

қат aec mec p rm мы

By an error of the printer, a few copies of the Coloured Plate

of Mr. Worrall’s Golden Pencilled Hamburghs, were misnamed

Golden Spangled Hamburghs.

slc il MEN SUE is

وس سمت wa‏

THE GAME FOWL. 113

He wore a smock-frock, and was clumsily, though potently built, his shoulders being
ample, and of a rotundity resembling а wool-pack; his legs were not equal to his
bulk; he was unconversational, almost to a fault, and never made even the slightest
remark that did not appertain to cocks or cocking; his narrow, damp, colourless
eye, twinkled a cold satisfaction when a bird of promise made good work on the mat,
and sometimes, though seldom, he was elevated into the proffer of a moderate bet ;
but generally he leaned over the rails of a small gallery, running parallel with the
coop, and stooping attentively towards the pii, waiched the progress of the baitle.
I remarked he was extremely like a cock—old Nash's beaked nose, drawn close down
over his mouth; his red forehead and gills; his round body, and blue, thin legs ;
and his silver-gray, scanty, feathery hair, lying like a plume over his head, all proved
him cock-like. This man, thought I, has been cooped up in pens, or penned up in
coops, until he has become shaped, coloured, mannored like the bird he has been
feeding. I should scarcely have been surprised, if told, that old Nash crowed when
the light first dawned of a summers morning. І warrant he pecked bread and milk
to some tune, and, perhaps, slept upon a perch! But Fleming lifted his bird from
the bag, and my whole mind was directed his way : this was & yellow-bodied, black-
winged, handsome cock, seemingly rather slight, but elastic and muscular; he was
restless at the sight of his antagonist, but quite silent ; and old Nash examined him
most carefully, by the paper, and delivered him up to Fleming, upon finding him
answer to his description, The setters-to then smoothed their birds, and handled
them, wetted their fingers, and moistened their bandaged ankles, where the spurs
were fastened ; held them up opposite to each other, and then pampered their courage
and prepared them for combat. |

“The mat was cleared of all persons except Fleming and young Nash; the
betting went on vociferously; the setters-to taunted the birds with each other's
presence—allowing them to strike at each other at а distance—put them on the mat
facing each other—eneouraged and fed their crowing and mantling, until they were

nearly dangerous to hold, and then loosened them against each other for the fatal

fight.
“Тһе first terrific dart into attitude was, indeed, strikingly grand and beautiful ;

and the wary sparring, watching, dodging for the first cut, was extremely curious.
They were beak-point to beak-point, until they dashed up into one tremendous flirt,
mingling their powerful, rustling wings and nervous heels in one furious confused
mass. The leap, the fire, the passion of strength, the certaminis gaudia, were fierce
and loud: the parting was another kind of thing, every way. І can compare the
sound of the first flight to nothing less than that of a wet umbrella forced suddenly
open. The separation was death-like: the yellow, or rather the ginger bird,
staggered out of the close, drooping, dismantled, bleeding: he was Stuck. —

* Fleming and Nash severally took their birds, examined them for a moment, and
then set them again opposite to each other. The handling of the cocks was as

o

sid THE POULTRY BOOK.

delicate as if they had been made of foam, froth, or any other most perishable
matter. Fleming's bird staggered towards his opponent, but he was hit dreadfully
and ran like a drunken man—tottering on his breast, sinking back on his tail— while
Nash’s, full of fire and irritated courage, gave the finishing stroke, that elove every
particle of life in twain. The brave bird thus killed, dropped at once from the
‘gallant bearing, and proud mien, to the relaxed, draggled, motionless object that
lay in bleeding ruin on the mat. І sighed and looked thoughtful, when the tumult
of the betters startled me into a consciousness of the scene at which I was present.

“The victor cock was carried by me in all his pride, slightly scarred, but evidently
made doubly fierce and muscular, by the short encounter he had been engaged in.
He seemed to have grown double the size: his eyes were larger.

“ The paying backward and forward of money, won and lost, occupied the time
until the two Nashes again descended each with another cock.

* Sometimes the first blow was fatal, at another time the contest was long and
doubtful, and the cocks showed all the obstinate courage, weariness, distress, and
breathlessness which mark the struggle of experienced pugilists. I saw the beak
open, the tongue palpitate, the wing drag on the mat; І noticed the legs tremble,
and the body topple over upon the breast; the eye grow dim, and even a perspiration
break out upon the feathers of the back. When the battle lasted long, and the cocks
lay helpless near or upon each other, one of the feeders counted ten, and the birds
were separated and set-to at the chalk. If the beaten bird does not fight while forty
is counted, and the other pecks or shows signs of battle, the former is declared
conquered.

* The cocks were the next objects of curiosity. А covering was hung before each
pen, so that I heard rather than saw the cocks; but it was feeding time, and I beheld
innumerable rocky beaks and sparkling eyes at work in the troughs; and the stroke
of the beak, in taking up the barley, was like the knock of a manly knuckle on the
table. Old Nash was mixing bread and milk for his feathered family."

PENCILLED HAMBURGHS.

CHAPTER XIV.

PENCILLED HAMBURGHS.

Іх approaching the consideration of those varieties of poultry now known as Ham-

burghs, the Editor is conscious that he is entering upon a subject that has given

rise to warmer controversy than any other within the whole range of poultry
literature ; but not being prejudiced in favour of any particular theory or system of
nomenclature, he intends to bring before his readers the facts bearing upon the
matters in dispute, and to draw his own conclusions from them; although, by so
doing, he is aware that he will incur the criticism of all those with whom he un-
fortunately happens to differ.

_ Firstly, as to the name of Hamburgh fowls. At the present time, the great majority
of English poultry breeders recognise five varieties included under this title, —namely,
Gold and Silver-pencilled Hamburghs ; Gold and Silver-spangled Hamburghs ; and
Black Hamburghs. The general recognition of this nomenclature is an established
fact: it is employed at nine-tenths of our poultry shows, and understood by the great
body of exhibitors and breeders. Such being the case, any attempt at alteration
would be injurious in the extreme, and attended by inextricable confusion.

The correctness of such a system of nomenclature is entirely another question.
There is no doubt but that these fowls had originally no title whatever to the name of
Hamburghs; which was in the first instance given to them by some gentlemen con-
nected with the early Birmingham shows. It is true that the pencilled birds formerly

. were, and still are, imported in considerable numbers from Holland, under the name

of Pencilled Dutch, and Dutch Every-day Layers; but the spangled birds appear to |
be exclusively English fowls, and are essentially a distinct variety, in size, plumage, |
and osteological character; and, lastly, the name of Hamburgh had previously been í
applied to one of the varieties of feather-crested fowl, now known as Polish. A
more unfortunate selection of a name could scarcely have been made; but having

€

come into general use, it would only render “confusion worse confounded" to
attempt to introduce any fresh alteration; and of the old names which were super-
seded, it is not too much to say that they were equally objectionable to those in
present use. |

The only alteration that could be made without extreme confusion, would be that
suggested by a recent writer in the Field newspaper, namely, to substitute the term
* fowls," for that of “ Hamburghs," when the varieties would be classified as the
Gold and Silver-pencilled fowls, and Gold and Silver-spangled fowls. This would

do away at once with the very objectionable and absurd name of Hamburgh, the no

116 THE POULTRY BOOK.

less ridiculous one of Pheasant fowls, and a whole host of ill-understood provincialisms
that are merely of local employment. But unfortunately the suggested alteration |
would leave the Black Hamburghs without a name, as they could scarcely be termed
Black fowls.

The Pencilled and Spangled birds, although frequently described together, are 80
essentially different in character, that their consideration will be greatly facilitated
by regarding each as a distinot variety, and devoting to them separate chapters.

The Silver-pencilled birds may first claim our attention. It deserves our notice
that tradition, our oldest naturalists, and even the names by which our fowls were
originally called, all assign to them an Eastern origin; even many of our modern
names,— Bantam, Malay, Cochin, Chittagong, and Brahmapoutra,—point to a
similar origin: nor is the fowl now under our consideration an exception, for its
earliest describer, Aldrovandus, calls it the Gallina Turcica, or Turkish Fowl. The
| white body, the black markings, the greenish-black tail, and the blue-tinged legs, are
| all characters which show that the old naturalist had before him specimens of the
| Silver-pencilled Hamburgh. Perhaps no variety of fowl ever rejoiced in more
` synonyms than this very pretty, and, in suitable situations, profitable breed ; they are
known as Bolton Grays, from being extensively and successfully cultivated in and
about Bolton, in Lancashire; Creoles, from the intermixture of the black and white
in their plumage ; Creels, which is only a provincial mode of pronouncing Creoles :
Corals, because the numerous points of their polished, bright scarlet rose-combs,
bears no distant resemblance to red coral; Pencilled Dutch, because many are im-
ported from Holland ; Dutch Every-day-layers and Everlastings, for the same
reason, and their great productiveness as layers; and Chitteprats, the derivation of
which is not so obvious. Chitteface, according to Bailey the lexicographer, means
a meagre child ; and Chitteprat, if intended to describe a diminutive hen, would not
be misapplied to one of this variety. |

The general characters of Peneilled Hamburghs may be thus stated :—They are
birds of small size, compact and neat in form, sprightly and cheerful in car-
riage. In the plumage on the body of the hens, each feather, with the exception
of those of the neck-hackle, is pencilled with several transverse bars of black
on a clear ground, which is white in the silver, and a rich bay in the golden birds.
These pencillings have given rise to the name of the variety. In the cocks there
is a general absence of these markings, the birds being either white or bay. In both
sexes the tails are dark, legs blue, with fine bone. The comb із a rose, square in
front and well: peaked behind; the ear-lobe a well-defined white; the face scarlet.
For the detailed account of their characteristics, we are indebted to a gentleman
whose diligent researches into the history of many of the varieties of poultry, entitle
him to the thanks of all interested in our subject, and who has been a diligent and
successful rearer of this breed for many years; although it is but fair to state that
he repudiates most strongly the introduetion of the term Hamburgh, and regards

PENCILLED HAMBURGHS. 117

their proper title as that of Pencilled Bolton Grays, or Silver-pencilled Dutch Every-
day Layers.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SILVER-PENCILLED HAMBURGHS.

COMMUNICATED BY MR. BERNARD P. BRENT, OF BESSEL'S GREEN, SEVENOAES.

WEIGHT AND S1zE.— Rather below the general standard.

CARRIAGE AND FoRM.—Cock. Carriage erect; tail well up, head thrown back
until the neck often touches the tail; form neat and elegant. — Hen. Carriage
sprightly, but not so impudent as that of the cock; noisy and restless, neat and
pretty.

Хкск-Наскік.--Іп both sexes pure white; pencilling with black being very
objectionable.

SADDLE.—Cock. Pure mealy white. In the hen each feather barred or pencilled
with black.

TarL.—Cock. Tail black; sickle and side sickle-feathers black, glossed with
green, and having a narrow white edging.—Hen. Ground colour black, barred with
silver, but mostly in the two upper feathers.

Breast.—Cock. White.—Hen. Well barred or pencilled.

UPPER WinG-Coverts OR SHOULDER.—Cock. White.—Hen. Regularly barred
or pencilled with black.

Lower Wine-Coverts.—Cock. White, barred with black on the inner web,
showing a line of dots across the wing, forming a bar.—Hen. Regularly barred.

SECONDARY QuILLS.—Cock. White on outer web ; blackish on inner web, with a
green-glossed black spot at the end of the feathers.—Hen. White, with regular black
pencilling.

PRIMARY QuiLLs.—Cock. Black, with white shafts.—Hen. Black and gray;
waved on inner web.

'Iuiaus.—Cock. White.—Hen. White, barred with black.

LEGS AND FrET.— Clear leaden blue.

Coms.—Cock. A square rose comb, evenly set on the head, well sprigged above,
not hollowed on the top, and terminating in a single flattened pike behind.— Hen.
The same, but much smaller.

WarTLES.—Cock. Bright red, slightly elongated.— Hen. Smaller.

Ear-LoBE.—In both sexes, white.— FACE, red.

. Mr. Brent also states, “By all means avoid the chestnut patch which is too
frequently seen on the wing of the cock, who should have a sufficient depth of
colour in the markings of the wings, and in the gray down at the roots of the
feathers, or he will not breed darkly-marked hens ; for although the sickle-feathers of
a golden cock may be bronzed all over without fear of spoiling him as a breeding
bird, such an amount of silver on a silver cock's tail would, in the majority of cases,
cause him to throw light hens. The tail of a silver-pencilled pullet should be neatly

T ramosa rj ^ ул no De к 1
ТЭНД! Ў ANNUS a e цал... ЧИ РЕР ТАА " ы

118 THE POULTRY BOOK.

barred in her first full-sized plumage ; but І find they become waved or grizzled after
he second or third moult."

Golden-Pencilled Hamburghs.—In these birds, which are also known as Golden-
pencilled Dutch, and Bolton Bays, the characteristics are the same as those of the
Silver-pencilled ; but with this exception, that the ground colour of the plumage is a
golden red or bay, instead of mealy white or silver. Mr. Brent remarks, “As a
Golden cock will breed good hens with much less depth of under colour than the
Silvers, the argument in favour of their having bars on the wings, and black inner
webs to the quill-feathers, is not so imperative; and the sickle-feathers of the Golden
cock may be bronzed all over." .

As this is a matter of much importance in the exhibition pen, we gladly quote
Mr. Brent at greater length from the “Cottage Gardener ”:—“ It is my opinion that the
tails of both Golden and Silver-pencilled cocks should be a deep unspotted black ;
that the tail-coverts, or, as they are commonly called, the sickle-feathers, should be
of a deep glossy black, with green and purple reflections, and finely edged or laced
in the Golden with coppery brown or bronze, and in the Silver with grayish white. 1
am aware that this opinion is adverse to that of some of our judges and exhibitors,
and that they consider a wholly bronzed or silvered tail of much importance; but
such theory is not borne out by the experience of the practical breeder. Numbers
of instances might be quoted to show the fallacy of the bronzy tails. How often is
it noticeable in the show-pen that the cocks with the most silvered or bronzed tails
are matched with the worst marked hens; while few who went to the late Anerley
Show, if they had any idea of the points of а Pencilled hen, could have passed
unnoticed two pens of magnificently marked Silver hens, better than which l never
remember seeing, with а card above them which informed the public that the hens

only were sold to Mr. Archer,—a pretty plain indication that that gentleman

appreciated their value; but he neglected the cocks ; nor were the pens noticed by
the Judges. And why? because they had black tails. The sickle-feathers were
only edged, as I contend they ought to be; and, moreover, they had the bars on the
wings, so difficult а point to be obtained in this breed. Ву bars I do not mean a
double row of moons or spots, like those of the Pheasant fowl, or so-called Spangled
Hamburgh, but simply an irregular narrow black line across the wing, formed by
small spots on the end of the first row of wing-covert feathers. These covert
feathers should be barred with black on the inner web, which is hidden from view,
the outer being clear, either red in the Golden or whitish in the Silver, with a narrow
black spot at the point, which forms the bars. :

“My reason for advocating the black tail and bars on the wings is, the necessity
of a certain depth of under-colour in the cock; for as the male parent influences the
plumage of the female offspring, so, if the cock has not a sufficiently dark under-
colour, he cannot, as a rule, produce dark, well-marked pullets; and it is therefore
necessary that the cock should have a black tail, black pinion feathers, that the inner

жә

PENCILLED HAMBURGHS.

webs of the secondary wing feathers should be black, and the inner web of the lower

* covert feathers should be barred with black. "These I consider as the outward signs

of a Pencilled cock's being likely to produce good, well-marked hens. I do not
pretend that it is an infallible rule—exceptions may occur; nevertheless, my
experience shows that a cock with good depth of under-colour will, as a general rule,
produce much handsomer pullets, and in much greater abundance, than a light one
with silver tail or white pinion feathers—a point which is too often disregarded by
our judges and breeders of this truly beautiful and useful variety."

With regard to the effects of crossing the two Pencilled varieties, Mr. Brent
states,—'' A. Golden-pencilled cock coupled with a Silver-pencilled hen, I have
always noticed to produce Golden-pencilled pulleis, and Silver cockerels with a
chestnut wing patch."

Pencilled Hamburghs of both varieties are scarcely to be surpassed in beauty by
any of the other denizens of the poultry yard : their slim, compact forms, especially
in the hens ; their sprightly, active, cheerful carriage ; and the contrast of their ample
scarlet combs, and well-defined white earlobes, with their neatly barred plumage,
render them exceedingly ornamental. Nor are they behind in profitable character-
istics; for being of roving habits, they range well, and provide themselves with a
considerable portion of food : in fact, in many situations, these powers of flight are
so much exercised as to lead them to be ап annoyance to neighbouring residents.
But this, again, is not without its own special utility, for it renders their abstraction
by any pilfering thief an act of very considerable difficulty; and if disturbed at night,
they commence such an outcry as can scarcely fail in arousing the sleeping vigilance
of their owner.

As layers, Pencilled Hamburghs, as may be judged from their synonym of Dutch
Everlastings, rank very high, although, as may be imagined from the size of the
hens, the eggs are rather small. They are non-sitters; not one in many hundred
ever indicating the slightest desire to hatch. For the following excellent resume of
their economical merits, we are again under obligations to Mr. Hewitt, who states :—
“ The Hamburghs are excellent layers, provided they have free liberty on an unre-
stricted grass-run ; they are most impatient of confinement, particularly the Pencilled
varieties, and very susceptible of disease wherever over-population and limited space
are unfortunately combined. They ' shift for themselves” better than any, excepting
the Game, and are not, therefore, expensive as to keeping; indeed, I believe (in com-
parison to the food consumed) none produce so large an amount of eggs, taking
the whole year from end to end, whether we estimate by weight in the aggregate, or
by numbers; their chief production, however, is during the milder months. The flesh
of Hamburghs is very superior; and they are always, as chickens, in fit condition for
the spit, if only tolerably well fed, without any additional preparation. Being a
small-boned fowl, they proved, when carved, to be much more fleshy than might be
imagined at first-sight.

120 THE POULTRY BOOK.

“ They generally roost high, and in places difficult of access, if any possible
chance of so doing presents itself ; combined with this, if disturbed during night-time;
they never cease screaming violently until destroyed outright; hence, I have known
many instances where midnight prowlers after hen-roosts have been at once detected,
or luckily prevented absconding with their booty, the reiterated cries of alarm from
their victims calling forth the immediate aid of the proprietor. In case, too, of
attack from vermin, their agility generally preserves them from injury; for on such
oecasions they will fly like pheasants, and readily take to trees or the highest
buildings: for these simple reasons, it is very rarely any of these fowls are ‘absent
without leave.’ I have, during my somewhat lengthened experience in poultry matters,
met with & few isolated instances in which Hamburghs have incubated their own
nest of eggs steadily, and afterwards manifested the most exemplary attention to
their chickens. But such cases are very few, and quite opposed to general rule: it
is also invariable (so far as my knowledge extends) that the nests of such hens have
been. * stolen ' in some secret out-of-the-way place, and the numbers of eggs previously
laid have held out unusual inducements to incubation. On one occasion more par-
ticularly, I well recollect a hen Golden Pencilled Hamburgh ‘laid away’ under the
floor of a barn, to which, unknown to the owner, she had obtained a private mode of
access: she laid all her eggs on the dry, somewhat chaffy ground, a hollow being
made previously by her own exertions. Here, quite secluded from both observation
or even daylight, she hatched eighteen chickens, and brought them out herself; and
from close after-inspection by the owner, it proved all the eggs had produced chickens,
as the shells still remaining tallied exactly with the chickens following her. She
reared sixteen of these youngsters. І also knew another case in which from sixteen
eggs ‘laid away behind some old refuse timber, fourteen chickens were hatched, whilst
the remaining two contained fully-formed chickens. The exact number that were
eventually reared I do not know, but am certain it proved the greater proportion.
A circumstance connected with these instances of Hamburghs hatching their own
young, though a digression, I consider well worthy of notice ; viz., in both cases
referred to, the proprietors of the fowls mentioned had placed many sets of other
eggs from the same hens, for sitting under strange foster-mothers, the greater pro-
portion of which were unproductive, whilst the eggs in the ‘stolen nests’ were all
fruitful. I will not myself attempt to assign a cause for this marked difference in
their fertility, but simply confine myself to the narration of the fact. In both
instances these fowls were harassed by а continual and rigid daily search for eggs
produced, and thus fretted, concealed their nests, most probably, simply to avoid
molestation, and nature accommodating herself to such unusual circumstances,
induced these particular instances of a desire for sitting. Му conclusions on this
latter point are arrived at also from the circumstance, that I myself never yet knew any
case whatever where a thoroughly well-bred Hamburgh hen commenced sitting
openly, and with the previous knowledge and concurrence of her owner. They will

PENCILLED HAMBURGHS. 121

sometimes appear dull and broody for a day or two under such circumstances ; but the
effort seems quite unnatural, and speedily passes away. Itis but right to add, in the
two first instances I have mentioned of successful rearing, both parents were perfectly
well-bred ; and the offspring thus strangely procured, afterwards took numerous first
prizes at different poultry exhibitions.

