POULTRY. 481 



are very dark brown, almost black. Spurred hens are considered the best to breed from, 

 but are not as commonly found in this variety as in the Brown-red. These (the Black- 

 breasted Reds) are considered the best layers among the Game breed, though nearly all 

 varieties have a fine reputation in this respect. 



Brown-Red Games. Of all the varieties of the Game fowl, this is the most esteemed 

 by sportsmen in England, and is considered to be the most perfect in form of all; their 

 symmetry and outline being as near perfection as is possible to attain in the poultry line. 

 They have very dark red combs and wattles that incline in color to a dark purple; the beak 

 also is nearly black, with all the fearless expression characteristic of the Game breed. 



The color of the head is a rich dark red, changing to a shade lighter in the hackle, 

 which is beautifully striped with black. The back is a dark crimson red; the saddle feathers 

 striped with black similar to the hackle. The breast is a very dark reddish brown, deepening 

 to nearly a black as it approaches the thighs. The wing-bows are a dark red; the coverts 

 are a greenish black and very glossy; the tail a rich glossy black with greenish reflections. 

 The thighs are nearly black, and the legs generally a dark willow, or bronzy black, with dark 

 talons. The feathers are quite short on the body generally, giving it a close, compact ap 

 pearance. 



The general color of the hen is a dark brown. The back is nearly black, while the 

 breast is quite black and glossy, forming a pleasing contrast with the hackle, which is a 

 brilliant gold, striped with black. The feathers of the neck are so short that they give it a 

 very slender and graceful appearance. The wings are very dark brown or black; the tail 

 also is black. It is said by connoisseurs in poultry matters, that the best hens are generally 

 spurred, and their tail feathers show a slight curve, but, like all dark-combed varieties, they 

 are not as good layers as those with bright red combs. 



Oinger-Red Games. The general color of the plumage of this species is a rich red 

 throughout; the breast, in color giving the name to the fowl, which is that of a ginger-red, 

 which deepens in shade towards the thighs. The wings have a brownish-red tinge; the tail 

 is black, and the head and legs are also dark. The hen s plumage is also a yellowish brown; 

 the hackle being a golden yellow striped with black, while the tail is black. These are not as 

 beautiful in color as many of the other varieties, and are not quite as largely cultivated as 

 some of the more varied plumaged birds. They are, however, favorites with many poultry 

 fanciers. 



Red Pile Games. Next to the Black-breasted Reds, the Red Pile Game fowl is 

 counted by many as one of the most popular of the Game families. They have long been 

 highly esteemed across the Atlantic, as one of their best varieties, and one rapidly gaining 

 favor in our own country. They are quite hardy and breed true to color. 



The head of the cock is a deep chestnut red ; the hackle of a lighter shade, while the 

 breast is white, penciled with red. The back is a rich red, also the wing bows; the saddle 

 feathers match the hackle in color, and the wing coverts are white, edged with red. The tail 

 is white; any black feathers in the tail being considered a great defect. The eyes are red, 

 or brownish red. Mr. T. Dickens of London says: &quot;The reddest Piles are the best birds; 

 the prize pens should be selected with bright red eyes and white legs.&quot; The hackle of the 

 hen is light chestnut with white in the centre of each feather; the breast is a chestnut red, 

 slightly mottled and shaded to a white under the body. The remaining part of the body is 

 white, slightly penciled with chestnut red; the tail white. As will be seen by the description, 

 they are a very beautiful fowl, which, combined with other good qualities, has placed them 

 first among the favorites with many bird fanciers. They are very superior egg-producers. 



White Pile Games. The hackle of the White Pile Games is white, with slight 

 penciling of red; the breast white, also the tail and wings, except the wing coverts, which 



