490 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



The comb of the Polish fowl is very peculiar, and resembles two little horns, something 

 like the letter V in form; it is, however, quite small, and often entirely disappears in the 

 bearded varieties. The principal varieties of this breed are the White-crested Black, Black- 

 crested White, White, Golden, Silver, Bearded Golden, Bearded Silver, and Bearded AVhite, 

 though there are several others that are known, but are not common. 



It is claimed by some that these fowls derive their name, not from Poland, but from the 

 peculiar poll or crest of these birds; others, from the fact of their white crest resembling the 

 tuft of white feathers worn by the Polish soldiers. However this may be, they are certainly 

 a very stately and beautiful bird. The White-crested Black are the oldest and best known 

 variety of the breed. They are docile in disposition, and fond of being petted. At poultry 

 shows they always attract a great deal of attention. 



White-Crested Black Polish. This is the most common variety of the Polish 

 breed, and also the most generally admired; the contrast between the glossy black plumage 

 and the white crest of the bird, combined with their graceful form and docile disposition, 

 rendering it quite attractive. The crest is not always a pure white throughout, however, for 

 it frequently happens that the lower feathers at the base of the crest, sometimes called the 

 beard, are black, especially in front; the fewer of these black feathers, however, the better, 

 according to the opinion of poultry judges. The birds should always be provided with 

 shelter from the rain and wet, as they have a tendency to roup; besides wetting gives the 

 crest a soiled and bedraggled appearance, causing it to fall over the eyes, sometimes in such a 

 manner as to nearly obscure the sight. The comb is bright red, small, horned in shape, as 

 described in the general characteristics of the Polish fowl; the ear lobes white, and the beak 

 dark, with large open nostrils. 



The general plumage throughout is black, the irdescent character of which renders it very 

 beautiful. Whon seen in the bright sunlight, all the mingled hues ever known seem to be 

 half hidden and half revealed, and cannot fail to excite the admiration of those least interested 

 in poultry matters. The body is full and plump, the tail large and carried quite erect. The 

 legs are dark. The general carriage proud and erect, the neck being thrown back towards 

 the tail. As we have previously stated, the crest of the cock is similar to the hackle feathers; 

 that is, each feather being narrow and pointed at the extremity, while that of the hen is 

 more compact, each feather being broader, and round at the end. They are very good 

 layers, and considered among the best, though there is quite a difference in individuals in this 

 respect, some hens being much more productive than others. The eggs are of medium 

 size. 



Mr. Edward Hewitt, the celebrated English connoisseur in poultry matters, says: &quot;For 

 the guidance of those who may adopt Black Polish fowls as their future favorites, it will not 

 be out of place to throw out a few suggestions that may prevent annoyance and loss to the 

 inexperienced. The chickens are apt to dwindle from perfectly robust health, drooping the 

 wings and dropping off at from five to six weeks old. This is their trying time, and once 

 safely got through it, they then become as hardy as most descriptions of fancy poultry. A 

 little extra care as this time draws nigh, with the addition of chopped cheese, crushed hemp 

 seed, and maggots from stale flesh, well scoured for a few days in bran to cleanse them from 

 impurities, I always found would bring them safely out of their difficulties. 



Another circumstance worth naming arises from the natural timid character of young 

 Polands, when the crests are fully developed and they have not been accustomed to be han 

 dled. If taken up unexpectedly from behind, I have, to my chagrin, known several cases of 

 them dying instantly, although most tenderly handled; the head suddenly dropped, a slight 

 gurgling sound in the throat, and the most valued specimens were dead. This evidently 

 arises from sudden alarm, as they cannot see coming danger from the rear when the crests 

 are fully developed, and such accidents generally take place when the chickens have hitherto 