“АП the Hamburghs are somewhat prone to faulty combs, from either being.
‘hollow’ in their centre, or, what is a still more fatal disqualification for exhibition,
the combs lop over, or fall to one side or other: this should be most especially
avoided in selecting for the purposes of competition. Humpbacked Hamburghs are
also by no means uncommon ; but whether for exhibition or for brood stock, they
should never be retained, as such malformations are not only inadmissible for
premiums, but also this failing ofttimes proves hereditary for very many generations.
The Hamburghs are extremely ornamental varieties of poultry, and form very
striking additions when standing in groups near any homestead ; this, combined with
their extraordinary production of eggs, the excellent quality of the flesh, together
with the very small amount of general care they entail, causes them to be almost
universal favourites. They are, however, somewhat troublesome and untiring pests
when they happen to indulge in eneroachmenis upon garden grounds, scarcely any
natural fence being impervious to them; and even continuous ejectments will not
frustrate their determination to persist in such eneroachments. Still, all matters duly
considered as to production and maintenance, І myself know no kind of fowls that
will pay better than they do." |

There i$ but one drawback to the value of Pencilled Hamburghs, and that, it
must be acknowledged, is a serious one. If hatched early, say before May, they are
difficult to rear, being very delicate during chickenhood, and suffering severely in
cold wet weather ; and the old birds are perhaps more subject to roup, if kept in damp,
cold, unhealthy situations, than any variety of fowl, except, perhaps, Black Polish.
Dryness in the poultry-yard, а more sheltered run and good feeding, are the best
preventives of this scourge of the poultry breeder. For the treatment, when it has
unfortunately gained entrance into the stock, we must refer to the chapter treating

on Poultry Diseases.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

“СНАРТЕБ XV.

SPANGLED HAMBURGHS.

THE same warm discussions which have arisen respecting the nomenclature of the
birds described in the last chapter, have, even with increased intensity, prevailed
respecting the varieties at present under consideration.

Of their origin, it may be stated that little or nothing is known ; and their history
is simply this, that, under the names of Gold and Silver Pheasant fowls, Gold and
Silver Mooneys, Red Caps, Creels, and Copper Moss, they have been long and
assiduously cultivated by the north of England breeders. For long periods of time
have pheasant fowl clubs existed in several of the northern towns, where single
hens were exhibited for competion, the prizes being frequently such homely articles
as copper tea-kettles, coal scuttles, rocking-chairs, and other equally useful imple-
ments of household utility. To the name of Hamburgh they have, as stated in our
last chapter, not the slightest claim, it having been given to them at Birmingham,
because of their fancied resemblance to the Pencilled Dutch. Mr. Brent regards the
Silver-pencilled birds as the origin of all the different varieties now termed Ham-
burghs; but from this conclusion the Editor differs most decidedly. It is difficult to
see by what process a Spangled bird (that is, a bird with a large moon-shaped
crescentic mark at the end of each feather) can be bred from a Pencilled one: and,
again, the character of the plumage in the cocks is so utterly distinct, that, even
without reference to the remarkable osteological differences in the skull, there can be
no question as to their being a distinct variety. Again, pencilled feathers are most ||
easily obtained by cross-breeding ; but spangled ones rarely, if ever. Still, as before ||
stated, the name of Spangled Hamburghs has been generally received and understood ;
and therefore, erroneous as it doubtless is, we avoid а greater confusicn by
retaining it.

The term Gold and Silver Pheasant fowl, evidently took its rise in the opinion
that these birds originated in a cross with wild pheasants. As this opinion is still held
by many who are unacquainted with the fact that all such hybrids are sterile, we have
much pleasure in inserting the following account of several of these birds from the
pen of Mr. Hewitt :—' As my desire is to prevent, as far as possible, any poultry
amateur from incurring unnecessary anxiety, trouble, or expense at the commence-
ment of his career, by the pursuit of objects that are either altogether unattainable,
or actually worthless if secured ; perhaps a few hints as to hybrids (between the
pheasant and fowl) will be esteemed interesting, as at one period I devoted con-
siderablg attention to the subject; and although these experiments were tested for

SPANGLED HAMBURGHS. 123

some years, and necessarily entailed no slight expenditure, the results were, as а
whole, the very reverse of satisfactory, for my hope was to procure a really beautiful
as well as singular plumage. The common popular error that, even in the present
day, fails not to delude numbers of unpractised poultry fanciers into the impression
that the Golden-spangled Hamburgh,—or, as it is universally called in the northern
counties, the ‘Golden Pheasant,’ or ‘ Pheasant Fowl’— was the product of a ‘cross’
between the real pheasant of our woods and a hen of our common domestic fowl, I
should have thought was a folly that had long since been exploded: indeed, a posi-
tion that по real naturalist could by possibility have ever entertained. Yet so it is:
many parties are still found, not only dictatorially asserting it as an absolute fact,
but likewise producing the common Spangled Hamburgh fowl as the fruit or invaria-
ble product of this unusual connection. Such individuals generally endeavour to
support their statement by an appeal to the irregularity of the markings of the birds
produced ; and insist that the repetition (at intervals) of the cross is actually needful,
to perpetuate this beauteous distinction of feather. However dogmatically such
principle may be enforced, it is, without doubt, the most egregious nonsense that was
ever attempted to be palmed into public favour ; and evidently in not a few instances
is it practised on the unwary simply as а delusion to secure sale for the birds in
question at enhanced prices, and of course at sums far beyond their real value, as
simply a variety of fowls.

“ That the common Wild Pheasant will breed occasionally with the domestic
fowl, and that too of almost any variety, І unhesitatingly admit: but although I
have for years made the closest investigation in all such cases as came under my notice,
I never most certainly met with even one solitary, one isolated instance, where a
hybrid was produced, if the pheasant had been ‘wildly’ bred, and still retained un-

limited freedom. To obtain so unnatural a product, I have always found it altogether `

indispensable for the pheasant itself to have been previously hatched and reared beneath
a common fowl. ІЁ afterwards restored to comparative liberty, І have then known
the pheasant so released to still associate with the poultry, and actually produce the
hybrid by intermixture with a domesticated hen; but even in this case, the partiality
has been confined to some particular favourite, and the pheasant has certainly not
lavished his attentions equally on all. But even these instances are exceedingly rare
ones; and the half-bred offspring is only to be attained, as a rule, by close confine-
ment of the pheasant with its allotted mate, either directly in an aviary, or some very
restricted premises of a like nature. Here difficulties still surround the fancier who
attempts their procreation, for but few of the eggs will usually prove fertilized: and
that, too, however fond and salacious the pheasant may appear to be; or, again, how-
ever carefully its owner may have guarded against access to females of its own race—

; : | | 9
as the introduction of even a single such specimen will commonly estrange ай feel-( —/

ings of affection that had before-times been indulged. The results desired are
rendered far more probable, as will have been supposed, by confining the whole of

124 THE POULTRY BOOK.

the attentions of the pheasant to one solitary female, of whatever variety of domesti-
cated poultry it may have been previously arranged. It is also certain, that
pheasanis are most capricious in their attachments, and that with some hens they wili
not under any circumsiances associate; but, though constantly abiding with them in
apparent good-fellowship, it extends itself no farther than positive indifference.
Again, not unfrequently, from some inexplicable cause or other, they seem to enter-
tain the most determined aversion to the mate selected for them by their proprietor;
and certain it is that, in this case, no artifice will produce anything even approaching
to reconciliation. In such an exigency, the old school axiom, that * perseverance
commands success, is thrown overboard altogether; and the sooner a change takes
place, the greater probability will there be of a successful issue. I will now, there-
fore, at once very briefly detail the results of intermixture with the five following
varieties, simply first explaining that all five hybrids possessed alike the following cha-
racterisics:— Extraordinary wildness ; heads altogether devoid of either comb, wattles,
or deaf-ear ; tails very closely approximating in general conformation to that of the
Chinese Golden or Silver Pheasants, but not so lengthy ; and the bodily size was
far superior to that of the hen producing them. The colours of the plumage in all
casos (one excepted) were likewise excessively darker than that of the variety of hen

appointed for breeding them ; whilst their contour, as a whole, inclined almost entirely
to ibat of the pheasaní.—1st. With the Spanish hen, bred by Mr. Keeling, of Vaux-
hall, Birmingham, the offspring proved (when adult) entirely black, and that, most

singularly too, was altogether of a dull sooty hue; the eyes were yellow. Its
weight was nearly seven pounds ; and it therefore, to the eye, presented an appearance
nearly as large as that of the curassow. Around the eye, more particularly on the
faee beneath it, the velvety charaeter peculiar to the pheasant itself was well
developod.—2ndly. With a Black-breasted Red Game hen, the scapular feathers
were merked with nearly as much regularity as in the male parent, as were also the
markings on the breast; but the ground colour was so extremely dark (wetied cinna-
mon), that none of these markings were visible, unless a powerful light rested on the
bird's plumage. The neck was iridescent, black, brightly glossed with green. This
specimen possessed a perfectly plain face, feathered up closely to the eyelid; eyes
deep hazel. It belonged to the writer, was very large, and weighed somewhat more
than six and a half pounds.—3rdly. With the Buff Bantam, bred by the gamekeeper
at Chirk Castle, Denbighshire. The progeny here proved very nearly as dark-coloured
as the last; but in patches it was irregularly tortoise-shelled, and was really a hand-
some specimen; in size fully equal to a Malay hen. Although the neck and head
were dark as a pheasant’s, the face bore a strong resemblance to white Genoa velvet.
This singularity caused it to be greatly admired. ‘The cyes were yellow.—4thly.
With a Golden-spangled Hamburgh, the result proved a bird black in ће. ground-
colour! the tips of the feathers slightly ‘laced’ with very deep brown; but these
were exclusively confined to the shoulders and crop, the tail being slightly * barred.

SPANGLED HAMBURGHS. 125

The whole bird did not, at two years old, possess one single “spangle, although the
hen was а most perfectly “шоопей” bird. It was the property of a friend at Wol-
verhampton, who, on account of its indomitable wildness, objected toits being caught
for the purpose of weighing ; therefore, my only description of size must be confined
to the fact, that it appeared fully twice as large as the mother hen.—5thly. The progeny
(on the female side) of areally superior Silver-spangled Hamburgh hen. Itwas bred
by Mr. Watson, of Birmingham ; and, I admit, was the most attractive in its plumage
of any I ever yet met with. The ground-colour was silvery white, the markings of an
irregular but most curious close pencilling, the wing-feathers and tail being deeply
“barred ; the face was of a common flesh-colour, and without even the vestige of
covering of any kind; the eyes were as purely white as those of a gray parrot.
This gave the bird a somewhat sickly look (that was unpleasingly suggestive of a
similarity to poultry when long diseased, and the florid hues have left them pale and
emaciated); still, the defect proved only an eyesore, for the hybrid was unques-
tionably in good condition, strong, and heartwell. It was fully twice the size of the
pheasant. The ‘pencillings’ betrayed at intervals a disposition to run into each
other; on the shoulders of this bird especially they commingled, until they actually
formed a kind of general fretwork: and I will particularly allude to the fact that
not a single “spangle” was visible anywhere; while, had it existed at all, it would
have been very singularly apparent, on account of its dissimilarity to the ground-
colour. АП the markings were of a very deep black colour. From the five results
just narrated (and I could easily allude to numerous other cases if I desired it), it
will be seen in no case was there to be found the * spangle’ or “moon” so much dwelt
on as the improved consequence of pheasant consanguinity. Why such a fiction
should be persisted in, I really cannot imagine; except by attributing it to the

speculative misrepresentation, to encourage the sales before-named, and to thus ~

wilfully impose on the inexperienced or the credulous; and my object in refuting
this popular error is, if possible, to prevent its repetition on the unwary. My own
motive for attempting their production, was entirely to prove their markings and
character. The markings were variable as could be, and the birds as pugnacious as
it is possible to imagine; added to this, I never knew any instance where they did
not destroy all the eggs they could procure. As anticipated, they were always
sterile, and unsociable. It should be borne in mind that the five instances specified

were not cases where only a single bird was produced from a hatch of eggs, for it J

generally happens that if a single egg proves fertilized, there are several others that

are equally productive in the same nest; but I have purposely selected them as |

fitting illustrations. Still, oftentimes incredible numbers of eggs may be incubated,
before a solitary chicken is. obtained. When once hatched, they are very easily
reared, but manifest their peculiar and extreme pugnacity at a very early age,
maintaining a constant warfare, even when among themselves,—a feature that con-
tinues to their life's-end, whatever description of poultry may be appointed as their
Р

196 THE POULTRY BOOK.

associates. This want of sociability renders them a perpetual pest, unless they enjoy
exclusive possession of a purposely allotted habitation. Indeed, a gentleman who
once accompanied me to inspect several of them that had been reared with great
kindness and good usage, and still remained constantly under the eye of their owner,
remarked— they seem as wild as hyenas. They are in truth always, if in health,
roaming about in the most unsettled manner from morn until night closely
approaches ; their сту is peculiar to themselves, and the frequency with which it is
uttered is annoying, as it is plaintive, hoarse, and guttural The greatly increased
size and weight of these birds beyond that of their immediate progenitors, although
very striking to the eye at first sight, constitutes no especially remarkable character-
istic of a first eross-breeding. In poultry generally, the same result may be produced
| by the adoption of these simple means ; although continued breeding from the same
stock at once produces degeneracy. But any intermixture between birds of so
diverse a species as pheasants and fowls, can never be extended beyond the first
cross, which is one reason why their unexpected size renders them so remarkable.
Although at а poultry exhibition they invariably serve as а chief attraction to most
visitors, my convictions are, that such a position is the extreme limit of their
utility."

Та the prize lists of our poultry shows, Spangled fowls are invariably arranged
in two groups— namely, Golden and Silver-spangled Hamburghs ; each will therefore
claim at our hands a separate consideration. But before entering into the details of
their characteristics, it will be desirable to define what is meant by а spangled
feather. In the technical use of this word by poultry amateurs (and such is the only
mode in which it concerns us at present), it consists of a dark moon-shaped or
crescentic mark at the end of a white or bay feather—it must not be confounded with
a laced feather, in which there is a dark edging of nearly uniform width around the
entire feather ;—whereas, in a spangle the black is confined to the moon-shaped mark
at the extremity; and both are perfectly distinct from the pencilled feather, with its
transverse bars of black, as described in our last chapter.

For the following characteristics of the Silver-spangled birds, we are indebted to
a gentleman who has been very successful as an exhibitor.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SILVER-SPANGLED HAMBURGHS.
COMMUNICATED BY A. G. BROOKE, ESQ., WOODBRIDGE, SUFFOLK.

WzienT.—Cock. About six pounds.—Hen. From four to five pounds.

CARRIAGE.—Cock. Proud, upright, bold, with very prominent chest. — Hen.
Upright, sprightly.

GENERAL CHARACTER oF THE PLUMAGE.— Clear white ground, with distinct green-

black spangles; plumage brilliant and glossy.

SILVER-SPANGLED HAMBURGHS. 127

NECK-HACKLE.— Cock. White, tipped with black. —Hen. White, striped with
black.

SappLE.—Cock. Long and full; regularly spangled or spotted with black.— Hen
Boldly and regularly spangled.

Tarn.—Cock. Full ample flowing tail; feathers pure white, boldly tipped with
black.— Hen. Pure white ; each feather deeply tipped with black.

Breast.—Cock. White ground; regularly spangled with black.—Hen. Correctly
spangled.

UPPER WING-COVERTS OR SHOULDER.— Cock. Pure white, regularly spangled.—
Hen. Evenly spangled.

LOWER Wixe-CoverTs or Влвѕ. Cock. Two bars distinctly marked on a white
ground.—Hen. Two bars distinctly marked.

SECONDARY QuiLLs.—Clear black edging or lacing on white.

PRIMARY QuiLLS.— White, tipped with black.

Tureus.—Distinetly and clearly spangled.

Lees AND FEET.— Blue.

Coms.—Cock. Double rose-comb, square and wide in front; flat, without hollow
on the бор; covered with small points, and with a large pike behind, slightly turned
upwards; the whole evenly set on the head.—Hen. Similar, but very much smaller.

WarrLes.—Very bright scarlet; full and round.

Ean-LoBr.*— Large, and pure white; face red.

Evyz.—Dark. | |

Spangled Hamburghs are usually regarded as birds exceedingly impatient of con-
finement, and requiring a large and extensive grass-run: they fly, as has been justly
remarked, like Pheasants, and know not bounds. The following communication from
so successful an exhibitor as Mr. Brooke, will therefore be read with interest, proving,
as it does, the possibility of keeping these active and roaming birds in perfect health
and brilliant plumage, in very close confinement. Mr. Brooke states :—“ My silver-
spangled birds I always keep confined in places about twelve feet long and six feet
wide, exclusive of the sleeping apartments, which are well ventilated, and have the
floors either of asphalt, brick, or wood, raised a foot from the ground, and freshly
sanded every morning. Their runs are also freshly sanded or gravelled once a week,
and every morning swept clean, and then turned over with а spade, which prevents
the ground becoming tainted. The fowls are not at all impatient of confinement,
but appear very happy and comfortable, and thrive remarkably well. I never keep
more than three birds in one yard—namely, a cock and two hens—as I have always
found the fewer, when confined, the better. I am very particular that their water
pans should be kept particularly clean ; and as regards their food, I vary it as much
as possible, always taking care that they have some sort of food by them. In the

* The Silver-spangled Hamburghs represented in the coloured plate, were deficient in the white ear-lobe,
although otherwise exceedingly good birds, and the recipients of many prizes.

— eT ER

128 THE POULTRY BOOK.

morning I generally give them mashed potatoes or middlings and barley-meal ; and
in the afternoon, either barley or oats, with a most liberal supply of green meat, such
as cabbages or grass. Spangled Hamburghs are rather susceptible of cold; but I
generally find that a few mashed potatoes, with a little cayenne-pepper, always
relieves them. I have kept them in the manner I have described for the last three
years, and have never had а fowl ill with roup or any other disease. І believe that
when thus eonfined, cleanliness and a liberal supply of food are most essential. I
have kept many other breeds of fowls, but have found that none of them would bear
confinement for any length of time as these do. As regards the number of eggs laid
by Spangled Hamburghs, I think it far exceeds that of any other variety. Mine
average 220 a year from each hen—I am now writing of birds that are kept con-
fined. То keep them free from vermin, it is essential that they should be supplied
with а sand bath, which they use daily.

