Shackbags, 27 



Shackbagg cocks to Malay hens, by that 

 means keeping up the original standard 

 size, but entirely ruining the colour and 

 delicate flarour of the flesh. The shack- 

 bag fowl was a convenient substitute for 

 tlie turkey, to the frequent great conveni- 

 ence of poulterers and inn-keepers, at Wok- 

 ingham and elsewhere. 



The breed of Shackbags, it has been 

 already observed, has been many years 

 extinct, and the substitute of the Malay 

 cross, is not satisfactory. A large va- 

 riety has been since introduced, with suc- 

 cess ; a cross between the Spanish and our 

 Darking breed, the best ef which are to be 

 found in Sussex and near Woking, Berks. 

 The Spaniard is very large, the plumage 

 black, flesh white and delicate, and the nev/ 

 variety equals in size the old duke of Leeds* 

 breed. They are well adapted for capons, 

 and produce the largest eggs to be ob- 

 tained. 



c 2 



