POULTRY. 463 



Cochins or &quot; Emu &quot; fowls. The entire plumage is of a flossy character, and seems to be an 

 occasional sport from the common Cochin fowl. In every other respect they are like the 

 ordinary Cochin breed. These accidents or freaks of nature are said to be more frequent in 

 the Buff variety than any other. They are generally smaller than the ordinary Cochin, 

 though the fluffy character of their plumage makes them seem equal to the others in size. 



They are not as hardy as the others, and do not possess sufficient merit to make them 

 profitable to perpetuate, as a distinct breed. 



Merits and Defects of Cochins. Cochins are good layers, especially in winter, 

 when eggs are most scarce. They make excellent, careful mothers, and in this respect are 

 unsurpassed, though perhaps the Brahmas are fully their equals. When keeping a non-sitting 

 breed, it is always well to keep a few Cochin or Brahma hens to perform maternal 

 duties, and where successive sittings are desired, we know of none better than this breed. 

 The chickens feather slowly, but are very hardy, more so than any other breed, except the 

 Brahmas; they grow rapidly, and are early ready for market or table use. They fatten 

 easily and are not as particular as to choice of food as some breeds. In consequence of their 

 fattening propensities, therefore, care should be taken not to feed them too much on corn 

 exclusive of other kinds of food when laying, as it will have a tendency to impede and often 

 stop this function entirely for a time, on account of the superabundance of fat deposits, and 

 will even sometimes cause death. 



They are extremely docile in disposition, quiet, and we might add, lazy in their habits; are 

 naturally gentle and tame, consequently easily domesticated, and very peaceable; seldom 

 quarreling. They are very large and heavy, and as their wings are proportionately small, 

 they cannot fly, therefore a fence two feet high will effectually keep them within bounds, 

 while their quiet habits have a tendency to prevent their scratching, and they consequently do 

 little damage in this respect, wherever kept, compared with some other breeds. When 

 young, the flesh is quite good, and as they grow rapidly, may be killed when three months 

 old. They bear confinement well, and will thrive where some breeds would &quot;droop and die 

 for want of exercise and extended range. 



As to their defects: though they make most desirable mothers in all respects, the serious 

 objection is their frequent and persistent inclination to sit; this fever (for it is as much that 

 as anything) generally comes on after every dozen or twenty eggs laid. It requires about 

 three days absence from the nest to break up this propensity for the time. Although this is 

 .usually considered an objection, yet when a regular and constant succession of chickens is 

 desired, it becomes a great convenience, as chickens can be hatched with great regularity. 



Their flesh is not regarded as equal in quality to that of some other breeds, though as 

 we have before stated, when quite young is quite good. The breast meat is not abundant, 

 which affects its popularity in the market. Cochins are considered valuable for crossing with 

 other breeds, such as the Dorkings or Crevecoeurs. 