“Та conclusion, I would strongly advise all rearers of Spangled енеш to
avoid breeding from birds with lopped combs; for 1 speak from experience when I
state, that the chickens hatched from them usually have their combs lopped also."

The Golden Spangled Hamburghs now claim our attention. In the case of the
pencilled varieties, no distinct lengthened description of the Golden birds was
requisite, inasmuch as, allowing for variation in the ground-colour, the same charac-
teristics applied to both Silver and Gold: but in the spangled breed, the case is
widely different; and a separate detail becomes requisite. For this we have to
express our obligations to Mr. Cannan.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOLDEN-SPANGLED HAMBURGHS,

COMMUNICATED BY MR. WM. CANNAN, BRADFORD, YORKSHIRE.

Weicut.—Cock. Five to seven pounds.. Hen. Four to five pounds.

CARRIAGE AND FORM.— Very sprightly and cheerful.

GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE PLUMAGE.—Clear rich deep golden ground colour,
free from small spots or splashing ; with black i ie at the er of the feathers,
which in the sun reflect a green tinge.

NECK-HACKLE.— Deep rich golden colour, with black streaks ; the hackle in the
cock flowing gracefully over the back. |

SADDLE.—Cock. Deep rich golden, with black kre down the middle of each
feather.—Hen. Well spangled: |

Tar.—Coch. Very full, with two large and several shorter bow feathers on each
side; the colour glossy green-black.—Hen. Well developed ; colour green-black.

Breast.—Cock. e spangled up to the wattles.—Hen. Very regularly
spangled.

Upper WING-COVERTS ов SHOULDER.—Cock. Dark green-black ; the feathers
showing the same golden ground-colour.— Hen. Deep golden colour, with regular
green-black spangles on each feather.

азна:

I have found that it has recently been gaining ground in the awarding of prizes: I

GOLDEN-SPANGLED HAMBURGHS.

LOWER WiNa-CovERTS OR Bans.— Two distinct, well-defined broad bars.

SECONDARY QUILLS.— With very bold green-black spots at the end of the
feathers.

TuicHs.—Regularly spangled.
LEGS AND FEET,— Blue.

CoMB.— Cock. Double comb, full of points; not hollowin the centre, with a large

pike at each end, turning a little up; well and evenly set on the head.—Hen. As
above, only smaller,

WaTTLES.— Rich coral, of good size.

EAR-LoBE.—Large and white; free from all pinky spots.

Evz.—Dark. | |

Mr, Cannan further states :—“ I wish to remark respecting the Golden-spangled
Hamburghs, that there are two distinct breeds, the Yorkshire, and the Lancashire, or
what in this neighbourhood are called the * Red Cap. Nine out of every ten of the
Golden-spangled hens which have taken prizes during the last two or three years,
have come originally from the neighbourhood of Ashton in Lancashire; for some
years the working men there have had single hen shows; and they have certainly
bred the birds to much greater perfection than we have in Yorkshire. I hope that
in your remarks upon these birds, you will not fail to give these working men
their due, as I have no remembrance of having seen it at any time mentioned in our
poultry publications.

“ There is another thing which І individually object to, and am Sorry to say that

allude to the lacing of Silver-spangled birds, both male and female, between the bars.
This I think a very bad fault in any bird: I cannot conceive how you can have a
Spangled bird laced without deteriorating the breed. The next thing will be laced
feathers upon the body. :

“I may just say that І attribute the success of the Lancashire breeders of the
Golden-spangled Hamburgh, to their having kept to the full bow-tailed cocks. I
believe that they generally breed their pullets from Black-breasted cocks; and my
experience goes with them, that you get the best marked pullets from Black-breasted
cocks. I have little fear, now that the hen-tailed cocks have gone out of use in
Yorkshire, that we shall see a great improvement in these fowls."

At the shows for single hens alluded to by Mr. Cannan, the birds are judged by
rules which have been long in use. The following is the

TABLE FOR THE GOLDEN-SPANGLED HAMBURGH HENS.

POINTS. MARKS OF FEATHERS, ETC., CONSIDERED BEST.
lst.—CowB . ; у Best double; best square; the most erect; and best piked behind.
2nd.—Ears . 2 : The largest and most white. :
йу 22.2. The best streaked with green-black in the middle of the feathers ;

and best fringed with gold at the edges.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

POINTS. MARKS OF FEATHERS, ETC., CONSIDERED BEST.

4th.—BRrEAST . 3 Р The largest moons ; best and brightest green-black, most free from
being tipped with white or red at the end of the moon, and the
clearest and best red from the moon to the bottom colour.

5th.— Back z : 5 The largest moons; best and brightest green-black, least tipped

with white or red at the edges of the moon, and the best and
clearest red from the moon to the bottom colour.

6th.—Rumr ; : s 'The largest moons; best and brightest green-black, least tipped
with white or red at the edges of the moon, and the best and
clearest red from the moon to the bottom colour.

Tth.—Wrise . ee This is divided into four parts :—Ist, Bow. Best and brightest
green-black, and best and clearest red.—2nd, Bars. To have
two distinet bars, composed of the largest, clearest, brightest,
and best green-black moons, and the clearest and best red from
the moon to the bottom colour.—3rd, Flight, The clearest and
best red.—4th, The Lacing, or top of the wing, above the füght.
Largest, clearest, brightest, and best green-black spots on the
end of the feathers, and the best and clearest red from the spot

to the bottom colour.

Sth, —TarL 4 : i The brightest, darkest, and best green-black. Tobe full-feathered.

9th.— Less s 5 М Best and clearest blue.

10th.—GENERAL APPEARANCE The best feathered hen.

Some years since a very considerable amount of public favour was. bestowed on
those Golden-spangled Hamburgh cocks in which there was an absence of the sickle
tail feathers natural to the sex, or “hen-tailed " birds, in which their entire plumage,
as well as the tail, partook very much of the character of that of the hen ; but at the

present time they receive little favour at the hands of the judges; and the practical
breeders, as may be gathered from Mr. Cannan's communication, have also discarded
them. The evidence against them cannot be better stated than it is in the following

remarks by Mr. Hewitt :—

“І do not myself approve, by any means, of fowls of this character. It is quite
certain their introduction before the poultry world has been of recent date; and
were I at all desirous of so doing, I could adduce very many instances among my
poultry friends in which * hen-tail cocks’ have received a prolonged and fair trial, but
without ever having in a single instance produced a satisfactory result to their
owners. І repeat, І never knew a solitary case where the chickens raised from a
male Hamburgh of this description were either numerous or good-looking ; although
І have, at considerable personal trouble and expense, visited most of the yards of
our 5 celebrities’ for Hamburgh fowls. Their comparative sterility has always been
strongly inveighed against by those amateurs who have tested them, so far as my
individual knowledge extends; whilst, moreover, I have known not a few of these
<hen-tails’ that have been ultimately consigned to destruction, or sent away to the
poulterer's at any price, in disgust, although purchased at the onset at such extra-
ordinary sums, І should hardly dare to repeat them, lest they might (to the unini-
tiated in such matters) appear fabulous. Му notions on all poultry, as to breeding

GOLDEN-SPANGLED HAMBURGHS. š 131

purposes, are these—fecundity should ever hold its position paramount to every
other feature; and I strongly believe, when this fails, it affords the most conclusive
evidence which could be desired, that Nature, forced from her accustomed path,
revolts at the capricious restrictions Fancy alone endeavours to force upon her, and

gives us sterility (or a close approximation thereto) for our pains. The Sebright !
Bantam instances another proof of the generally deficient character of * hen-tails' as |

brood birds; and in this very 'petted' variety, notorious as it is for its superlative
beauty of plumage, and widely extended as it has now become throughout the
whole of the United Kingdom, the same failing is ever the loudly declaimed com-
plaint, “they.are very pretty, but breed so indifferently.’

“І am inclined to believe the furor for the so-called ‘hen-tails’ among our
Hamburgh fanciers has effected its own cure, and that the prevailing taste is
decidedly to their disfavour. Ве that as it may, most assuredly I would not myself
advise the purchase of such birds by any poultry-fancier whatever, but rather the
selection of a male Hamburgh possessing all the attributes and peculiarities natural
to his sex: among these are well and extensively developed tail, hackle, and
saddle feathers. The two latter varieties of feathers should be ‘ listed > down their
centres with шаг the edges being of the richest brown colour; but a very prevalent

failing in the longest hackle feathers is being so very close an approximation to

black altogether as to carry that appearance. The tail is decidedly black, but
glossed with green. ‘The breast must be perfectly ‘spangled,’ and not verging, as
too frequently happens, either to entire black or a brown ground, tipped only, as
it were, at the end of each feather with a slight marking. In good cocks the
breasts are ‘spangled’ as correctly as in their mates: they are then undoubtedly
most striking and beautiful."

In the previous descriptions of the Golden and Silver- шон fowls, one variety
of bird only has been recognized under each title. But in the north of England,
where, as before mentioned, these breeds have been cultivated with great zeal and

assiduity, several subvarieties are recognized, the existence of which is almost

ignored in the southern counties, where they are all termed Spangled Hamburghs ; 4

and although it is certain: that these subvarieties will always have to compete
together, it is very desirable that they should be correctly described. Toa gentleman
whose valuable contributions have, under his own signature, already enriched our
volume, we are again indebted for the following account, which was published in the
Field under the nom de plume of “ Experimenter ”:—

“There are three different varieties of Pheasant fowls, as follows:— 1st, the
Lancashire ‘ Creel,’ ` ^or white- necked Silver Pheasant fowl. In this variety the
hackles of both cock and hen are clear silver coloured ; all the remaining plumage,
even the quill-feathers of the wings and tail, have a silvery white ground, with
a black spot at the extremity. І know of no Golden variety to match this.

"2nd. The Mooneys, or Golden, or Silver-Mooned Pheasant fowls—in which

A

132 THE POULTRY BOOK.

the ground-colour may be either a silver-white, & golden-bay, or a deep coppery
brown, the feathers are tipped with a shining black, as in the foregoing : the principal
difference being, that in these the neck hackles of the cock and hen and the saddle
feathers of the cock are striped with black; their tails, too, are all black.

“3rd. The third variety, and which I consider the best, are the Yorkshire
Pheasants, of which there are also Golden and Silver ; in these the hackles are laced,
the rest of the plumage is pheasanted throughout ; the saddle of the cock is short
(or hen-feathered), and pheasant-marked like the hens, but perhaps not quite so
accurately ; his sickle-feathers, too, are much reduced in size."

The Black Hamburgh, or Black Pheasant fowl, still remains to be deseribed. For
the following description of this breed, which is rising rapidly in public estimation,
we are indebted to a gentleman who has long been known as a very successful
breeder of all the varieties of Hamburghs ; and we have much pleasure in inserting it,
as it is undoubtedly the most careful description of the breed that has appeared in
print.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK HAMBURGHS.

BY MR. WALTER HUGO, EXETER, DEVON.

WEIGHT AND $178. Cock. Heavy birds will attain six or seven pounds.

CARRIAGE AND FogM.—Cock. Very bold and erect, but not formal.

GENERAL CHARACTER or THE PLUMAGE.—Cock. А superb jet black, with an
intense velvety-green spangle.

Nxzck-HAOKLE AND SADDLE.—Cock. Black, pencilled with green.

Tar.—Cock. Very long, full, and well developed; of a bronzy hue, excepting
the outside flowing feathers, which are at the base of a deep blue or green.

Breast.—Cock. Intense black, with dark green spangles.

Upper WixG-CovERTS or SHouLDER.—Cock. Black, spangled with green.

Lower WInG-CoVERTS OR Bars.—Cock. An intense, well-developed green; ex-
tremely beautiful.

SECONDARY AND PRIMARY QuiLLS.— Cock. Black.

Lees AND FEET.—Blue.

Comp.—Cock. Extremely large; better shaped and developed than in any other
double-combed bird.

WarrLEs.— Cock. Large and round, but not particularly long.

Ear-LoBe AND Face.—Cock. Ear-lobe white and round: not implicating the
face, which is perfectly red.

EyrE.—Reddish.

Brax.—Black,

Mr. Hugo further remarks—“ The hens are black, spangled with green; large,
square, short on the legs, and heavy ; their combs are particularly large ; legs blue:
tails and general characteristics similar to those of the other (Spangled) Hamburghs ;
generally very wild; and of all layers, the best under any circumstances."

IE NAS RESEDA qi арак tn

BLACK HAMBURGHS. 133

In any previous description of the Black Hamburgh or Pheasant fowl that we
have seen, the existence of the green-black spangling has been passed over without
notice. But it is, in fact, the presence of the spangles that gives rise to the peculiar
rich glossy appearance of the plumage; and in a bright light, the contrast between
the jet-black of the ground colour and the green-black of the spangles, 1s very
evident in good birds.

The table of characteristic excellences adopted by the northern local clubs, where
single hens only аге shown, is as follows :—

TABLE FOR THE BLACK HAMBURGH HENS.

POINTS, MARKS OF FEATHERS, ETC., CONSIDERED BEST.

lst.-CowB . . : : 5 Best double, best square, most erect, and best piked behind.
2nd.—Ears 5 : ° : Largest and purest white.

3rd.—CorovR . . А : The best and richest glossed green-black.

4th.— Less ; E 5 { Best and clearest blue.

óth.—GENERAL APPEARANCE . Best feathered hen.

Little more remains to be said respecting ш varieties of Spangled Hamburghs; their
eleg ance and utility are daily increasing the number of their admirers; and in a short
time they will be as highly appreciated in the soutb, as they have been in the north
of England. In fact, until recently, they were scarcely known in the southern
counties: and even as late as 1852, it was stated in “ Baily on Fowls,” that they were
“good mothers —a very convincing proof of the prevailing ignorance respecting
them. Аз egg-producers, they are unquestionably unrivalled; they commence
laying at a very early age; never require to sit; rapidly get thro ugh their moult; and
lay steadily, if well fed, during winter, unless the weather is very severe.

Spangled Hamburghs are not only larger, but much hardier than the Pencilled
birds, being infinitely less subject to roup. During chickenhood, however, they do
not possess the hardihood of Cochins, and therefore it is not desirable to hatch them
before April or May; nor do they thrive so well as the Asiatics, if hatched at a
late period of the year.

Hamburghs, together with Polish and Bantams, constitute what are technically
termed feathered fowls, being valued in accordance with the perfection of their
peculiar and characteristic markings, rather than by size or weight. It follows from
this circumstance, that any cross-bred birds from either of these varieties must be of
but very small value. The great merit of Hamburghs is as egg producers,—a pro- ,
perty which depends on their non- -incubating habits: but cross-bred birds, as before 1
stated, even 1f between two varieties that do not sit, are generally good mothers,
and their broodiness necessarily interferes with their egg-producing powers. Never-
theless, it is always interesting to trace the result of such alliances ; and we therefore

extract the following account from the Field of some experiments in cross-breeding
with Hamburghs :—

Q

ne a tme adipe tec

134 . THE POULTRY BOOK.

“1st. А cross between a Golden-pencilled Hamburgh cock and Spanish hen.—
The chickens were not very large. Colour: the greater part of them bronze, and
one or two black; legs black; single and rose-combs. Not very hardy; good
layers ; small eggs.

“2nd. Golden-pencilled Hamburgh hen and Golden-spangled Bearded Polish
cock.—Chickens : cockerels about the size of barn-door fowls, red, with spangled
breasts, beards, small top-knots, large white ear-lobes, blue legs; pullets brown,
with spangled breasts and necks, backs running into grizzle. Excellent layers,

and good-sized eggs. .

* 9rd. Silver-spangled Hamburgh cock and Brahma hen.—Chickens large,
very handsome. Cockerels: silver-spangled breasts and slightly spangled over the
back, with flowing tails, rose-combs, large red ear-lobes, blue legs, feathered.
Pullets: silver spangled. They are the handsomest cross-bred fowls I have seen ; I
have been offered £1 15. each for them.

*4th. Silver-spangled Hamburgh cock and Buff Cochin-China hen.—Two
pullets: dark gray, running into a grizzle; legs blue; single combs. Inferior to
the cross with Brahmas.

* 5th. Silver-spangled Hamburgh cock and White-faced Spanish hen.—Chickens :
very hardy, short-legged, plump fowls: single and rose-combs ; large white ear-lobes ;
black legs; neck silver-laced, and the remainder of the body dark gray.”

It is singular that in the two instances of crossing with Spanish hens, the
chickens produced by the Golden-pencilled Hamburgh cock partook of the delicacy
of the sire; whereas those from the Spangled Hamburgh cock and Spanish hen
are described as very hardy.

POLISH FOWLS.

CHAPTER XVE

POLISH FOWLS.

UNDER the title of Polish, are included in our present nomenclature all those varieties
of domestic fowl characterised by the possession of a largely-developed feathered
crest on the head. Their history is obscure and uncertain, but they can be traced |

^ back at least two hundred years, as their anatomical peculiarities were described in
25 1656 by Peter Borelli ; and in the pictures of the old Dutch Masters, the representa-
^ / tion of crested fowls, particularly of a White-crested Golden breed, is of frequent

occurrence.

Of their origin, little or nothing is known: they are frequently stated to be the
descendants of the great fowl of St. Jago; but as there are more than twenty places
in different quarters of the globe termed St. Jago, the information is not of a very
satisfactory character. With the kingdom of Poland it is tolerably certain that they
have no connection; in Prussian Poland they are utterly unknown: whence, then, it
may be asked, is the origin of the title by which they are so generally known? Ву
some writers this name has been declared to be a recent innovation; but the White-
crested Black have been known by it to the London dealers for at least half. a
century; and in the earliest editions of “ Mowbray on Domestic Poultry,” they
are termed Polands.

The question may be regarded as receiving a satisfactory solution in the following
statement of Dr. F. В. Horner :—“ In scientific nomenclature, it has ever been the
practice to designate new genera, species, or varieties, from certain resemblances to
other well-known or familiar things, or from certain striking features ; so has it been,
I conceive, with the Polish fowl.

“ Its remarkably elevated, rounded, and prominent skull-cap, top of the head, or
poll, could not escape the observation of the older naturalists. Again, the large
crest of feathers, or top-knot, is another attribute which must have arrested and
bespoken consideration in any name to be given to this variety of fowl. The term
poll is not unfrequently used to designate the feathers, hair, or even wool, on the
head of an animal: so that whether we look at the unique anatomical conformation
of the bird’s head, or at its more ostensible bunch of feathers, it must have commanded
attention. Its head or poll was its peculiarity—i.e. the bird with the remarkable
head or poll; hence Poll-ish or Polish fowl. It is quite evident that this bird has
nothing to do with the country of Poland ; and the disease of the hair, Plica polonica,
offers no analogy. In this disease, the hair is closely matted to the head; it is usually

136 THE POULTRY BOOK.

also thin or spare in quantity, or even falling off in parts, very different to the full
erect and flowing top-knot of the Polish fowl."

Presuming this derivation to be correct, the superiority of the term Polish over
that of Polands is obvious, without taking into consideration the grammatical
inaccuracy of the latter title.

There are certain characteristics common to the whole group of Polish fowls,
which may be alluded to before entering upon a consideration of the different varieties.
The most important is the possession of the feathered crest, which in the cocks is
composed of long pointed feathers, closely resembling those of the hackle: and in
! the hens, of feathers of the ordinary character, rounded at the extremity. The erest in
' both sexes arises from a globular tuber, situated on the fore-part of the skull: an
intimate connection exists between the size of this swelling and that of the crest. In
all cases where the swelling is not largely developed, there cannot exist a good crest ;
and as this tuber is formed before birth, it is easy to select those chickens that will
be well crested, immediately on their emerging from the shell. Perhaps the most
extraordinary circumstance connected with this swelling is, that it contains by far
the greater part of the brain— being, in fact, a protuberance of the frontal or forehead
bone; however, even in old fowls, this tuber rarely becomes entirely bony, but con-
sists in great part of membrane : hence there is no protection for the brain beyond the
feathers of the crest and the integuments ; so that a slight blow on the head, that
would not affect an ordinary fowl in the least, will destroy a Polish bird.

