520 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Merits and Defects Of American SebrightS. These fowls mature early, and the 

 chicks are quite hardy. They also fatten readily, and the flesh is of very good quality. They 

 are excellent layers when well cared for, but like many other breeds will thrive best when 

 allowed considerable range, although they bear confinement well. They are contented in 

 disposition, and will not attempt to fly over a fence four feet high. They make good mothers 

 when allowed to sit. They do not, however, breed quite as true to feather as some of the 

 older and long-established breeds, but are improving in this respect in the hands of intelligent 

 breeders. As a fowl for the table and egg-production, they cannot fail of giving good 

 satisfaction, when properly cared for. 



BLACK JAVASo 



THE origin, description, etc., of the varieties of the Java breed represented in this 

 country were prepared for this work by Mr. J. G. Bicknell, so well known as a 

 poultry fancier, and an extensive poultry breeder. The origin of the Black Javas 

 is as follows: &quot; About thirty years since a family living in Missouri came in possession of 

 three eggs, from the yard of a celebrated doctor who delighted in the ownership of a few 

 fine fowls called Javas. The doctor would neither sell the progeny nor consent to having it 

 grace the yards of his neighbors, but his coachman borrowed the three eggs above named, 

 and from them the American Javas have all descended. They were first brought into 

 Dutchess County, N&quot;. Y., about twenty five years ago, by a family removing thence from 

 Missouri, and about fifteen years since by the same family into Orleans County, N. Y., where 

 they have been bred in large numbers ever since. In all this time no fresh blood has been 

 introduced, all crossings having been obtained by different matings of the same family. 



Right here let us remember that most fowls are made of crosses, and when one type 

 is decided upon, we must keep clear of foreign blood in order to retain that typa, and all 

 crossing, whether by one or more breeders, must be from the original stock. That is just 

 what has been done with Black Javas, and their activity and manifest vitality strikes us 

 forcibly at first sight. Until three or four years since they have been bred in comparative 

 obscurity yet in their immediate vicinity they have been noted for their large size, quick 

 maturity, hardiness, and beauty. The color is a rich lustrous black, with that beautiful green 

 shading so desirable; comb single; shanks black, approaching willow, free from feathers. 

 The bottoms of the feet are always yellow, corresponding with the color of the skin. When 

 served on the table the flesh does not present that objectionable dark color common to 

 Spanish and some other breeds, but is equal to the Plymouth Rock in every particular. 



At the outset let it be understood that Javas are not of foreign origin, but are an 

 American fowl and deserve an American name, still the name has nothing to do with their 

 merits or demerits. Modern Javas bear no relation to the Plymouth Rock. The Java &?* 

 of the latter was in reality a Black Cochin, and merged into the Cochin class where it 

 properly belongs. Among those who are acquainted with them, I find the most universal 

 belief is that they are like the Javas of ten years ago more Cochin than anything else. 

 Let us not confound the so-called Javas of ye olden time with those of the present day. 

 They are entirely unlike Cochin in shape and style, and in almost every particular. Our 

 American Javas have characteristics of their own, differing from any other known breed, 

 clearly demonstrating the fact that they are indebted to no other recognized variety for their 

 existence. They present large size, long bodies, and deep, full breast just what is required 

 for usefulness, hardiness, and superior table qualities. 



