Bantams. 127 



'' Feathered-legf^ed Bantams," says Mr. Baily, ^^ may ])C of 

 any colour ; the old-fasbioiied l>irds were very small, 

 falcon-hocked, and feathered, with lon^^ qnill feathers to 

 the extremity of the toe. Many of them were Ijcarded. 

 They are now very scarce ; indeed, till exhibitions ])ronght 

 them again into notice, these beautiful specimens of their 

 tribe were all neglected and fast passing away. Nothing 

 but the Sebright was cultivated ; but now we bid fair to 

 revive the pets of our ancestors in all their beauty." 



The Pekin, or Cochin Bantams, were taken from the 

 Summer Palace at Pekin during the Chinese war, and 

 brought to this country. They exactly resemble the I5uff 

 Cochins in all respects except size. They are very tame. 



The Japanese IUntam is a recent importation, and 

 differs from most of the other varieties in having a very 

 large single comb. It has very short well-feathered legs, 

 and the colour varies. Some are quite white, some have 

 pure white l)odies, with glossy, jet-black tails, others are 

 mottled and buff. They throAv the tail up and the head 

 back till they nearly meet, as in the Fan tailed pigeon. 

 They are said to be the constant companions of man in 

 their native country, and have a droll and good-natured 

 expression. 



All the Bantam cocks are very pugnacious, and though 

 the hens are good mothers to their own chickens, they will 

 attack any stranger with fury. They are good layers of 

 small but exquisitely-flavoured eggs. But no breed pro- 

 duces so great a proportion of unfertile eggs. June is the 

 best montli for hatching, as the chickens are delicate. 

 They feather more quickly than most breeds, and are apt 

 to die at that period through the great drain upon the 

 system in producing feathers. When fully feathered they 

 are quite hardy. The hens are excellent mothers. The 

 chickens require a little more animal food than other fowls, 

 and extra attention for a week or two in kee[)ing them dry. 

 Ijantams are very useful in a garden, eating many slugs 

 and insects, and doing little damage. 