The Polish comb has been a subject of considerable controversy, some persons
permitting the presence of a very small two-horned crescentic comb, and others
regarding anything more than a mere indication of redness at the base of the crest an
imperfection. The nostrils of Polish are remarkable for their peculiarly erested form,
and for the absence of the two intermaxillary bones, which in other fowls form the
bridge of the nose. In addition to these peculiarities, several of the varieties of
Polish are characterised by the absence of wattles and the substitution of a largely
developed ruff, or, as it is more usually termed, beard.

Polish may be further described as being remarkably good layers during the
spring, summer, and early autumn months; but are not to be depended on for a
winter supply. They are all non-incubators as a general rule, although we have
known instances of their sitting steadily. "Their hardihood varies considerably in
the different varieties, and will be alluded to as each is described.

The different varieties of Polish fowls may be thus classed :—

. BLACK, wiru WHITE CRESTS. 6. BLUE OR GRAY, INCLUDING CUCKOO.
. SILVER-SPANGLED. 7. Bvrk | A

. GOLDEN-SPANGLED.

. WHITE.
. BLACK.

8. BLACK-CRESTED WHITE.
9. FEATHER-FOOTED WHITE OR SULTANS.
10. RUMPLESS OR GHONDOOKS.

The White-crested Black Polish have long been inhabitants of our poultry-
yards; and are generally of a sufficiently attractive appearance to ensure their favour

BLACK POLISH. 137

with the publie, even without regard to their great merit in an economical point of view.
In the eock the plumage of the neck, body, and tail should be of а uniform rich
black, with resplendent metallic tints of green. The feathers of the tail should be
perfectly black down to the root, and not, as is frequently the case, grizzled with
white. The shorter crest-feathers at the base of the bill are always black, but the
less the better, the remainder of the purest white; the comb is diminutive, forming
two small spikes, usually hidden by the crest; wattles bright red and large ; ear-lobe
a clear white. The beak and legs black; although the soles of the feet are frequently
spotted, or even white in the best birds. The carriage is remarkably good; the
arched neck nearly meeting the tail, which is very full and erect, especially when

the bird becomes excited. The breast is wide and prominent, while the short le

and generally compact form are no less pleasing to the eye than valuable in am
economical point of view, as indicative, technically speaking, of the comparative
absence of offal. А full-sized Black Polish cock should weigh from five to five and
a-half pounds. |

When we turn to the hen we require the same colour throughout, but the crest, of
course, must be globular and white, with as small a portion of black in front as
possible; the ear-lobe white. In form she is of still closer build than her mate, and
at maturity should weigh from three and a-half to four and a-half pounds.

The following remarks on the breed are from the pen of Mr. Hewitt, who formerly
was in the possession of superior specimens of this variety :—“ There are few descrip-
tions of poultry, if any, that are more truly ornamental than the Black Polish; the ex-
treme contrast between the colours of the body feathers, and those of the crests, ren-
dering them not only a very conspicuous, but universally admired breed, even among
those individuals who are not exactly to be classed among poultry amateurs. But,
in justice, І must record my opinion in their favour, as a really useful, as well as
an ornamental fowl. They are non-sitters, and interminable layers, always pro-
viding, however, the locality suits them. The subsoil for them (to ensure complete
success) must be dry, and the situation of their “run” not exposed to cold, damp,
raw bitng winds. If not possessed already of these natural advantages of
locality, then I would very strongly advise any amateur to select some more
hardy kind of poultry, or he may involuntarily subject himself to much trial of
temper and unnecessary vexation. If once they should happen to become diseased,
they are assuredly the most difficult of any description of fowls to restore to health,
by any medical appliance with which І am acquainted. There is little doubt in my
mind that this 1s greatly induced by the extreme quantity of moisture the top-knots
will absorb during drizzling, hazy weather. The feathers of the crests are placed in
a position rather to hold than repel damp; and from retaining it for some hours, the
cold and moisture combined, of course, superinduce disease— more particularly as
regards colds in the eyes, or of the head generally. For this reason, Polish of any

kind require shelter that is always available in cases of sudden rains, even more

138 THE POULTRY BOOK.

particularly than other breeds of poultry. If, however, well provided with this
accommodation, and likewise enjoying a dry warm ‘ walk, there is not any variety
that I think more remunerative, so far as the production of an extreme number
of eggs is considered; it is worthy of especial note, also, that the eggs produced
are of a superior quality for the table. Аз it may possibly prevent the like
misfortune to some others, who are now commencing their poultry career as
amateurs, I will briefly mention a cireumstance that repeatedly caused myself much
pecuniary loss at the onset of my fancy for Polish. In those cases where the crests
are fully developed, for Ше birds to see any approach from behind is perfectly im
- possible, and Polish are naturally very timid of coming danger, probably from feeling
their inability to avoid it : it was from these combined causes that, at least in half a
dozen of instances, when I suddenly caught or rather quickly picked them up, they
have instantaneously died in my hands from apoplexy, without any real injury from
external pressure. А slight shudder and indistinct gurgling noise was the only
accompaniment of their sudden decease. This disaster seemed to be particularly
common among those chickens that, hitherto enjoying an unlimited wild-run, had, for
increased safety from thieves, been removed to close quarters. After its unpleasant
repetition (and that generally in the cases of my very best birds) I never took them
into hand without first speaking to them ; and from that hour І never lost another
specimen by the ill complained of.

“Tn no class of fowls has ‘trimming’ been so universally carried out at our
poultry shows as in Black Polish; indeed, the difficulty is generally to find a pen
in which the crests have been left as naturally grown. This arises from the fact
that, the less black they show around the top-knots the better;' and hence some
owners are so daring as to actually remove all such feathers as they deem objection-
able. Wherever so gross a case of tampering has arisen, I have considered it а bounden
duty to disqualify them immediately, and outright ; and although it seems to have
been a deception that, beyond all others, has been countenanced by our poultry judges,
I do not myself endorse the opinion that ‘ trimming’ in one class is less objectionable
than in others; indeed, I hope that the trickster-practice will not be longer indulged
in, as in close inspections it is generally discoverable, and most undoubtedly, in fair-
ness to the conscientious exhibitor, it ought to be discountenanced. Having for
some years paid extreme attention to the culture of this elegant variety, I will just
mention the results of my experience. In the first place, the crests are, without
doubt, their most prominent characteristics; and to breed them well-formed and
extremely large is a great desideratum. І repeatedly proved that a first-rate crested
cock, though mated to а hen with a somewhat indifferent top-knot, produced far
better chickens than where the selection was reversed; I would therefore strongly
enjoin the greatest care in the well-advised selection of the male. In reference
to hatching, the eggs must be incubated by some other hen. In the choice of this
foster-mother, I would suggest that large hens are very objectionable, as these

BLACK POLISH. | 189

chickens seem even more susceptible of injury than those of other descriptions.
Cochins are prone to leave their chickens at some five or six weeks old ; and as this
happens to be a period of peculiar fatality to broods of young Polish, they are far
best avoided for this duty. None will, it is certain, prove more vigilant, successful,
and enduring to the wants of chickens, than a Game hen. As these birds are apt
to *droop away suddenly, I will relate the treatment I found most beneficial. I
gave them full feed of crushed hemp, chopped cheese, and maggots from stale
flesh, the latter well scoured for some days in bran or sand, to cleanse them from
impurities: it proved a very easy remedy and successful mode of treatment."

The circumstance, that White-crested Black Polish require a dry sandy run, and
warm sheltered situation, is proved by the fact that several of our most successful
exhibitors reside on the dry sandy soil of the New Forest. The names of Mrs. Mills
of Bisterne, and Mr. Edwards of Lyndhurst, are intimately associated with the repu-
tation of great and deserved success in the culture of this elegant variety.

From the White-crested Black are occasionally produced perfectly white birds,
with light eyes and the other features which have obtained for such productions
the name of “ Albinos.” They are both slight in frame and delicate in constitution;
and we cannot recommend the attempt to breed from them, their produce being of a
most unsatisfactory description, both as regards form and colour. They are, it
should be remembered, perfectly distinct from the Bearded White Polish.

No sooner do we quit the White-crested Black Polish than the difficulties of
the “ beard or no beard " question immediately surround us; all the other varieties
exhibiting birds with and without this appendage. The beardless birds, however,
have of late years gone entirely out of favour, and, as we think, deservedly so,
as they are inferior in all the characteristics of Polish to the Bearded varieties.
Mr, Baker, of Chelsea, states, that “having been lately in the South of France,
where the Polish are much prized and infinitely superior to any we have in this
country, І was enabled to make further inquiries as to the relative purity of the
bearded and unbearded varieties, both gold and silver, and was then fully confirmed
in my opinion as to the originality and superiority of the former. І perfectly
recollect that some twenty years ago there was a club at Ringolane where the well
developed beard was considered of as much consequence as a good crest."

Ав the beard із a prominent feature in the majority of these birds, and of uniform
character, one description may serve for all. Immediately below the cheek, and
covering the front of the throat, there is a collection of elongated feathers, regularly
imbricated and of triangular form ; the broadest part, or base, is uppermost, extending
in & line, as whiskers, below the eyes. These feathers, from the base to the point
below, should occupy a space of about two inches. With some few exceptions, for
noticing which the presentis an appropriate place, the description of the bearded
class will apply to their unbearded relatives, this distinctive feature being alone
omitted. In the latter, the neck is comparatively slender, and destitute of the

140 THE POULTRY BOOK.

voluminous hackle that. encircles that of the former bird: the wattles are large,
and the ear-lobe more apparent, from the absence of the ruff. The skull, too, is less
rounded, and, as а consequence, the crest less perfect, especially in the gold-spangled,
which, as it has been well said, “appear to be waiting for some lucky accident to
give to them good top-knots." . The principal features of the Polish family—the
protuberant breast, arched tail, and rounded body—are common to the varieties now
under consideration, and the White-crested Black; but the latter are shorter on the
leg, and of less weight than the spangled birds.

The Silver-spangled Polish may first claim our attention ; and here we gladly avail
ourselves of the assistance of Mr. P. Jones, to whom the credit is not only due of
having taken more prizes than any other exhibitor of this beautiful variety, but also
of breeding those birds which have been mainly instrumental in enabling others to
attain а high position in the prize lists.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SILVER-SPANGLED POLISH.
COMMUNICATED BY MR. P. JONES OF FULHAM.

WEIGHT AND SizE.—Cock. A good bird should not be under six pounds; from
that to seven and a half pounds is large enough, but a tall, large bird shows advan-
tageously.— Hen. Size is not very important in Polish; four to five and a half
pounds is a good average.

CARRIAGE AND Form.—Cock. Carriage bold and erect; breast thrown well for-
ward; head and tail well up; wings rather low, to show bars and lacing; form round
and plump ; keel well covered with flesh ; body short; neck neither long nor short,
and gracefully arched.— Hen. Form round and compact; body short; tail and head
carried well up.

GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE PLUMAGE.—Cock. Ample and flowing ; well and
evenly marked; crest, neck, and saddle-hackle feathers, long ; abundant and strong
in the shaft ; very short fluff on abdomen; ground colour of plumage best and purest
white; and markings of intense metallic black.—Hen. Plumage rather close and
compact on back; fluff short, but ample. Clearness of ground colour, and intensity
of black in the markings, should be looked to.

Nzck-HACKLE.— Cock. Very abundant; long and strong feathers ; white at base,
and fluffy part edged and tipped with black; eoming well to front of neck, and on to
the shoulders; the more free from straw tinge the better.— Hen. Full, but rather
short, making the neck appear thick ; each feather well laced or tipped according to
general markings of the bird, whether laced or spangled.

SADDLE.—Cock. Same as neck; flowing well round the tail and rump, and

hanging well down; behind the thighs usually white, but in perfect birds beauti-
fully tipped with black.—Hen. Rather long towards the tail, each feather well and
boldly spangled or lactd.

Тат. — Cock. Long, ample, and flowing ; well-arched sickle feathers, abundantly

/— S En m. —

A3

ntinued in Monthly Parts till completed,

Now Publishing, to b

Price Walf-a-Crown each,

CONTAINING FOUR CAREFULLY-COLOURED GROUPS,

BRITISH WILD FLOWERS,

WITH THEIR DESCRIPTIONS.
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE NATURAL SYSTEM,

. BY MRS. LOUDON.
ILLUSTRATED BY H. NOEL HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

жүз» 4.
A eue ue TU VO
“Үе Field Flowers! the gardens eclipse you, 'tis true;
Yet, wildings of Nature, I doat upon you;
For ye waft me to summers of old,
When the earth teemed around with fairy delight,
And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sight,
Like treasures of silver and gold.” —CAMPBELL.

- <
Тив present Work was undertaken under the impression that a selection of the more beautiful and
attractive of our Wild Flowers, with Illustrations of them, would be useful to those who have neither

` time nor opportunity of consulting larger works on the subject. In order to confine herself within the

necessary limits, the Authoress found she could only take the most ornamental Plants, avoiding, as inter-
fering with her other Works, any Flowers commonly found in the Garden, her chief object being to
enable the Amateur Botanist, who might find a pretty or interesting flower growing wild in their
rambles, to ascertain its name and history. In addition to such details, a few remarks on the botanical
construction of most of the plants have been offered, in the hope of inducing such readers as might be
unacquainted with Botany to study so charming a science. |

The volume presents to the reader almost all the information which is absolutely necessary for a
general knowledge of this branch of the subject; the reader will likewise met here with remarks
regarding the great question of education, in which the Authoress indulges the hope that the botanical
construction of plants, and the study of the science of Botany in general, may become a branch of general
edueation. “ЭРХ

«Nothing, I must confess,” writes the Authoress, “ would give me more pleasure than to see Botany
as commonly taught in girls' schools, as French and music are at present; and I think it more than
probable that in another generation it will be so—as, though the Linnæan system was unfit for females,
there is nothing objectionable in the Natural Arrangement; and the prejudice against botanieal names
is every day declining, from the number of beautiful plants exhibited at flower shows, which have no
English appellations. I sincerely hope the time may arrive, though probably I shall not live to see it,
when a knowledge of Botany will be considered indispensable to every well-educated person.”

In the systematic arrangement of the plants, the Authoress has followed Dr. Lindley's Synopsis of the
British Flora, which few botanical students are without; and few genera are omitted, except such as do
not contain any ornamental plants, or only include such plants as are rarely met with growing wild in
Great Britain. While the Natural System is adopted in this work, it has also been borne in mind that
many books of a leading character are arranged according to the Linnæan system; the Authoress has
therefore added the Linnsan class and order of each genus, with a few words explanatory of the terms
as they occur.

The volume is illustrated with sixty plates, representing nearly three hundred of the rarest ornamental
wild flowers, drawn by Mr. Noel Humphreys, and carefully coloured after his drawings, grouped so as

to form bouquets of flowers. The volume contains besides, descriptions of nearly all our known ind:-

genous flowering plants, and a copious index, which completes the general attraction and utility of the work.

LONDON: WM. S. ORR & CO., AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW.

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SILVER-SPANGLED POLISH. 141

furnished with beautifully marked covert-feathers, both inside or under the tail
proper, as well as from top of rump: I think no variety has a finer or handsomer tail,
when fully developed. A diversity of opinion exists as to whether the sickle-feathers
should be white, tipped with black, or silvered : I prefer the latter, if not too dark.—
Hen. Somewhat large; if clear white ground, tipped or edged, the better. This is а
great desideratum.

Breast.—Well and evenly spangled from the throat to the thighs, with moon-
shaped black markings on best and purest white. The breasts of the cocks have
generally a tendency to be too dark.

UPPER WiNG-COVERTS OR SHOULDER.—Cock. A little lighter than the general
average of colour, is to my mind an improvement; but should be lightly spangled
or spotted.— Hen. Well spangled ; somewhat liable to get short of colouring in this
part after the second year.

LOWER Wiwe-CovERTS ов Bars.—Cock. Well and boldly spangled, to form
two transverse bars, united by delicate lacing; this is an important and necessary
requirement, and must be insisted on.—Hen. Same as cock, but less bold and
defined.

SECONDARY QUILLS.—Clear white ground; boldly laced on lower edge of each
feather. :

Tureus.—Long; well spangled to the hock.

LEGS AND FEET.—Blue; fine in bone, with neat scales, and the toes rather
long.

OnEST.—Cock. Very large; long, strong feathers, extending regularly all round,
and hiding head and part of neck; no vacancy in centre; black at roots, then a
good length of white, and if tipped with black it is perfect; no comb.— Hen. Very
large; ample and compact, forming a globular mass of feathers, regular in shape;
each feather well and evenly marked; feathers strong in shaft, not falling loosely
round; no comb. |

BEARD.—Large triangular-shaped black or spangled beard ; no wattles.

Ear-LoBE AND FACE.— Cock. Ear-lobe small, white; face hardly seen, feathered.
—Hen. Face covered with feathers and hidden by erest; ear-lobe small, white.

COLOUR OF EYE AND Brax.—Dark or bull-eyed; beak blue, to match legs
and feet. :

In addition to these characteristics of the breed, Mr. Jones has kindly favoured
us with the following remarks :—* There is, perhaps, scarcely any breed of domestic
poultry about which there exists, amongst amateurs, such a diversity of opinion as
to what should constitute a perfect bird, as in the case of Silver Polish. Some
breeders say they should be spangled ; others, again, hold that they were originally a
laced fowl. Some maintain that they should be bearded; others that they should be
beardless, and furnished with wattles like their relatives the White-crested Black.
And, again, it used to be urged that the hens should have white crests: now a white

R

142 THE POULTRY BOOK.

erest is regarded as a disqualification. With reference to the first question, whether
the birds should be spangled or laced, it will not be denied that the best birds
which have been exhibited at our leading shows, have all had a tendency to lacing ;
that is to say, the spangle, as it is called, instead of being triangular or round, has
had more the shape of an elongated crescent, the horns running up the edges of the
feather. This is more particularly to be observed on the breast and back of the hens;
but in some of the best cocks this lacing has been equally well defined on the breast.

“І will admit that many really spangled birds have been exhibited, but we have
never yet seen a well spangled hen approaching perfection in other respects: it is a
remarkable fact that from the same birds are produced both laced and spangled
chickens. The question of beards or wattles has now pretty well resolved itself into
beards, and the larger the better. I believe, however, that the bearded and beardless
are quite distinct varieties, and never ought to have been confounded. 1 confess my
predilection is in favour of the beard,—it appears more in character with the
general attributes of the bird, one of which is abundant plumage in every part.

“With regard to tails, I like a clear tail in the hen ; and, however anomalous it
may appear, I prefer to have the feathers beautifully and lightly mossed or mottled
in the cock, with a good and well-defined blotch at the tip: the mossing, however,
must not be too heavy, or the blotch is lost. :

“ Ag to their merits as an useful as well as ornamental variety, I may say that,
having kept them somewhat successfully (as the prize lists of most of the leading
shows will bear witness) for the last five or six years, and having attended to them
entirely myself, I can speak with confidence on the subject.

