544 THE AMERICAN FARMER 



breeds, make excellent pets. It is said tliat they are much attached to each other, though 

 they seem shy of other breeds. They are fully fledged at two months of age, and breed very 

 true to color. They are contented in confinement, but seem to thrive best when they can 

 run about and get worms and insects. They are considered rather delicate, which has 

 probably resulted from interbreeding, necessitated for lack of new blood from fresh importa 

 tions. They have increased in vigor by crossing with other feather-legged Bantams, and 

 then breeding back to the pure strain. It is quite unnecessary that we should give a minute 

 description, as they are but diminutive Buff Cochins, and that breed has already been fully 

 described. 



Merits and Defects Of Bantams. We have referred so frequently to these points 

 in giving descriptions of the several varieties, that to write at length under this heading would 

 be a repetition of what has already been stated; therefore we will summarize briefly as fol 

 lows: They are the most interesting and gentle of pets among the feathered race, while their 

 pompous and quaint little ways, combined with their beautiful form and plumage cannot fail 

 to awaken real interest in those having their charge. They are almost harmless in a garden, 

 even where choice flowers are cultivated, and they do much good in ridding it of worms, 

 grubs, and insects. 



Though small, they are very dainty eating, and are a good substitute for partridges. 

 Most of the varieties are good layers, and the eggs are very delicate, and much prized by 

 invalids, being free from the strong flavor found in those of most of the large breeds. They 

 eat but little, consequently are economic fowls to keep in this respect, and they require so 

 little room that they can be kept where other fowls could not. A house two feet square for 

 them to roost and lay in, and a small garden, for a run, is said to be sufficient room for five or 

 six of these little birds. The Game Bantams are the most hardy. 



The main point in breeding Bantams is to keep them small, and care should be taken not 

 to over feed, or to give too much food that is bone-making in its tendency. The chicks when 

 first hatched should have a little extra care to keep them warm and dry, for at least the first 

 two or three weeks; after that they are as hardy as other breeds. Some breeders resort to 

 late hatching to preserve the small size, but this has been found to injure the plumage, which 

 in the development of the tail of the cock, renders the bird almost worthless as far as beauty 

 is concerned. We believe it is the general verdict of breeders that have had experience with 

 Bantams, that for the amount of care and food, they furnish as much in return as any of the 

 larger breeds, while as pets for children there is no more suitable or pretty fowl. 



