POULTRY. 



527 



large and full, and differs from that of the Polish by being more erect and not hiding the 

 eyes. The beak resembles that of the Polish breeds, with large open nostrils. The neck is 

 rather short, arched, and carried well back, and is furnished with a heavy and abundant 

 hackle. The back is broad and slopes a little towards the tail. The body is square and deep, 

 with a full prominent breast. The wings are somewhat large and low, which, with the 

 vulture-hocks and short legs, give the body rather of a low carriage. The tail is very full, 

 and furnished with beautiful long sickle feathers, and abundant tail coverts. The legs are 

 dark blue in color, and very heavily feathered, even to the ends of the toes. 



Merits and Defects of Sultans. They are good layers, and easily reared, being 

 quite hardy when matured, though some breeders regard them as rather delicate when 

 chickens. They are non-sitters, and their quaint little ways make them quite fascinating as 



SULTANS. 



pets, while their beauty of form and plumage renders them highly ornamental to any lawn. 

 Being so small, they cannot, of course, be considered an economic table fowl, but are good 

 layers, while as pets they are without a rival, being of a brisk, happy, docile temperament. 



SILKIES. 



THIS breed, sometimes called Silky or Negro fowh, have a very peculiar appearance; 

 their plumage being so unlike that of other fowls, as to be scarcely recognized as 

 feathers; while the skin of the fowl is a deep violet color, almost black, the surface 

 bones being of the same hue also, which gives it rather an uninviting look when prepared for 

 the table; the flesh, however, is very delicate and white, and superior to that of many breeds. 

 The plumage has a soft, flossy appearance, the filaments being separated or single, and has 

 been represented by ancient naturalists as resembling wool. In describing a certain peculiar 