“That they may be kept and bred in very small and confined places, I know; but
T also know they do much better if they have the advantage of an extended run : but
in this latter case they require a great deal. of attention, as the crests are apt to
become clogged with wet and mud, which in smaller places, from the necessity for
constant cleanliness, is to a great extent avoided. In some situations I have had
whole clutches of chickens reared year after year without the loss of a single bird,
except by accident ; while at others, and even at home, I have sometimes lost whole
broods at about six weeks old: the first had to shift almost for themselves, while the
others had every care bestowed on them. From the moment of hatching to six or
eight weeks old, nothing can be hardier; but from that age up to five or six months,
I have found them difficult to rear at home, although, as I stated before, I have had
from country runs eight and ten from a brood four months.old, all healthy plump
birds. Astable chickens, І prefer them for their great delicacy. As layers during the
spring and summer months, I believe they are second to none ; and the eggs being
of a good average size, would certainly stand the test of weight, in the aggregate,
with almost any other variety. I have had them laying from January to October,
and being non-sitters, the individual produce during that time is considerable. They
are more easily kept within bounds by a fence of moderate height, than many other

—

ман m

——

SILVER-SPANGLED POLISH. 143

varieties, particularly if the bottom part of the fence, to the height of about eighteen
inches, be quite close; betause, although they undoubtedly have the full use of their
wings, yet their upward range of vision being circumscribed by the overhanging crest,
and the close bottom to the fence preventing their seeing beyond in that direction,
they are fain to content themselves where they are. I believe them to be naturally of
a contented disposition, and form attachments to their feeders more rapidly than any
other variety. І have now a cock which will at апу hour of the night fly from his
perch by candle-light at my call, and feed from my hand ; in fact, every Polish fowl
I have will feed from my hand during the day. As adult birds, I do not find them
more liable to disease than others. As exhibition fowls my experience certainly
proves they will stand the wear and tear of travelling and excitement of the show-
room, as well as their unavoidable attendant, long abstinence,—at any rate, quite as
well as any other variety ; and if І were to say better, do not think I should be wide
of the mark. Tosum up—and making every allowance for my own peculiar taste—
I believe they stand at the top of the list of fancy poultry; combining as they do,
with their universally acknowledged beauty, so many of the points of excellence
found in those varieties which are bred more for utility than ornament."

With regard to the disputed question, as to whether these birds should be really
spangled, as their name implies, or laced, we cannot but agree with Mr. Jones that
the best birds that have been recently exhibited have hitherto been of the latter
description; some amateurs, however, as Dr. Horner of Hull, R. P. Williams, Esq.,
of Dublin, &c., declare strongly in favour of spangling in preference to lacing ; and
that equally good birds of this variety did exist, may be gathered from the following
communication from Mr. Hewitt :—“ Although any poultry amateur may seek in
vain at the present day for even an isolated specimen of a really well ° spangled ’
Polish, still they certainly did exist, bred as truly to feather as any other variety of
fowls; and this within the space of some twenty-five years. About that time I had
opportunities of closely inspecting them, as they were kept within a few doors of the
house in which I then resided. From this circumstance I can speak with the most
entire confidence of the exactitude of the following brief description. In size they
very closely resembled those to which we now give the designation of ‘Spangled
Polish ; but they differed in the extraordinary intensity of the blue colour of the
legs; the spurs in the adult males were of ivory whiteness, and had a tendency to
turn up, until they nearly touched the knee joints. Of combs they had not even
the rudiment: and the wattles were only slightly developed. The ear-lobes were
florid, tinged with white about their centres. The ground colour of the plumage
was white, the whole of the feather being clear, without any lineal markings, and
simply ‘tipped’ with an iridescent black ' spangle.’ In the hens this marking was
nearly circular, and without the slightest vestige of white beyond it. In the cocks,

particularly the old ones, the crests flowed freely on all sides, and eventually became

an impediment to their feeding, unless the corn was placed ina trough. The feathers

144 . THE POULTRY BOOK.

in their crests being naturally of a similar conformation to.those of the neck-hackle,

showed a fringe of white beyond the black spot towards the tip. The tails of both

sexes were clear, spangled at the extremity, as in the Silver-spangled Hamburghs ;

the side tail-coverts of the cock being ‘spangled’ also: a remarkable peculiarity, and

one adding greatly to the beauty of the bird. On the saddle of the hens, where the

feathers closely overlapped, the distinctness of the spots gave way to a somewhat
increased depth of colour, that was really objectionable ; still, any of these feathers,

examined separately, proved to be equally correctly spangled. The wings were
simply double ‘ barred,’ by the close position of the spangles; but no sign of side-
lacings was perceptible. The lesser flight-feathers were well marked at the ex-

tremities only. The first imported parent birds that came originally from Lisbon,
were ‘silvers ;’ but in the course of a few generations they ‘sported’ several golden
chickens, but always marked as their predecessors. They were purposely mated for
two successive years (without any possibility whatever of access to their lighter
coloured relatives); yet, strange to say, they never bred any but silver chickens, and
those without the least impurity of the ground colour. They proved themselves
most abundant layers and non-sitters, but apparently enjoyed much hardier con-
stitutions than any of our present varieties of Polish. Having given the most per-
fect description I now can from recollection, I cannot conclude without bearing
testimony to their superlative beauty. І have striven to obtain some of this strain,
but I found, to my great chagrin, that the poultry had passed into other hands, who
were “по fanciers, and to improve them they had for many years erossed them with
the Game; and I was consequently non-suited."

The Golden-spangled Polish differ so slightly from the Silvers, that a detailed
description of their characteristics is not required ; as, after making due allowance
for the difference in ground colour, the same remarks will, with scarcely any variation,
apply to both varieties.

Dr. Horner of Hull, who has long been kncwn as one of the most diligent and
successful amateurs of this variety, has kindly favoured us with the following
remarks on the breed :—“ As to carriage (I write of the Golden which 1 keep), it is
nearly as bumptious as that of the Bantam ; the breast being very protuberant; the
tail very full and flowing, and well arched upon the back.

“ As to comb, there should not be any, not even a spike. 1 do allow a very
small patch of red comb-like structure, the size of а small split pea, lying close,
like skin, at the root of the bill; but no spikes. The feathers of the top-knot are
not simply red, for the lower part is black, the extension of the black up the feather
differing a little in different birds ; but always should be there. Ina properly marked
hen, the top-knot should be spangled like the rest of the body, and not black. Now
as to white feathers in the top-knots of cocks, and hens also, they are always present
in birds two years old and upwards; they are commonly absent till the birds are a

year old; but they will surely come, in greater or less number, with the autumn

-s

GOLDEN-SPANGLED POLISH. 145

moult. They must not be considered a fault. Possibly, as a matter of taste, some
would like them without white; and some certainly do (as Mr. Vivian) prefer them
with white feathers.

` “As to tail in the cock, it ought to be black, bordered with chestnut, so also the
sickle-feathers ; but the smaller side wavy feathers are like those of the body, rich
chestnut, edged with iridescent black. The tail of the hen is chestnut, tipped with
black. The cock's tail is often grizzled with white, and the hen's often speckled and
seratchy with black; but such аге, of course, imperfections.

* The cock's top-knot in shape must not be flattened (the “рапсаКе” top-knot)—
in such eases the feathers are too thin and long; nor should it divide down the
middle like a girls hair. It must, as far as possible, preserve a rounded globular
form, which it will do if the feathers are plentiful and nottoolong. l may just further
add, that the Polish is a spangled bird; and hence I consider lacing (except on the
wings) as an imperfection. I quite object to lacing on the breast of cocks—not an
uncommon thing to see ; lacing also on the backs of hens, that is, on the saddle and
rump, is also wrong—it should be spangling."

The White-bearded Polish differ essentially, as we have ыа observed, from
the occasional white specimens produced from the beardless black with white top-
knots, and are a distinot and recognized variety; their chickens, both in colour,
vigour, and all other respects, bearing an exact resemblance to the parents. They are
unquestionably derived from the bearded spangled birds, inferior specimens showing
distinetly faint smudgy spangles on the feathers of the breast, &e. ; which, however, are
totally absent in really first-class birds. White Polish possess all the characteristics
of the family in the highest possible degree; the crests in good specimens are very
large and perfect; our experience leads us to regard them as hardier and more easily
reared on a clayey soil than either the Golden and Silver-spangled.

Black-bearded Polish are occasionally seen at our poultry shows, but can hardly
be regarded as an established variety. The Editors own experience leads him to
regard them as an occasional production from the White birds—at least his own White
have frequently produced Black; but he is unable to state what the characteristics
of the chickens bred from the Black would be, as he has never attempted to rear any.

The Blue or Gray Polish are also the frequent produce of the White Polish,
which they resemble in all characteristics except colour; as might be expected from
their accidental origin, they cannot be depended upon to produce chickens resembling
the parents, but occasionally throw cuckoo, white, or speckled produce.

The Cuckoo Polish, resembling in markings the Cuckoo Dorkings, are another
occasional variation of the bearded breeds ; but they have not been received with
much favour at the hands of the public.

Buff Polish are exceedingly pretty when truly marked and well crested. To ke
perfect, these birds should resemble the Golden-spangled, with these important
differences,—namely, that the feathers should be spangled with white instead of

146 THE POULTRY BOOK.

black, and that the ground colour should be a delicate buff in the hens, with a greater
degree of depth and richness of colour in the cocks. From these birds having only
recently come into notice, they have not been bred up to this high standard of merit ;
but those that approach to it are exceedingly ornamental, and evidently would amply
repay the trouble of a few years' careful selection and breeding.

The Black-erested White Polish may next claim our consideration, as there is
abundant evidence to prove that such a breed formerly existed. R. P. Williams,
Esq., of Dublin, a gentleman who has paid great attention to the history of the
different varieties of crested fowls, has favoured us with the following remarks on
these birds :—“ The breed, up to about thirty years ago, was to be had in some parts
of Ireland, as I have been informed by friends who knew it well, and describe it as а
very superior one; they were extinguished, І may say, in consequence of a famine,
and there being no Poultry Societies in those days. А few years after this time, I
heard of the breed, and tried to procure it; and having heard that it was to be had
at Bordeaux, I went specially for it, but was informed that there, as well as at Paris,
the breed had been, but was not then, to be met with ; so that it would appear that
about the same time it vanished everywhere. From time to time I picked up birds
from which I thought to have recovered the breed : and had I had the fine specimens of
Crested White fowl now to be obtained, I think the breed might have been recovered.
The last of those I had, a hen, is now in the museum of the Dublin Natural History
Society. Her crest is black, and a few of the hackle-feathers black. The parties
who last had the Black-crested White in Ireland were the descendants of the French
Huguenots at Portarlington and Maryboro', which would lead me to expect the breed
came from France, if not from Holland."

Mr. Brent also states respecting them that—“ The last good specimen I saw was
in the year 1854, at St. Omer in France; it was а hen, and belonged to a boat-
builder, who lived by the canal. She was of large size, so that the Malays in the
same yard appeared small in comparison; her colour was white, with a large black
top-knot, some few of the feathers of which were, however, tipped with white: her
bil and feet were dark slate-colour, shape very plump and round. Her owner
described her as an excellent layer, the eggs being also of large size. He had
endeavoured to get others of the same breed, especially a cock, but hitherto without
success, although they were said to exist in Brittany."

The Editor of the present edition of the “Poultry Book," Mr. Tegetmeier,
endeavoured for a series of years to reproduce this breed by crossing the different
varieties of Polish—having as his foundation a white hen that showed a tendency to
dark in the crest. The experiments were only partially successful: there was no
difficulty in producing white chickens with black crests; but white feathers made
their appearance in the crest the first autumn, and increased in quantity аб every
subsequent moult. |
Тһе Sultans or Feather-footed White Polish are a very elegant and pleasing

RUMPLESS POLISH FOWLS. 147

variety: they were first imported into this country from Turkey, by Miss Watts of

Monkbarns, Hampstead ; their exceedingly ornamental appearance has gained them.

many admirers, and they аге now established favourites at our shows. For the
following description we have to express our thanks to the lady above-mentioned :—
In size, Sultans are smaller than the generality of Polish, the cocks weighing from
four to five pounds; the hens being in proportion. In form they are very plump,
full-crested, short-legged, and compact; the plumage pure and unsullied white
throughout, and very abundant; their tails are ample, and carried erect; their
thighs are short, and furnished with feathers which project beyond the joint, or, as it
is termed, are vulture-hocked. Their legs are short, white, and profusely feathered to
the feet, which are five-toed. The comb consists of two small spikes, situated at the
base of a full-sized globular Polish crest; the wattles are rudimentary, both sexes
being amply bearded. Good birds of this variety possess the peculiar structure of
the skull that has already been described as characterizing the Polish breeds.

A few years since some very inferior specimens of feather-legged White Polish
were imported, and, under the name of Ptarmigan fowls, were exhibited at several of
the poultry shows. They attracted considerable attention at the time of their intro-
duction ; but were so inferior in size of crest and in character of comb to the Sultans,
that the latter have thrown them completely into the shade.

Like the rest of the Polish or Crested group, Sultans are good layers, except in
winter; and they rarely, if ever, sit. In their earliest stages they are delicate; but
after having arrived at a fair size, they are quite as hardy as the other varieties of
the group. ;

The Rumpless Polish, or Ghondooks, conclude our varieties of crested fowls.
These very remarkable birds were first introduced by Mr. Higgs, of Southampton,
who exhibited a pen of Black Ghondooks some few years since, when, from their
extraordinary conformation, they attracted great attention. They were small Polish,
with crests not fully developed, bearded, vulture-hocked, feather-legged, and perfectly
rumpless, being totally destitute of that portion of the backbone which forms the
frame-work of the tail. Their carriage was peculiarly upright and striking; and alto-
gether they were very remarkable fowls. Some purely White Ghondooks were subse-
quently imported, and passed into the possession of the Editor. By carefully cross-
ing these birds with other crested fowls, the size of their crests has been much
improved, without losing their peculiar characters; and in this mode a variety of
well-erested Rumpless Polish has been established, the white variety being very suc-
cessfully exhibited by Mr. Tegetmeier, and the black by Miss Bush, of Clifton.

But little more remains to be said on the subject of Polish. Their management
when chickens has already been alluded to in the articles of Messrs. Hewitt and
Jones; one precaution, however, may be suggested, viz. the desirability of removing
the pipes of membrane which surround the feathers of the crest, when the latter
have obtained their full length. In all the other feathers of the body this is accom-

Ld

148 THE POULTRY BOOK.

plished by the fowl itself: but it is obvious the beak cannot be applied to the crest;
but by gently compressing each pipe between the thumb and finger-nail, it is broken
and removed, and the feather at once expands to its full dimensions. Care must be
taken not to interfere with the feathers which have not attained their full growth, as
they are, when immature, easily pulled out, to the serious injury of the crest.

The sexes of Polish are difficult to distinguish at an early age; the first reliable
indication consists in the form of the feathers of the crest. These are much more
pointed in the cockerels than in the young pullets, and, to a practised eye, afford a
ready means of distinction. As to their diseases, in damp situations they are liable
to a chronic cold, apt to degenerate into roup; and they are, if too closely bred,
liable to tuberculous diseases and deformity of the spine, causing what is usually
termed humpback. They are subject to be infested with vermin of a larger character
than the common fowl louse, but which are as readily destroyed by the application of
flowers of sulphur. "The results of crossing Polish with other varieties are described
in the previous or following chapters. Respecting the inter-breeding of the Golden,
Silver, and Black varieties, Dr. Horner states :—“ When the Golden or Silver-
spangled are crossed with each other, cock with hen, or hen with cock, I found that
the chickens in both cases were purely marked,—4.e., they were well defined Silver,
or otherwise Golden-spangled. But when the Golden-spangled and the Beardless
Black, with white crest, are thus united, the chickens partake of the colour of both
parents in various degrees." |

ws

ha.

салаўіная Fig ein nn er чаі as Miti. ЧИЛИ ee

BANTAMS.

CHAPTER XVII.
BANTAMS.

THERE can be little question but that it is to the islands of the Eastern Archipelago
that the origin of this Lilliputian family must be referred ; but whether all our pre-
sent varieties owe their descent to any one primitive stock may be the subject of
speculation indeed, though hardly, at the present day, capable of proof.

Early in the seventeenth century the English possessed factories at Bantam, a
town and district of Java; and thence the introduction of the domesticated Bantam |
into this country followed as a matter of course. But whether such importations
were only of one sort, or included any of those varieties in which we now see them,
there is no evidence to determine. The latter, however, would appear to us the more
probable supposition, since, from the narratives of travellers and residents in those
regions, it seems reasonable to conclude that there exist more specimens of the wild,
and possibly of the domesticated “ Galli," than are yet known to us in this country.

But under whatever circumstances they might have made their appearance in
England, it is clear that for upwards of 200 years they have maintained their ground ;
and although fashion has undergone many changes as to the particulars of form and
feather, she still continues to regard them with a favourable eye. However highly
estimated in rural districts for their good qualities as nurses for game and the
more valuable specimens of the smaller fowls, their head-quarters are generally found
in the manufacturing districts and in the neighbourhood of large towns, where their
diminutive proportions and contented disposition within narrow limits specially
recommend them.

The different varieties of Bantams are numerous. At the present time the breeds
most in request are the following:—1. The Sebright, or Laced Bantam (Gold and
Silver); 2. The Black Bantam; 3. The White Bantam; 4. The Game Bantam. To

these may be added the older breeds, such as the Booted or Feather-legged Bantam,

and the Nankin and Partridge-coloured varieties.

The Sebright, or Gold and Silver-laced Bantams, although undoubtedly the most
artificial breed of fowls we possess, may, on account of their extraordinary beauty,
and the high value of perfect specimens, first claim our attention. Regarding the
history of these birds, the following communication from the present editor, Mr.
Tegetmeier, to the Cottage Gardener, contains the most definite account that has
been made public :— y

“ Respecting the origin of these remarkable birds no satisfactory account has ever
yet been given to the public; consequently, numerous and contradictory statements

S

150 THE POULTRY BOOK.

are current. Sometimes they have been termed the ‘ Sebright Jungle Fowl, as
though they were the direct and unmixed descendants of a breed from the Indian
jungles; but the wild original is unknown to naturalists. Others, again, have attri-
Т buted their origin to careful crosses between the old М ankin-coloured Bantam, and
some of our so-called Hamburghs or Pheasant fowls; whilst a third have referred
| | them to a cross between the Bantam and the Laced Polish.
| “Тһе last supposition seems, at first sight, to be the most monstrous, from the
assumed difficulty of getting rid of the crest and nostril of the Polish fowl ; but, in
reality, this is not an objection. І have, for some time, been devoting much atten-
‚ tion to the different Polish varieties and their crosses, and can state from experience
y. | that, by careful selection, the Polish crest may be entirely bred out in the second
1! generation—that is to say, that fowls may be one quarter Polish, and yet no trace of
erest visible. І donot say that this will be the case in all those bred; but it will be
| | in many: and the converse also holds good, that many birds reared from a half-bred
E. and а pure Polish may show no perceptible falling off in the size of crest from that
л of fowls whose pedigree is unmixed.
| 3 à “For example, last season I reared some cross-bred fowls between White Cochin
| hens and a White Polish cock; they were white, slightly erested, bearded, with blue
legs, slightly feathered; one I kept as a sitter, and she was running this year with &
a very large-crested Polish cock. I hatched a few of her eggs, and have now before

ilegitimaey being that his blue legs are slightly feathered.

