POULTRY. 489 



Merits and Defects Of Games. In beauty of plumage, hardiness, elegance of form, 

 boldness, and courage, they are unrivaled, while as egg-producers, they are classed among the 

 best, provided they have sufficient range. They are also next to the Dorkings (which are con 

 sidered best of all) in delicacy of meat flavor, although their small size, as we have previously 

 stated, would not render them a profitable fowl to keep for the market. Many consider them 

 equal and even superior to the Dorking in this respect, yet we think the majority would decide 

 in favor of the latter, though the difference would be slight. They are most admirable 

 mothers, taking the best care of their chicks, and will defend them against any foe that may 

 intrude, even at the sacrifice of life. They will also attack hawks with the utmost fearless 

 ness, whenever the flock is assailed. 



A recent incident of the kind came to our knowledge. A gentleman who was breeding 

 pigeons and Game fowls, noticed one day a large hawk hovering over his premises, and 

 shortly after saw it make a descent upon a flock of his pigeons. The pigeons seeing the 

 danger, flew towards their house, all but one, that was not quick enough, for the hawk seized 

 him and was spreading his wings for flight with his prey, when a young Game cock near by 

 flew at him with such fury that the first blow of his sharp, long beak broke the hawk s wing, 

 and he was easily made a captive. He proved to be an unusually large bird of his kind, and 

 the wonder was that the little Game fellow could have accomplished his work so quickly. 



Although we do not approve of pitting Game fowls, yet where there is a Game cock on 

 the premises, there is no danger of intrusion from others. If they did attempt it, they would 

 soon be reminded of &quot;Home, sweet home,&quot; with the desire to be there as quickly as possible. 

 Their pugnacity and fearlessness is truly remarkable, attacking any intruder, though he may 

 be three or four times their own size, and what is more remarkable still, will be sure to be 

 victorious. 



The Game is too restless to bear confinement, and should never be fattened like other 

 fowls. They eat but little, being of small size, and therefore are economical birds to keep ; 

 their eggs, however, are quite small. When confined they will not lay as many eggs as 

 many of the other breeds of larger size, the Brahmas, Cochins, Ham burgs, or Spanish, and 

 should have plenty of range if practicable; they are also less liable to fight among themselves, 

 if allowed sufficient range. 



POLISH FOWLS. 



THE Polish fowls are distinguished by a crest or tuft of feathers on the top of the head, 

 which adds much to their beauty; as an ornamental, and at the same time useful 

 fowl, they are classed among the favorites of the bird fancier. They are non -sitters, 

 and prolific layers of a moderate-sized egg, and with good care will lay well through the 

 winter. Being a little sensitive to the wet and cold, they should always be provided with 

 warm, dry quarters; though not as hardy as some breeds, yet with a little care they can be 

 very successfully raised. They are plump-bodied, of rather small size, the weight of the 

 cock being, on the average, from five to six pounds, the hens from four to five pounds. They 

 are very stylish fowls, and of graceful contour. The feathers in the crest of the cock are 

 pointed at the extremity like the neck hackle, while those of the hen are broader and round 

 at the end. By this difference in crest, the difference in the sex of the partial grown chickens 

 can be determined ; while the size of the protuberance at the top of the head in chicks just 

 out of the shell, it is said, will determine the comparative size of the crest in the full-grown 

 fowls; that is, the largest protuberance will produce the largest crests, which are considered 

 as pertaining to the best birds. 



