POULTRY. 495 



the hackle. After the first moult the feathers are generally somewhat lighter. They have a 

 beautiful plumage, and like all the Polish varieties are highly prized for their ornamental as 

 well as useful qualities. We might add respecting the crest of this variety, that the first 

 year the feathers are black, finely laced with white, after which the color is reversed and is 

 white laced with black. The lacing is slightly heaviest at the tips of the feathers 

 throughout the plumage. 



White Crested White Polish. These fowls possess the general contour and 

 characteristics of the other Polish varieties described, but are somewhat larger in size than 

 any other except the Black-Crested White, which is the largest of the Polish family. They 

 are more hardy than the colored varieties, and breeders of experience consider them more 

 prolific in egg-production. The plumage requires no description, being a pure white throughout. 

 The ear lobes are white, comb and wattles bright red; the beak dark, with large nostrils, 

 which are peculiar to the Polish breed; the legs a slaty or dingy blue. They are very erect 

 and proud in carriage, docile in disposition, making the most gentle and affectionate of pets. 

 They are hardy and healthy when pure bred, yet the quickest of all fowls to show the 

 deteriorating influence of a cross. 



Bearded White Polish. This variety is similar in all respects to the White Polish 

 previously described with the exception of the beard, which is quite full and abundant, and 

 like the entire plumage, a pure white. The crest of this variety is the largest and most 

 perfect in form of all the Polish family. They are comparatively hardy, and like the other 

 White variety, among the best layers of the breed. As a table fowl, they are plump, fine- 

 flavored and delicate, and are quite easily fattened. The wattles and comb are nearly 

 concealed by the crest and beard. Like all pure white fowls, they are very neat and 

 attractive in appearance. They breed true to color, but where black or yellow-tinted feathers 

 make their appearance, they are considered a defect by judges at the poultry exhibitions, 

 other things being equal, the pure white plumaged birds bringing the highest prizes. 



Merits and Defects Of Polish Fowls. The merits of this breed have already 

 been mentioned in the descriptions previously given. They are among the best layers; being 

 non-sitters they lay almost constantly with good care, except when moulting. In fact, some 

 cases occasionally occur among them where the hen from excessive laying becomes so weak 

 ened and reduced, that consumption results, becoming thus emaciated, she droops and finally 

 dies. The flesh is very fine for table use, plump, tender, and juicy, and is easily fattened. 

 They are gentle and docile, easily tamed and fond of being petted, and seem peculiarly 

 susceptible of attachment to those having the care of them. For this reason they are 

 especially adapted for ladies fowls, which quality, combined with their beautiful form and 

 plumage, make them generally the favorites with their owners. 



Mr. Wright, in his &quot;Illustrated Book of Poultry,&quot; says of this breed: &quot;They are 

 perhaps of all breeds the best adapted to thrive and be happy in strict confinement, that is, if 

 the sole run be a wired in and covered shed. Provided such a shed be kept very dry in the 

 floor, and very clean, Polish will thrive and look well in it; of course, supposing the 

 necessities of diet be attended to. Lime rubbish mixed with sand or gravel makes an 

 excellent bottom for them; and if kindly treated, they become almost immediately as tame 

 as cats.&quot; 



Special precaution is necessary in rearing Polish chickens, owing to the prominence of 

 the skull which supports the crest, and which is peculiarly sensitive to injury, never being 

 completely covered with bone. For this reason, heavy hens, like the Brahma or Cochins, 

 should never be employed as mothers for this breed. The greatest objection to these birds 

 is a tendency to roup ; but where care is taken to provide dry, warm quarters for them, this 

 difficulty can be entirely avoided. They should be provided with shelter, and be shut into an 