“T mention these cases to prove that the Polish crest is not an insuperable objec-
Ww tion to the Polish Sebright theory ; but, fortunately, I have something more than
1 mere theory to advance. Тһе following account was, by the kindness of Dr. Horner,
1 obtained from the present Sir Thomas Sebright, for the purpose of publication in
Т the new edition of “Тнк Росітву Book’ :—
£ “Dr. Horner states: ‘The following information was courteously given me by the
present Sir Thomas Sebright himself. It was about the year 1800 that the late Sir |
John Sebright began to fashion the Sebright Bantam. The cross was between some
common Bantam and the Polish fowl. These were bred in-and-in until the required
Я , marking and size were secured. Sir John then accidently found a short-tailed
| \ Bantam cock in the country where he was travelling. This short-tailed bird he in-
Ч ү bred with his newly manufactured Bantams, thereby giving their progeny the pre-
| sent form of the short tail. Sir Thomas is quite satisfied that it was the Polish, and
| not the Golden Pheasant (now named the Spangled Hamburgh), with which the
1 Bantam was first crossed. I thought, in my inexperience, that the top-knot, beard,
ї &c., of the Polish could hardly have been got rid of; but the last two seasons alone
1 have been sufficient to show me how easy it is to get rid of these appendages. Thus,
a . last year, I had a young cock bird with a beard, and also with a crest of feathers
a behind a somewhat irregular rose-comb. This bird was bred from a Polish cock

me a White Polish cockerel thus produced, with very full crest, the only trace of hig

(O5

BANTAMS. 151

and one of Sir Thomas Sebrights Bantams. This year I crossed this young cock
with a Golden Pheasant hen, and obtained three chickens, all cocks. One of these
is quite free from both beard and crest, and with a fine rose-comb and good wattles ;
the other two have no crests, but have some beard, fine rose-comb, and small
wattles.’

“This account, I think, may be regarded as putting the question at rest, for I do
not see that we can have any higher authority on the subject; and I must say that I
feel a considerable amount of pleasure in having been the channel through which
this interesting fact has been made known.”

Sebright Bantams are of two varieties, Golden and Silver-laced. In the first the
ground-colour is of a rich golden tint; in the second it should be a pure silvery
white; every feather should be perfectly laced—that is, edged with a line of black,
which completely encircles the feather.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the Sebright cock is the total ab-
sence of the usual hackle and saddle-feathers common to the sex ; he is also perfectly
* hen-tailed,” or devoid of arched sickle-feathers ; the principal feathers being nearly
straight, and forming a square tail like that of the hen. ‘The tail side-coverts are
well developed ; and great stress is laid on their being perfectly laced, as in few places
are the colours more apt torun. The comb must be double, terminating in a well-
formed point; while the legs and feet are required to be blue, and wholly free from
the least appearance of a feather. The feathers on the head are apt to get dark,
from the wider margin of the lacing ; ; this, however, should be avoided, since a main
point of the Sebright 1s the preservation of the same proportion of ground- -colour and
lacing throughout the whole of its plumage. The ear- -lobe is small, and, in our
opinion, should be white; but this is rarely, if ever, seen. Mr. Hewitt thus alludes
to this point :—“ In the Sebright ‘ Laced' Bantams I have yet to see а Specimen in
which the ear-lobe is perfectly white; for, although so many have been bred by
myself in the last twenty years, all that I have ever yet had were blushed, and many
perfectly red in the ear-lobe. I freely admit that I should prefer the white, but feel
confident that it is not to be generally, if ever, obtained. І have also invariably
noticed that any unusual whiteness of the ear-lobe is accompanied by a sad falling

off in the lacing, and therefore, if attainable only at so great a cost, it must not be

insisted on. Whether the ear-lobe is white, or possesses the blue tinge, either form
would place the bird above those of its competitors who, equal in other points, mani-
fested the decided red stain. In the carriage of these birds we find the very extreme
of pride, vanity, and self-importance; the feet are raised in walking much more
than in any other of the Bantams, and planted again with the greatest deliberation
and precision. When alarmed, their deportment is most striking; the wings drop to
the ground, not listlessly, but as if determined to make the most of their tiny propor-
tions; while the head is thrown back, and the tail raised, so that they all but meet."

But with birds that are so much valued, and bred to such а degree of correctness

182 THE POULTRY BOOK.

of feather, a more minute description of their characteristics is desirable; and we
in have the advantage of adding the detailed description of Mr. Hewitt, who is known
| as one of the most successful breeders of both varieties.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOLD AND SILVER SEBRIGHT BANTAMS.

1 ) COMMUNICATED BY E. HEWITT, ESQ., BIRMINGHAM,

WEIGHT AND S1zE.—Cock. Weight 20 ounces the extreme; if less, greatly pre-
ferred for exhibition, but for stock I have rarely found them useful at a less size,
though I should desire them a few ounces less for show purposes.— Hen. Extreme
I зн weight 16 ounces; the same rule here holds good, for exhibition and stock, as de-
р scribed in the male Sebright. і
| CARRIAGE AND Form.— Cock. Carriage, the height of self-importance; head.
drawn back, until the tail, which is well raised, nearly touches it; wings dropping about
half-way down the legs ; restless, impatient, and constantly moving; given to pug- N
| ў nacity, and always seeking antagonists, which they attack fiercely, despising disparity |
of size altogether, and, from their rapidity of motion, are frequently triumphant.— Hen.
Upstart, gay, lively, and tyrannical.
B І GENERAL CHARACTER OF PLUMAGE.—Cock. Plumage very fine, close-lying, and
E | in first-class birds laced accurately throughout. Across the shoulders is generally
| [^ the most faulty, if not very correctly bred ; in really good breeds no such imper-
| fection of plumage arises. It is imperative in faultless birds that the lacings should
| completely encircle the feathers.—Hen. Brilliant, well-laced, very close-lying, and
E | | compact; each feather very long and narrow.
| | NEc&k-HaAcKLE.—Cock. Hen-hackled, perfectly laced; from the feathers being
smaller near the head,the black predominates.—Hen. As the cock's.
| | SADDLE.—Cock. The conformation of the saddle-feathers the same as the Їїеп 5,
a | ` laced regularly, as they approach the tail becoming wonderfully distinct and beauti-

Ó— —

B | ful.—Hen. Laced perfectly on an unsullied ground. They generally look darker
і here, simply because the feathers overlap more than elsewhere.
TarrL.—Cock. Tail clear ground-colour (whether golden or silver, as the case may
be) ; if laced throughout, preferred ; but only most rarely attainable. The tail, how-
P | ever, must be tipped with black, and without sickles, or, as it is called, “ hen-tailed."
1 A clear ground-colour is a most important advantage in the tail of a Sebright, but
very difficult to obtain in the male bird.— Hen. Tail somewhat longer than in other
Bantams, the ground-colour perfectly clear, and the lacings distinctly accurate. In E
| : the hens this is much more easily attained than im the cocks.
| BnEAsT.— Cock. Laced completely throughout.—Hen. Same as cock.
UPPER AND Lower Wrnc-Coverts.—Laced completely throughout in both
sexes.

22127 ЭЭ

— ——

«В вах ear

BANTAMS. 153

SECONDARY QuiLLs.—Cock. Heavily, accurately, and completely laced through-
out; perfection herein is all-important.—Hen. Laced admirably all round, on a per-
fectly clear ground. |

Primary QuiLLs.—Cock. Clear gold or silver ground, “tipped” with black.
In very aged fowls of the Golden-laced, they frequently (almost always) become
“ grizzled” with white, particularly towards the roots.—Hen. Like the cock.

THIGHS.— Cock. Much darker than the body plumage; but stil showing the
laced feather.—Hen. Asin male bird. |

LEGS AND FEET.—Cock. Slate-coloured throughout; small and well-formed,
being clear, and quite devoid of feathers.

Coms.—Cock. Comb perfect double or rose, set firmly on the head, without any
tendency to fall over on either side; full of points, but these points are more
“blunted” than in the Hamburgh fowls. It should end in a good peak behind,
turning upwards; the whole neat, and not overgrown; а comb that is raised
highly from the head, called “helmet-combed,” is objectionable.— Hen. А very
well-formed, neat rose-comb, the points at back well defined and up-turning; more
livid in colour than most fowls. А depression at the back of the comb is a very
common, but grave failing, and equally objectionable for breeding as for exhibition.

WATTLES.—Cock. Wattles small, florid, and not hanging loosely.—Hen. As in
cock, but still more compact.

EAR-LOBE AND FACE.— White ear-lobe preferred, if attainable without failings in
the “lacings” of the plumage, but a red ear-lobe is equally admissible; face very

neat, expressively impertinent, and a little darkened round the eyes, comparatively

with other fowls.—Hen. Ear-lobe as in the male, the face the very extreme of neat-
ness, highly expressive, carrying with it a jaunty, daring appearance, and continually
alive to all passing around it.

COLOUR or EYE AND BEAR.—Eye of cock dark-red, vivacious, impatient, and
sparkling ; bill slate-coloured.—Hen. Eye dark-brown, slightly reddened; bill slate-
coloured.

With regard to the selection of birds for breeding stock, Mr. Hewitt remarks :—
E At three years old the Sebright becomes what is called kite-winged ; that is, the
principal feathers of the tail and wings are then grizzled with white, and they are
sadly deteriorated for exhibition. Frequently, however, have I found that in this
state they produce stock far superior to those that have been reared from these same
birds in their pristine beauty."

It is also found that better markings are usually produced by the union of a
heavily-laced bird with one that is scarcely sufficiently so, than when both parents
excelled in this respect. “Why this should be so," says Mr. Hewitt, “I know not;
but I am confident that those that are best-laced frequently produce offspring very
far from perfect in their markings, while those exhibited by myself, which have so
often proved successful, were bred as before stated."

——F ati qp

| it proportionably increased productiveness;

154 THE POULTRY BOOK.

In addition to these hints, Mr. Hewitt has favoured us with the following addi-
tional remarks for the present edition :—

* Of Sebright Bantams, whether Golden or Silver-laced, I am, by dearly-bought
experience, perfectly assured that a decidedly * hen-tailed' cock is rarely valuable for
brood purposes, however prizeable and approved in the exhibition-pen. І do not
insist on the unvarying imbecility of such a male bird, because & few exceptions have
come within my knowledge; but the general rule as to eggs laid to such a cock is
their entire sterility, or only one egg or so in many nests proving productive,—
although the most compact “ hen-tailed' cock I ever yet met with has the sole range
of my yard, and the eggs of the hens (running with him) are in almost every instance
fortilized. The ground-colour of this bird's tail is perfectly clear frosted silver, the
markings as complete as though ‘laced’ by the handiwork of an experienced artist,
and the whole bird unexceptionable. This is the only instance I ever yet met with
in which such a male Sebright proved a really satisfactory stock-bird. The combined
experience of many other admirers of the Sebright Bantams is concurrent with my

own—viz. that even a very trifling disposition to sickle-feather in the tail brings with
and that, contrariwise, absolute perfection

of hen-tailed character (in the male bird) as generally entails sterility. It must be
ever remembered, these remarks apply exclusively to Sebrights for the increase of
stock, and not to exhibition fowls, of this really beautiful variety. In the latter
position, no one can entertain more positive approval than myself of. the so-called
*hen-tail, and his success there depends exclusively on his outward appearance,
altogether regardless of his powers of procreation; but to introduce an entirely
faultless cock as the progenitor of future stock, is always prone to the likelihood of
disappointment. І have noticed, as a general rule, that even the slightest deviation
from feminine character in the tail of the male Sebright—say the elongation by only
half an inch of the two principal tail-feathers—brings with it improved probability of
increase; and would therefore advise Sebright amateurs desirous of ‘ breeding’ such
fowls, not (as a rule) to depend exclusively and altogether on а“ hen-tail.

* Still, however, I am perfectly convinced that very much of the disappointment
now so generally complained of, as to breeding chickens in anything like proportion-
ate numbers to the eggs incubated, arises altogether from the foolish principle of
purposely selecting the most diminutive, and consequently the most weakly, fowls of
this variety, as the parent birds. This plan, it will be at once allowed, would not
receive the sanction of the breeders of any other kind of stock whatever, simply on
account of its inevitable tendeney to produce deterioration of character in the off-
spring; nor have I the slightest doubt in my own mind but that the dogged deter-
mination of Sebright amateurs to obtain small birds, by any and every means, has
accelerated the present difficulty, as universally as the twin-mistake of constant inter-
breeding. In breeding these birds great care should be taken that all the ‘stock
have perfect rose-combs, as no others are admissible for. competition; and imper-

BANTAMS. 155

fections of this kind prove almost invariably hereditary for many generations, and are
most difficult to “breed out. Another very essential feature is the entirely clear
ground- -colour of the old birds selected for stock, as even the slightest impurity in
this matter is perpetuated in their offspring. In my remarks as to male Sebright
Bantams, I particularly desire to be very distinctly understood. A cock of this
variety for exhibition purposes, undoubtedly should possess neither hackle nor
saddle-feathers ; and as to the tail, should be altogether devoid of sickle-feathers—the
hen-tail makes the perfect bird ; but they rarely breed well, so for that especial reason
are so much the more valuable when they do. When possessing a good hen-tail (and
the side tail-coverts regularly and distinctly marked), it is impossible to imagine a
more beautiful specimen in any variety of fancy poultry. The gait of some of these
hen-tails is extraordinarily characteristic: and I have seen the carriage so peculiar,
that the head and tail have nearly touched each other if the birds were a little
alarmed ; and thus displayed the lacings on the breast and wing-coverts to unusual
advantage. In theSebright chickens I have invariably found those covered with the
darkest down, when first hatched, eventually made the best ‘laced’ specimens; and
that the lighter coloured ones are as constantly more or less indistinctly ‘ laced,’
when adult, in exact proportion to their appearance at the onset."

Black Bantams constitute one of the established classes at the poultry ex-
hibitions; and judging from the great improvement that has been effected in them
during the last few years, appear likely to maintain their position for the time to
come. А lengthened description of their characteristics is not required, inasmuch
as the plumage should be a uniform black, without the slightest trace of any other
colour. In the cock the lustre of the feathers should be decided, reflecting the same
resplendent metallic purple tints that are seen in high-class Spanish; the hens of
course being of a duller hue. Тһе comb in the cock should be a bright crimson rose-
comb; wattles and face red; ear-lobes perfectly white, but strictly defined, and not
implicating the face; the tail should be full, and with well-arched sickle-feathers; the
legs short, and dark in colour.

White Bantams, although, like the Black, sp САТЫ favourites at our shows,
scarcely require a more detailed description. The smallest possible size consistent
with health and condition, a plumage of immaculate whiteness, a full sickle-tail,
neat rose-comb, red face, white ear-lobe, neat small-boned white legs and feet,
include their principal characteristics. In size they should be very diminutive, first-
rate specimens not reaching one pound and three quarters a pair.

Mr. Hewitt, whose opinion is always valuable, has furnished us with the following
notes on these two breeds last described :—

* Although the rule is strictly imperative as to Sebrights, that the male bird should
possess a perfect * hen-tail, the contrary holds good in both Black and White Ban-
tams, in either of which varieties a well-developed sickle-feather is the desideratum.

When the tail is thus ample, it adds also very greatly to the general beauty of the

156 THE POULTRY BOOK.

bird; and from the delicate flexibility of the principal tail-feathers, as also the side-
coverts, the apparent hauteur and self-importance of these “tiny pets” is very
greatly increased. Of late years, at many of our chief poultry exhibitions, we have
been accustomed to meet with specimens far less in size than heretofore; and adult
hens, varying from ten to twelve ounces in weight (although in good condition), are
not by any means a rarity, both among Black and White Bantams. The cocks will
generally exceed the weight of their mates by about a quarter of a pound.

“А very prevailing fault in the White male birds (if arrived at maturity) is an
inclination to assume a yellowish tinge, or even a very slight saffron hue, across the
shoulders and saddle, which will certainly prove fatal to the success of the pen at
any exhibition, if competing with fowls without this drawback. It is also a fault

^ that it is most difficult to eradicate, as it is almost certain to prove hereditary.
For thislast-named reason the greatest care should be taken to avoid a male bird

possessing this blemish, when selecting brood-stock. Yellow or blue legs are also
most objectionable in White Bantams ; their legs should be clear white, without any
stain whatever. In both varieties the combs are rosy, and, together with the wattles,
small, neat, and firmly seated to the head. Among Black Bantams it is by no means
uncommon to find a cock of two or three years old assume a ruddy hue on the longest
of the neck-hackles, and even occasionally to moult * brassy-winged, or actually red-
shouldered. It is needless to say these fowls are then perfectly useless as show-
birds, nor would L depend on any such fowl for stock. I have seen this failmg at
length developed by a Black Bantam cock, that had always been hitherto considered
one of the best of his race, and belonged to one of our principal Bantam exhibitors ;
for three years he was perfectly black, and now attains annually an increased amount
of the faulty colouring complained of. At several of the numerous exhibitions at
which 1 have adjudicated, I have met with very perfect Black Bantams, both in size,
colour, and general characteristics, with entirely white ear-lobes. I do not attempt
to lay it down as an imperative rule, ‘It must be so; but I do state it as my
individual opinion, that such perfectly white ear-lobes, by the striking contrast to the
colour of the plumage, greatly increase the beauty of a pen of this variety."

In the Game Bantams, whether Black-breasted Reds or Duckwings, we have
the beau-ideal of diminutive beauty. They are, in fact, exquisitely executed
miniatures of the Game breeds whose names they bear. Many of the birds, indeed,
that pass under this title, are neither more nor less than mongrels between these two
families; the selection of the smallest birds and continuous breeding in-and-in con-
tributing their powerful agency towards the production of a pigmy race. But there
are also birds of this class free from any such imputation of impure pedigree, and as
well entitled to rank as a distinot variety as any of those that have reached this
country from the East. lf we are satisfied, indeed, that the whole Bantam family
have emanated from the Bankiva cock, the birds in question would rightly claim

our first attention, so close а, resemblance in all points do they bear to this supposed

Be, ta " "— анз
2 yore)

“уладай کے‎ < o Ж.
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ILLUSTRATED BY Н. NOEL HUMPHREYS, ESQ.

4.
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When the earth teemed around with fairy delight,
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A
14

Тив present Work was undertaken under the impression that a selection of the more beautiful and
attractive of our Wild Flowers, with Illustrations of them, would be useful to those who have neither
time nor opportunity of consulting larger works on the subject. In order to confine herself within the
necessary limits, the Authoress found she could only take the most ornamental Plants, avoiding, as inter-
fering with her other Works, any Flowers commonly found in the Garden, her chief object being to
enable the Amateur Botanist, who might find a pretty or interesting flower growing wild in their
rambles, to ascertain its name and history. Іп addition to such details, a few remarks on the botanical
construetion of most of the plants have been offered, in the hope of inducing such readers as might be
unacquainted with Botany to study so charming a science.

The volume presents to the reader almost all the information which is absolutely necessary for а
general knowledge of this branch of the subject; the reader will likewise meet here with remarks
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construction of plants, and the study of the science of Botany in general, may become a branch of general
education. са қ

«Nothing, I must eonfess,” writes the Authoress, “would give me more pleasure than to see Botany
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In the systematic arrangement of the plants, the Authoress has followed Dr. Lindley's Synopsis of the
British Flora, which few botanical students are without; and few genera are omitted, except such as do
not contain any ornamental plants, or only include such plants аз are rarely met with growing wild in
Great Britain. While the Natural System is adopted in this work, it has also been borne in mind that
many books of a leading character are arranged according to the Linnean system; the Authoress has
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as they occur.

The volume is illustrated with sixty plates, representing nearly three hundred of the rarest ornamental
wild flowers, drawn by Mr. Noel Humphreys, and carefully coloured after his drawings, grouped so as
to form bouquets of flowers. The volume contains besides, descriptions of nearly all our known indi-
genous flowering plants, and a copious index, which completes the general attraction and utility of the work.

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BANTAMS. 157

progenitor. “The Black-breasted Red Bantams,” says Mr. Hewitt, “аге frequently
of the most perfect character, in colour and general appearance being the fac-simile
of а diminutive Game fowl of that breed, but not exceeding three quarters of a pound
each. Gait, comb, and wattles, indeed, are precisely the same in both, for the comb
is single and unusually thin in the best specimens."

In the opinion that the Game Bantams have been produced from the ordinary
Game fowl by continuous inter-breeding, and by the selection of the smallest birds
for stock, we cannot concur, since—although beyond all doubt small birds may be
produced by such causes, added to scantiness of food, low temperature, and late
hatching— birds bred from these again, and liberally treated, would doubtless
return to the ordinary size of the class. The Game Bantam, properly so called,
may therefore be fairly considered as occupying a distinct place in the family.

