164 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA 
especially in the matter of really suitable runs. Therefore very 
decided conclusions cannot be freely drawn. Nevertheless the 
results obtained give every indication that the complete fertility 
of the hybrids could be demonstrated if really favourable 
circumstances obtained. 
It would appear that, even if full proof of the complete fertility 
of the hybrids were forthcoming, it would not necessarily prove 
that the Gallus Stanley: and the domestic fowl are of one and the 
same species. 
The question naturally arises, how then can the point be demon- 
strated ? It is suggested that it would be proved if domestic 
fowls, turned out into the Ceylon jungles, reverted to the Gallus 
Stanleyt type in respect of voice and orange-centered comb in 
the male. This experiment is obviously out of the question. 
There is little doubt that under such circumstances these fowls 
would really mate up with the jungle birds, and the progeny in 
course of time would become like the wild bird. 
Bearing on this subject is the following extract from a letter 
written in 1905 by Sir William Twynam, K.C.M.G. He says: 
‘There used to be two jungle shrines, one near the old post- 
holders’ house at Rajakadaluwa, near Chilaw, and one in the 
jungle, a mile distance from the old resthouse at Gal-oya 
on the Trincomalee road. Offerings of domestic cocks and hens 
used to be made at these shrines. Being offerings to the gods 
the natives never touched them, and they mixed with the jungle 
cocks and hens, with the result that, at Gal-oya in particular, there 
were round the shrine the most beautiful creatures I ever saw 
in the shape of poultry. The cocks were simply gorgeous in their 
plumage. They seemed to be a little larger than the ordinary 
jungle cocks.” 
The Assistant Government Agent of this district, Mr. W. L. 
Kindersley, made inquiries on the subject and wrote: “I have 
not been able to hear of any such fowls. It is said that if the 
eggs of the jungle fowl are hatched under a tame hen, the birds 
on arriving at maturity always make for the jungle ; and in cases 
where domestic hens have been trodden by jungle cocks, the 
young birds also make for the jungle when adult.” 
The “ reversion ” proof has not been applied to demonstrate the 
claim of the Gullus bankiva to be a parent stock, and yet its 
claim is freely admitted. An important point bearing on this 
question is the fact that when domestic birds do revert, the 
reversion in the matter of the colour of the breast of the males 
is always to a red or brown, and never to black. Even domestic 
black-breasted reds tend to revert to red or brown. In this parti- 
cular then the reversion is not to the Gallus bankiva, which is 
black breasted, but to the Gallus Stanleyi, which has a reddish 
brown breast. : 