The Black-breasted Red Game Bantams are so exact in their resemblance to the
Game of the same name, that it is not requisite to add a longer description. The
Duckwing Game Bantams are not so well known; as far as our recollection carries
us back, they were first shown by W. S. Forrest, Esq., at the Metropolitan Show in

1852. That gentleman has, in both senses of the word, remained the first exhibitor
of this variety; and we have to express our obligations to him for the following
detailed aecount :— | |

CHARACTERISTICS OF DUCKWING GAME BANTAMS.
COMMUNICATED BY W, 8. FORREST, ESQ., OF GREENHITHE. |

CARRIAGE.— Cock. Very upright; head and tail nearly touching ; wings well
let down, ` E |

NEck-HACKLE.— Cock. Straw yellow.—Hen. Brown; the edge of each feather
pale straw colour. i

SADDLE.—Cock. Bright yellow, darkest on the back.—Hen. Brown and ash,
spangled with minute dark spots.

Tarn.—Cock. Black, shaded with green.— Hen. Black and brown.

Breast.—Cock. Black.—Hen. Light chestnut; the feathers having buff shafts.

UPPER Wiwa-CovERTS OR SHOULDERS.—Cock. Bright yellow, approaching to
copper.— Hen. Brown, and ash-speckled.

LOWER WING-COVERTS ов Bans.— Cock. Black, with purple lustre.— Hen. Brown
and ash colour. |

SECONDARY QuiLLS.— Cock. White.— Hen. Brown, and ash freckled.

Tureus.— Cock. Black.— Hen. Pale brown.

LEGS AND FEET.— Yellow or white. |

Сомв.- біпріе in both sexes, but for exhibition the cock's should be carefully
dubbed.

WaTTLES.— Red ; but the cock's must be dubbed.

THE POULTRY BOOK.

Ean-LoBE AND FAcE.— Bright red.

CoLour or EvrE.— Brilliant orange.

CorovR or BEAK.— Must match the legs, being either yellow or white.

The Feather-legged and Feather-footed Bantams were among the earliest and
most common of their race in this country. Та colour they were to be found
black, white, yellow, and also spangled red, black, and white. They were larger
than the birds of the present day, and more stoutly built. In one respect they had
with many a great recommendation in their comparative inability to employ their
booted legs for the purpose of scratching; their utility, therefore, in the garden, by
their destruction of grubs and insects, wás not counterbalanced by any injury to
the borders. But this, again, was adverse to their chickens well-doing, who
suffered from the inordinate length of these feathers—frequently four or five inches
—on their legs and feet. In wet weather especially, the young broods were thus
entangled and crushed, and the great merits of the Bantam as a mother were sadly
depreciated. The Gold and Silver-laced birds alone excepted, specimens of all the
other varieties were, and are still, ocoasionally seen, both with and without the booted

leg and foot.

2 Mr. Hewitt remarks concerning this variety that—“ Perfectly bred birds of this
description are now very rarely to be met with, although some twenty-five or thirty
years since they were not by any means an uncommon variety. The booted
Bantam is an unusually hardy and extraordinary looking fowl, considerably larger,
however,than the Bantams that we at the present time generally meet with; the
point which Bantam-fanciers now consider all-important, diminutiveness, having been

but httle attended to, as they weigh nearly two pounds each. They are usually of
a brown or gray ‘speckled’ colour throughout, having single combs, and very lively
intelligent looking faces. The most evident singularity of this variety is the extra-
ordinary development of the feathers of the thigh, which in well-bred fowls are so
lengthy as to wear away considerably (by the friction of walking) upon the surface
of the ground. If any of the largest of these feathers from the thigh are closely
examined, they prove quite as long in the shaft as those of the wing itself. The
* boots" or feathers, extending along the outside of the legs to the feet (and in most
instances to the two outside toes also), are frequently longer than the feathers of the
wings themselves, especially if the fowls have been well attended to, and enjoy a
walk where they are not likely to break them in pieces. Ву reference to my early
Statistics of this breed, I find the longest boots І ever remember seeing were in а
| cock; they measured nine and a half inches on each leg. “Muffs” (as they
| were formerly called) of seven inches long were easily acquired. From this
| peculiarity, these fowls scratch less in gardens than any І ever possessed; but few
| advantages prove real benefits if tested in all ways. The boots, during the time of
incubation, are apt to drag the eggs from the nest, to their destruction; and not un-
frequently, during the first few days of their existence, prove fatal also to the chickens

ў
|
i
{
1

BANTAMS. 159

by causing their strangulation. Both their eggs (which are produced abundantly),
and the fowls themselves, are very excellent for the table."

Before we have done with the booted pets of former days, another section of
them must be enumerated—Creepers and Jumpers, in which, in addition to extreme
contraction of their lower members, a heavily feathered leg and foot still further
impeded their powers of locomotion. These causes are generally united, though we
have seen instances where the leg, though unfeathered, was so reduced in size that
a kind of spasmodic affection was the nearest practicable approach to walking.

_ The Nankin or Yellow Bantams appear to have been among the earliest impor-
tations; and although now seldom exhibited, still have their admirers. Their pre-
vailing colour is that of the pale orange yellow of the Nankeen cotton. The hens

— — — im. € ——
E

are usually slightly pencilled on the hackle; and the cocks show an intermixture
of darker colours on the wings and saddle, and a well-arched black tail ; they should
possess rose or dóuble combs, and short dark legs.

The Spangled Bantam immediately reminds one of its Hamburgh namesake,
both in respect to the colour and form of its markings, as also the shape of its comb.
Many persons, indeed, would suggest the probability of their being the offspring of

| crosses between the above birds; but from the permanency of distinctive features in
| the variety now known as Spangled Bantams, we should certainly be inclined to
argue for their being considered a separate and distinct variety. The spangle should
be well defined in both sexes, especially on the cock's breast; but their not having
been in general demand as show birds, has been the cause of their receiving but
| little attention; and good specimens are therefore scarce.
eS The Partridge Bantam, though now rarely to be met with, was a great favourite
ыг some few years since for the purpose of rearing partidges. Latterly, however, a
| cross with the Game fowl has given an increase of size, which provides for the
| maternal charge of pheasants, as well as of the smaller game; and thus the Partridge
| Bantam has become comparatively scarce.

The following description is taken from some birds belonging to R. C. Sayers,
Esq., of Clanville House, near Andover, which have most deservedly been selected
for prizes at several exhibitions :—

The cock rose-combed, with yellowish-brown hackles, the saddle-feathers baing
lightly streaked with black; tail sickled, and of a rich black; back and wing-
coverts partridge-coloured ; wing-feathers bay, but dusky at their extremities; under
parts of the body dark drab: The hens had a brighter yellow hackle, touched with
black ; breast and under part of the body drab; the rest partridge-coloured. The
legs of both were light gray, and perfectly clean. In point of size-they exceeded
the usual average of Bantams, the three together weighing three pounds and four
ounces.

` Bue Dun Bantams have recently been exhibited; they are of a colour approach-
ing closely to that of the Andalusian fowl, and have also been styled Fly-fishers,

^ 3

169 THE POULTRY BOOK.

probably from the fact that slate-coloured hackle feathers are in considerable
demand amongst fishing-tackle makers, for manufacturing artificial flies.

Such we believe to be the principal varieties of Bantams known in this country,
though fully aware that some others, not here alluded to, are fondly cherished by
their owners as possessing distinctive points, which in their consideration would
entitle them to a separate enumeration. But the different families have again and
again bred with themselves, and with the common mongrel fowl of the farm-yard ;
and such promiscuous intercourse has necessarily resulted in a multiplicity of forms
and colours, as incapable of accurate description, as undeserving the labour.
Several, also, of those that we һауе just described, the Gold and Silver-laced excepted, |
occasionally make their appearance with muffs around their throats,—an addition
which, however desirable it may be for the totally distinct character of the Tufted
Poland, is utterly unsuitable to the delicate symmetry and close feather that should
always distinguish the family now under consideration.

The character of Bantams as layers, sitters, and mothers, is far above that of
ordinary fowls, all these duties being most satisfactorily performed by Bantam hens.
As mothers, indeed, ‚they appear to the greatest advantage from their activity,
courage, and gentleness with their chickens. “I have had Bantam hens sitting for
six weeks," says Mr. Everett, “and never had any difficulty in rearing the chickens,
I should, however, advise keeping the brood for a few days on boards, or in a barn
or outhouse, should the weather be unfavourable; since, from their diminutive size, -
they suffer from exposure to wet in а greater degree than larger chickens."
| | Our own experience leads us to agree entirely with Mr. Everett's testimony to
= their hardy character. From an early age they seem to exceed other chickens in
| activity; and excepting only some little additional care against damp,—of which
their tiny proportions render them more susceptible,—no difficulty is commonly
experienced in bringing them to maturity.

No one who has tried the experiment of rearing chickens under the same con-
ditions as to age and treatment, confined in coops or yards or at large with their
mothers, can doubt the ultimate superiority of the latter birds. The Bantam
mother here possesses a strong recommendation in the comparative safety with
which her young family may traverse the field or shrubbery under her ever-watchful
guardianship. That there may be no excess above the standard dimensions, it is
a common habit to sit the eggs late in the autumn. It can, therefore, be no matter
of surprise to hear, where such broods are referred to, that they are difficult to
rear; “though,” as Mr. Bond, writing from Yorkshire, observes, “ after they have
once attained maturity, they do well enough with us."

DETTO. E НЕ
: s

paci ner t

CHAPTER ХУНЇ
THE SILK, RUMPLESS, FRIZZLED, DUMPY, AND BARN-DOOR FOWLS.

THE SILK OR NEGRO FOWL.

ALLUSIONS to these birds are frequent, both in the works of the older annotators on
the poultry-yard, and in those of the early travellers in China, Japan, and some parts
of India. The extreme singularity of their appearance would probably attract
observation, when other breeds were disregarded. The curiosity of “hens that,
instead of feathers, had hair like cats," so suited the lover of the marvellous, that it
was carefully recorded, while matters of far greater importance to the naturalist, and
equally within the cognizance and observation of the writers, were neglected.

Temminck states in general terms that the Silk Fowl is a native of India; but
Mr. Edward Blyth, Curator of the Asiatic Societys Museum, аб Calcutta, states
more specifically, “The only silky fowls I have seen here were from China, or
Malacca, or Singapore: the latter with single red comb and wattles; the former
with complex blackish rose-comb, very short stubby beak, and a quantity of glaucous
blue skin in place of wattles, imparting а most remarkable appearance."

Their most usual eolour is white with а black or dark-blue skin, while the
surface of the bones is also covered with a dark membrane or periosteum. The
feathers have their web separated, so that their covering seems of hair rather than
that which is ordinarily allotted to birds. The tail feathers, in good specimens,
resemble fine gauze, for here their texture is closer than on any other part of the
body; the tail itself is short, little more developed, in fact, than that of the Cochin ;
but a sickle-tail, arising in all probability from а cross with the White Bantam, is
not unfrequent. EB |

The comb is usually depressed, approaching in form to that of the Malay;
but variations in this respect are frequent; and single combs, with those of an inter-
mediate character, аге by no means uncommon—the one first mentioned, however,
is the best form; its colour, with that of the wattles, should be of a dull leaden hue ;
the face being thinly covered with feathers, shows its dusky complexion, which is
still further brought into relief by a blue ear-lobe ;. of this latter colour are the legs,
which should be heavily feathered, and many specimens are furnished with a good
crest, In form they are very round, compact, and low on the legs; in this respect
again resembling a well-bred Cochin. But we have Silk Fowls that differ widely
from the above portrait, in colour no less than figure and size; for as the Silk Fowl
breeds freely with any of the ordinary domestic poultry, crogs-bred birds of all
colours and appearance are not unfrequent,

A

- >

162 THE POULTRY BOOK.

Though exceeding the Bantam in respect of size, the White Silk Fowls are by no
means of such weight as we should imagine on first seeing them in the yard, for their
feathers, when in good condition, are very fluffy, and stand well out from the body,
giving the appearance of far greater bulk than they in reality possess. Their
ordinary weight may be about one pound and a half for the hens, and two pounds

for the cocks.

The eggs laid by White Silk fowls are about an ounce and a half in weight, and
of a pale buff. They usually lay about twenty eggs before showing any desire to
sit; their care of the chickens is admirable, and on this account they are well suited
for rearing pheasants or partridges— Game hens scarcely exceeding them in the
courage and determination with which they defend their young.

; . The chickens of the white variety leave their shell clothed in the brightest
+ canary-coloured down, with a full dark eye and bill. More attractive little creatures,
' indeed, can hardly be conceived. We have always found them easy to rear when
hatched not earlier than April, or later than June ; and in the different stages of their
growth, the usual treatment for Bantams and the smaller fowls is all they require at
our hands. То those who may wish to keep a few fowls in an aviary within the
garden or shrubbery, the Silkies have many recommendations, for they are docile,
and easily contented within very narrow limits. In such a locality they may be
relied on to furnish a supply of excellent eggs for the breakfast-table; and when
desirous of sitting, they may safely be intrusted with the eggs of any other fowl, in
the event of our not being anxious to increase their own numbers. The point, how-
ever, in which these birds appear to least advantage, is their character as table-birds;.
` for their black skin and dark bones are fatal objections.

Mr. Hewitt sums up their advantages and drawbacks very impartially, in the

¿| following remarks :—* I believe them to be a variety that quickly degenerate, when
| bred in our climate ; as those I first possessed produced chickens in a few years after
Í their importation, in which the peculiarities of their race were fast waning away,
(У although no degeneracy was to be attributed to connection with other poultry. I
ami certain that no fowls I ever possessed were so satisfactory for rearing pheasants,
partridges, and other delicate youngsters: under their protection, I scarcely lost a
single chicken. Their unusual warmth, no doubt, produced this pleasing result ; and
they are certainly well worth a trial by those who feel interested in the production

of Game artificially. They were also tolerable layers, and the eggs were of equal
excellence to those of other fowls. The young chickens are both interesting, unique,
and very beautiful They are certainly a variety of poultry that absolutely require
far more protection from hard and wet weather, than most others. Their downy
covering soon becomes saturated; and if much exposed, disease will inevitably ensue.

. “Silk fowls should be strictly limited to their own particular walk, and pro-
hibited the possibility of access to any other description of fowls; for by crossing,
the injury is equally apparent in the offspring, whether considered as fancy fowls, or

|
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)
і

— QD. €
`

RUMPLESS FOWL. 163

designed for table purposes. For the last-named service, so far as appearances alone
are concerned, they are the very reverse of covetable.

2 “The skin of highly bred Silk fowls, if boiled, assumes an extremely dark violet
colour, and the external surface of all the bones is of а precisely similar hue;
should they, on the contrary have been roasted, they become even less inviting, for
by this treatment they appear considerably darker still, and of course cannot be
placed before visitors who are unaccustomed to them, without a general explanation
that seldom proves perfectly satisfactory. Even though so untempting to the eye,
they are not an indifferent fowl as to flavour: I have many times partaken of both
pure and cross-bred Silk fowls, and found them, when well fed, equal to most others.

“1 found in all instances that the ‘ silkiness’ from which these fowls derive their
appellation, is not transmitted to the offspring produced by intermixture with other
varieties; these chickens simply betray their origin by the colour of the skin and
bone—indeed, they exhibit but little of the general outward character of the so-called
“Negro” ancestry; and thence it is that country poulterers are themselves frequently
unaware of this great drawback to their value as sale birds, until they are denuded
of their feathers. Still, I must emphatically repeat (with all their failings), for the

rearing of tender chickens requiring great warmth and care, they are really in-

valuable,’
RUMPLESS FOWL.

This is the Gallus ecaudatus, or Tailless Fowl of Temminck, and the Gallina
eauda seu uropygio carens, or Fowl without a tail, or rump, of Linneus. It is the
Rumpless or Persian Cock of Latham, and the Rumpkin of others; the variety was
known to Aldrovandus two centuries and a half ago, and he called it the Persian
Fowl; his specimens appear only to have differed from those which we have seen in
having a black plumage variously marked with yellow. |

Sonini and Temminok state that itis а native of the Ceylon forests, and is called
by the natives Wallikikilli, or “ Cock of the Woods.” This, however, is denied by
Mr. E. L. Layard. Writing from Ceylon in 1850, he says :—“ The Rumpless fowl is
not a wild inhabitant of this island, in spite of Temminck. It is a rather rare, tame
introduction from Cochin, 1 am told. It may appear like boasting, but І can con-
fidently say I am more acquainted with the Ceylon Fauna than any man living, and
that if the bird had existed wild I must have seen it. Wallikikilli is the name for
the female-of Gallus Stanleyi, meaning literally, Walli, jungle, and kikilli, hen,
The name of the Rumpkin is Choci-kukullo, literally Cochin fowls.” — (“© Gard.
Chron.," 1851, 619.)

At the present date there are in the Zoological Gardens, Paris, specimens of
Rumpless fowls under the erroneous name of “ Wallikiki ў they are described, how-
ever, as of Persian origin, which is probably correct, as the bulk of the evidence
appears to be in favour of the Rumpless breeds having originally come from that

nn

ї

164 THE POULTRY BOOK.

country: there is no doubt but that the Rumpless crested-fowls described at page 147
were brought to England from Persia.

The Rev. J. Clayton, in the “ Philosophical Transactions " for 1693, p. 992, says
that he observed in Virginia that the hens and cocks were for the most part without
tails ; adding, that he was assured that our English hens, after some time, lose their
rumps, Buffon inconsiderately accepted this as truth, and even Dr. Latham seems
not to have felt certain of its being untrue; but that it is so, our readers will scarcely
need to be assured. ;

The plumage varies very much in colour. We have seen that Aldrovandus
describes them as being black; and Mr. Beetenson, of Birmingham, has them of that
colour, They are also of various colours; in many, white feathers largely prevail.
Some look like bad Silver-spangled Hamburghs; others, in plumage, resemble the
Black-breasted Red Game. The cock usually has a rose-comb, but it is often single.
In those with white feathers prevailing, the neck-hackle and back are yellowish ; the
breast, thighs, and wings grizzled with black, as if very imperfectly pencilled, Тһе
legs, bluish-white, Height about sixteen inches, and weight about five and a half
pounds.

In the very light breeds the hen is white, with yellowish neck-hackle; rose-
combed ; slightly-grizzled tail ; and legs bluish-white, as in the cock, Height about
fourteen inches, and weight rather under five pounds.

The treatment they require differs in no respect from that desirable for the
ordinary breeds. Mr. Beetenson, who has been a successful exhibitor of them, says
he selects the finest. birds, both in size and plumage, for breeding stock; and he is
especially particular in these respects with the male bird, which, he thinks, has most
influence over the progeny. Their eggs average two and three-quarter ounces in
weight, but they are not better than the Dorkings as layers.

Mr. Nolan, of Dublin, gives them this faint praise :—“ I consider them rather a
superior description of fowl; and the hen-wives who mutilate their stock, both cocks
and hens, by depriving them of their tail, cannot object to the Rumpless, as they are
perfectly unincumbered by that appendage.”—(* Domestic Fowl,” 32.)

Mr. Hewitt states respecting them that—“ It is almost impossible to breed them
to any particular colour; as with the most rigid care in the selection and watching
the brood-stock, the chickens “sport” into nearly every variety of marking and
ground-colour. The only birds of this kind that I ever knew to breed truly—so far
as colour was considered— were purely white ones; they were by far the prettiest
collection of Rumpless fowls that ever came under my notice. They were all white,
without exception, and every bird had a somewhat small single comb. Like this
variety generally, they were good layers and sat well The wattles were very com-
paet, and the legs and feet were of a rather heavy, bony appearance, the colour
being white. This strain of humpless fowls originally eame [from the Isle of
Man. From this island I have known others introduced into the Liverpool

THE FRIZZLED FOWL, 165

market that were quite black; others а beautiful fawn, and likewise’ several:lots
irregularly *speckled, and, indeed, without possessing any tangible characteristio
whatever, except. being * rumpless.' Extraordinary differences in point of size exist
in these fowls ; some specimens range as heavily as six and a-half to seven pounds
each; other do not exceed two and a-half or three pounds. Some have. small
'lark-erests; others—and these constitute the majority—have none. As usually
| met with, they appear to possess no distinguishing formation of comb; rosy, cupped,
ї. and flat combs being equally prevalent. There is, therefore, no positive standard
i that can be laid down as the ‘peculiarities’ of this variety, save the one to. which
| their nomenclature refers. The size of the eggs varies proportionately with that of
| | the hens by which they are produced; they are white, and somewhat larger than
might have been anticipated. I now proceed to mention a still more perplexing
proof of their versatility of character; a friend of mine purchased a successful pen
at a poultry-show, taking them away to a ‘walk’ where no other fowls ever tress
| passed ; and yet the chickens were, in a considerable number of instances, furnished
with fally-developed tail-feathers, being not rumpless. On inquiry of the previous
) owner, he stated, “Mine have always done so from the time I first kept them; but
i the tailed birds will very probably produce rumpless chickens.’ Three such birds were
| then purposely retained; and they produced the next year more than twenty d
youngsters, all of which, but one, were destitute of tail-feathers, and were rumpless
also. The white ones І have before alluded to occasionally produced chickens that
weze not rumpless. І believe the Rumpless fowl to be a particularly hardy one, a&
even in exposed situations, on the sides of Welsh mountains, they continue in good
ha health and prosper well, even in cases where “the fowls at all times shift.for them-
selves,’ and the attention shown to the chickens is scarcely worthy of allusion. I
ean wil'ingly add my testimony, likewise, to the good quality of a Rumpless fowl on
the dinner-table, the flesh being abundant, white, firm, and of good flavour; but as
а drawback to their utility, it may be stated that all Rumpless fowls are sadly prone
to lay unfertilized eggs,” x Bode

. TRE FRIZZLED FOWL,

. This fowl, says Mr. E. І. Layard, whose letter from Ceylon we quoted when
writing of ihe Rumpless fowl, “is called by the Cingalese Caprikukullo, Tt is
found here but rarely, and the natives say they came from Batevia. This agrees with
Temminck."—Gardener’s Chronicle, 1851, 610. Its title of Friesland fowl is
evidently merely à corruption of iis proper name. | |

It is the Gallus crispus (Frizzled fowl) of Brisson, and the Gallus pennis revolutis
| (Fowl with rolled-back feathers) of Linnevs. Sonini and Temminck agree that it is
| a native of Southern Asia; but. that it is domesticated, and thrives well in Java,

МРН NS BÉ

Sumatra, and all the Philippine Islands. judios
© Temminck states that the prevailing colour of the race is white, and that in
U

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ЗЕ سے‎ ———— c Шыл. Pi T€— айан A MÁ——— n ms " — m ан сы = z P
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166 „THE POULTRY BOOK.

these the legs аге smooth; but there aré many specimens variously coloured with.
black and brown, and some of these have featliered or booted legs. We shall confine
our description to those having white plumage and unfeathered legs.

` The cock has а beak much hooked; hackle slightly tinged with yellow; comb
eapped and toothed; ear-lobe white; feathers over the entire body white, and. pro-
jecting, from being curved back from the body, so as to give the bird an appearance
of being ruffled, and of having its feathers rubbed in the wrong direction; tail ample
and well sickled; legs, bluish; height, eighteen inches; weight, five and a-half
pounds.

The hen is entirely white, and with feathers curved back as in the cock; has also
a cupped and toothed comb ; small sharp head; height, twelve inches; weight, four
and a-half pounds.

The following remarks on this variety have been kindly furnished for the presen
volume by Mr. Hewitt :—

* No variety of fowls can possibly present а more unique appearance than does
the Frizzled fowl. All the body feathers, without exception, appear twisted out-
wards—similarly to the curled feathers in the tail of a drake—exposing the down
underneath to the influence of the weather; and, from the effects thus produced, I
myself attribute the fact of their being the most uncertain layers І ever met with
among any variety of poultry. I am aware I differ somewhat directly from a few
other amateurs in the expression of this opinion; but І speak unequivocally when 1
state, that in cases of sudden rains I have proved that the Frizzled fowls continued
in a state of dampness for several hours after the common poultry were again per-
fectly dry. That Frizzled fowls appear to have the singular power of partially
closing the extremities of their feathers against such unlooked-for casualties, I am
fully conscious; but the results prove they are susceptible to the injuries from such
exposure. Those breeders with whom I have personally conversed all declare they
do not approve of the Frizzled fowls, simply from their want of constitution; and
¿hat they carry so little flesh in accordance to the apparent size of the fowl itself
when dressed for the purposes of sale. I have myself tested them as mothers, but
find many infinitely superior; and, when killed for table, they are of ‘ passable’
quality. The full-grown cocks generally weigh about five pounds, the hens nearly
four. In plumage they are mostly white; still I have seen many brown and gray
ones. They usually carry a somewhat sickly appearance, and generally, if handled,
feel thin and spare. The combs are single, as also are the wattles; they are
large, and sit loosely upon the birds. The tails, which are of full size, have, like the
flight-feathers of the wings, a broken, irregular appearance on the vane, as though
they had been purposely ruffled by passing the hand down them. `I have met with
many persons that have kept them for “fancy” sake, who regretted the experiment,
as they quickly became diseased, and generally out of condition, although enjoying
the same advantages as all the other varieties of fowls that remained in perfect

1
1
|
ў

DUMPIES, OR SCOTCH. BAKIES. - 167

health. They are quickly prevented laying by extremities of weather, looking forlorn
and neglected; and always appear to suffer far more from exposure under such cir-
eumstances than the generality of fowls." | у |

. DUMPIES, OR SCOTCH BAKIES.

The Times, in an amusing article on the Metropolitan Poultry Show, held at the
Bazaar, Baker Street, at Ohristmas, 1852, questioned the possession by these birds
of any more valuable qualities than the facility with which they might be stowed
away in a saucepan. But those breeders into whose hands they have as yet passed
have recorded so favourable an opinion of their merits as layers and mothers, no less
than for the table, that we shall be much surprised if, either in their present state, OT
crossed with other fowls, they fail to prove a useful addition to our poultry-yards.

These birds originally were obtained from Scotland; their general character 80
closely. assimilates to that of the Dorkings, that the probability of their being

descendants of birds of the latter breed, stinted in growth by the less genial climate

of the northern district of our island, may readily be admitted ; and this the more
easily, when we remember how many would describe the early ancestors of the Dork-

Ang race as “stumpy, thick-set, white fowls.”

For a detail of their several characteristics and points, we refer to the following
description by Mr. Fairlie, of Cheveley Park :—“ The Scotch Bakies, or Dumpies,
are a breed of fowls closely resembling the Dorking in form, symmetry, and quality
of flesh ; the average weight of the full-grown male bird is from six pounds to seven
pounds, and of the hens, from five pounds to six pounds; their legs are singularly
short, not exceeding two inches in length from the hock joint; the comb is generally
single, erect, and well serrated; the body round and plump, and the tail ample. As

layers and sitters, they have great merit, and fully justify the oft-repeated remark

made at the late Metropolitan Exhibition, of what excellent sitters they must make.
They cover many more eggs than might be expected from their size; for while on the
nest, they appear as if they had been pressed flat upon it. They are gentle and quiet
when hatching, and subsequently prove gentle and attentive mothers, their short
legs enabling the chickens to brood well under them, even when standing up. 1
have found them perfectly hardy, and regard them as a good variety, well adapted
for the table; their eggs are larger, and the shell of a clearer white, than the usual
average of an English market egg.”

The results obtained: by crossing these birds with other breeds are thus described
by Mı. Hewitt :—“ It is well-known that most of our largest breeds have a tendency
to become leggy. In the Dumpies we at once obtain the best possible cross that
could be desired for correcting the evil, as the leg-bone of well-bred birds barely
exceeds a couple of inches in length. The colour of the plumage is mostly white;
they carry much flesh in proportion to their apparent size, chiefly developed on the
wings, breast, and merty‘thought. Their superior qualifications for the spit have

168 | .. THE POULTRY BOOK,

urged a few persevering amateurs to commence a series of crossings, and the pro
duce of two such experiments I will describe. With a Buff Cochin hen, the
chickens proved very weighty birds, but not by any means distinguished by beauty :
their recommendation consisted entirely in the two-fold excellency of being inex-
haustible layers, and as sitters almost interminable. They were very careful mothers
to their chickens, and tended them much longer than thorough-bred Cochins would
have done. This cross exhibited a coarse, unseemly head, the comb flagging, heavily-
serrated, and the wattles very long and loose. In colour, they were mostly grizzled
with white about the wings, the ground being rich buff; they proved invariably
silver-hackled; the body, too, had a somewhat freckled appearance, and they were
mot feather-legged: the colour of the legs was white. It was, therefore, next to
impossible to detect their actual lineage by the eye, more particularly as they stood
somewhat higher on the legs than the old Cochin mother. The other case was a
cross with a very superior and darkly-feathered robin-breasted Gray Dorking. This
cross was very good; the chickens were very neat, cleanly-looking birds, no way re-
duced in actual size by their dumpy connection, but rendered infinitely lower on the
leg than the best Dorkings; from their extraordinary dumpiness, an appeal to the
scales told immensely to their advantage. Many possessed the additional Dork-
ing toe, and they were a very close approach to the most coveted conformation for
this latter variety, but lacked apparent size; it was handling that told especially and
unexpectedly in their favour. The plumage was an irregular speckle, and even the
second eross with the Dorking did not materially diminish this eye-sore. "They did
not lay anything like so well, nor did they prove of the strong rude health that
characterised the half-bred Cochins. They laid but very little better than Dorkings,
and were but little disposed to incubation. Divested of their feathers, they were
ростй worthy of а абу board, but this was their solitary advantage."

THE BARN-DOOR FOWL.

` Under this designation we may include all fowls that fail to exhibit satisfactory
evidence of their belonging to one or other of the permanent and distinct varieties.
‘We might indeed be excused from any further comments by quoting Mowbray's
-concise allusion to them. “Тһе common Dunghill fowl,” he says, “needs no
-description; of middling size, of every variety of colour, and to be found in every
part of the country." 2
- Our only reason, therefore, for any further reference to these нийн arises
“Жота the assertions that are still made in their favour, of their possessing advantages,
in am economical point of view, over the various pure breeds. These we cannot
"admit, since there is no reason to regard them as generally either more hardy, or
¿more prolifie, or better suited for the table than the latter, while, im very — in»
‘stances, they are excelled in all their points collectively.
‚It is Mr. Dixon, we believe, to whom we are indebted for the observation, that

THE BARN-DOOR FOWL. 169

no better means could be suggested for the acquisition of a knowledge of the peculiar
forms and characteristics of poultry, than the close inspection of the chance col-
lections of barn-door and road-way fowls, and the consequent endeavour to refer them
to the several families from whose promiscuous intercourse they had been derived.
Infinite variety, indeed, is the only property that could be safely predicated of this
class; and the poultry student, therefore, who acts on Mr. Dixon's advice, will soon
trace the connection in the common fowl of meses аа with all, or 2.
all, our distinet breeds. |

Game fowls, for instance, have contributed liberally to this class; their merits
in providing so large а portion of their own food, and the beauty of their plumage,
having early placed them in favour with the cottagers and farmers of nearly every
English district; hence the ofi-quoted brilliancy of the feather of the Dunghill
cock, and the various brown tints that so constantly decorate his hens; the wide
fan-like tail is also referable to such an origin. The speckled fowls have probably
received more or less of the Dorking blood; and among the black poultry of many
localities, the traces of Spanish ancestry are evident in the general figure, and white
ear-lobe of unusual size. The Hamburghs, too, have had their full share in the pro-
duetion of mongrels, their active form and attractive markings having representatives
in many а village flock. Thus might we continue throughout the whole catalogue,
from the huge Malay to the most diminutive of our Bantams, for each and all have
zealously done their best to aid the general confusion.

The same category extends to what is called the Lark-crested fowl, where the

‚top-knot, instead of being full and globular, as in the Polish, is scanty, and falls

backwards on the neck in very meagre proportions. Some former infusion of Polish
blood may have produced this effect, or it may have been the result of some freak of
nature,in the same way as geese and ducks of ordinary form at times produce pro-
geny similarly decorated. The Tasselled Game fowl is an instance of the latter
supposition, which is further corroborated by the great uncertainty as to the chickens.
of that, sub-variety reproducing this peculiarity of their parents.

All, indeed, that can be pleaded in favour of the Barn-door fowl is the low price
at which they may be obtained ; but when we consider that an equally low sum is all
that we can ever expect to receive again for them or their produce, few will deny the

good economy of a somewhat more liberal outlay at the eommencement of our
poultry-keeping. It will answer better to provide our yards with more profitable
г. tenants, suited to our respective wants, and we shall also enjoy additional gratification
from the possession of birds whose form and plumage are a constant source of interest

and admiration. In this view the various associations for improving the breed of
domestic poultry are doing good. service, and, in the course of a few years more, we
may hope that the mongrel Bam door fowl.” will cease to occupy its present
position. |

THE POULTRY BOOK.

CHAPTER XIX.

FOWLS OF UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE.

Тне contributions of the American continent to our poultry-yard are but few,—
probably, indeed, they are limited to the Turkey and the Musk-Duck ; the Columbian
Fowl, however, has been called a distinct American breed. These birds have been
described “very noble fowls, presenting the appearance of a cross between the
Spanish and Malay, but possessing much nobility and stateliness of aspect.” There
is hardly a feature in them that might not be expected from a union between the
two varieties mentioned, both colour and form tending to confirm the correctness of
this supposition. Doubtful as we are of their claims to be considered as a distinct
Tace, nevertheless they have been highly spoken of for excellence as table fowls, for
their hardy constitution, and the size and number of their eggs.

In one account, they are described as “much larger than Spanish, with fine
velvety plumage, remarkably erect carriage, and a slight tendency to ruff or whisker.
Their eggs were the largest I have ever seen produced by hens, far exceeding the
usual size of Spanish; and they were also more prolific layers than the latter birds."

Any bird producing eggs that exceeded the usual weight of those laid by Spanish
fowls, and, at the same time, proved itself а more constant layer, would be a valuable
addition to the poultry-yard; but, as the Columbians are described as good sitters,
it is obvious that their eggs cannot equal in number those of the Spanish and
other non-incubating varieties, however much they may surpass them in size. Occa-
sional exceptions, as in the account we have quoted, may, of course, occur; but these
would not negative the general rule.

Columbians are described as having the upright deportment of the Malay. The
weight of the cock is eight and of the hen six and a-half pounds. Their plumage, like
that of the Spanish, is black, with а greenish metallic lustre on some of the feathers.
Their comb is sometimes double, but more frequently single, large, deeply toothed, and
should be erect; but it has a great tendency to hang over on one side. They are
free from top-knot, but the cheeks and throat аге bearded or tufted. The tail of the
cock is full plumed, and arches towards the back of the head. Legs, dark gray;
flesh very white and delicate, and chickens remarkably hardy.

The Chittagong is another American variety that has been brought into notice,
from having been the undoubted progenitor, when crossed with Cochins, of many of
the specimens of so-called Brahmas; the Ohittagong may be described as a coarse
gray Malay, capable of being bred up to an enormous weight, and possessing all the
characteristics of that breed. The pea-comb in the Brahma undoubtedly owes its

%

FOWLS OF UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE. 171

origin to de cross between this bird and the Cochin. As Chittagongs have never been
professedly exhibited in this country, a longer notice of them is scarcely requisite.

The Rangoon Fowl.—Under this title, some few years since, a coarse, ugly
variety of speckled Malay took a number of first prizes at several of our leading
poultry shows, and their eggs were sold at £3 3s. per sitting ; when the awards were
made by persons unconnected with the poultry yard from which they emanated, they
were passed over without notice, and were subsequently put out to sale by auction,
without a bidder. They would not be worthy even this brief notice, but from their
having received so many prizes it has been thought desirable to allude to them.

In addition to the three varieties described, there are several other breeds, in all
probability owing their peculiarities to a distant cross with the Malay. Of these the
so-called Russian, Siberian, and Brazilian fowls may be taken as examples. Many
of them are bearded and whiskered, affording a tolerably correct indication of a trace
of Polish blood. None of them, however, are likely, either as economical or огпа-
mental fowls, to come into general estimation.

` The Guelderland fowl is the name given in America to a breed which may be
regarded as Black Polish, without a comb or crest, They are described as having
been “ imported from the north of Holland some years since. They аге clad in beauti-
ful blue-black plumage; have no comb, but a small indented, bony substance instead,
and large red wattles. They are of good size, great layers, and seldom incline to
sit.” The legs are black, and usually heavily feathered, and occasionally a very small
crest of feathers proceeds from the back of the bony substance on their head.

Fowls are also not unfrequently imported into England from the continent which
may be described as Bearded Spangled Polish without a crest; these birds, from the
total absence of any appendage whatever on the top of the head, and the presence of
the peculiarly arched Polish nostril, have a singular appearance; but they do not |.

appear to have met with much favour amongst English amateurs.

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172 “` THE POULTRY BOOK. -

CHAPTER XX.

CREVE CŒURS AND OTHER FOWLS RECENTLY IMPORTED.

THE new varieties that have been imported since the publication of the first edition
of Тне Рорітву Book have, in several cases, been described in the previous chapters.
Nevertheless there still remain some few breeds that are not referable to any group
previously alluded to, and which consequently call for a distinct description. Perhaps
the most important of these are the Creve Cours, the celebrated Normandy table-
fowl, Some idea of the value attached to this variety by our Gallic neighbours may
be gained from a statement of the fact, that at the first great Agricultural Exhibition
in Paris, in 1855, there were two equal sets of prizes announced ; the first for Oreve
Cœurs, the second for all other varieties taken together. As they are essentially a
French fowl, it will perhaps be desirable in the first instance to give the description
of them published in the work termed “ Oiseaux de Basse Cour, " by iMme. Millet
Robinet. The authoress of this book, which was issued under the authority of the
Minister of Agriculture, states :—

“In Normandy, especially in the neighbourhood of Creve Coeur, there is a variety
of fowl which supplies Paris with the handsome poultry with whioh the markets
abound. |

* The hens are low on the legs, with large, fleshy thighs, the wings large, and the
body square; the abdomen is voluminous and pendent, especially in those which are
more than a year old; they walk slowly, scratch but little, and do not fly. Their
plumage is black, or black and white variegated : they carry on tlieir heads a large
tuft, and а small upright two-horned comb; whilst a large cravat of feathers under

the neck gives to them a matronly air. They are very tame, ramble but little, and

prefer seeking their food on the dunghill in the poultry-yard to wandering afar off.
They are somewhat later in laying, and, perhaps, lay less frequently than the com-
mon (French) fowl; but their eggs are much larger, and they continue to lay a
longer time; they sit badly, and are apt to break their eggs from their great weight,
which is, at least, one-third more than that of the common fowls; they are very easily
fatted.

“The cocks, which are similar in form to the hens, have a brilliant plumage,
somewhat golden or silver-coloured ; their heads аге handsomely surmounted with
beautiful tufts, and large, toothed, two-horned combs, which, together form a kind of
crown; they have also dense cravats of feathers, adorned with handsome pendent
wattles.” The capons of this breed are further stated to be four kilogrammes, or
nine pounds English weight.