The Paduan, Spanish, and Bantam Fowls. 327 



THE PADUAN, OR JAGO FOWL. 



(Gallus giganteus.) 



THE wild species, termed by Marsden the Jago fowl, is a 

 native of Java and Sumatra, and is supposed by Tem- 

 minck to be the original of this fine breed, though little 

 is known of the wild sort, further than that it is double 

 the size of the Bankiva, or common fowl. Marsden says 

 he has seen in the East a cock of this species tall enough 

 to pick crumbs from a dining-table. They are said to 

 weigh from eight to ten pounds. The combs of both the 

 cock and hen are large, frequently double, of the form of 

 a crown, with a tufted crest of feathers, which is largest 

 in the hen ; the voice is stronger and harsher than that 

 of other fowls; but the most singular peculiarity is, 

 that they do not come into full feather till about half 

 grown. The Cochin-China fowls are said to be a variety 

 of the Jago fowls. There are numerous hybrids and 

 varieties of the Jago fowl found under different names 

 in poultry-yards, but all of them lay fine large eggs, and 

 are highly esteemed for the excellent flavour of their 

 flesh. One of the most interesting of these varieties is 

 called 



THE SPANISH FOWL, 



the body and tail feathers of which are of a rich black, 

 with occasionally a little white on the breast. The cock 

 of this variety is a most majestic bird ; its deportment is 

 grave and stately, and its eyes are encircled with a ring 

 of brown feathers, from which rises a black tuft that 

 covers the ears. There are other similar feathers behind 

 the comb and beneath the wattles. The legs and feet 

 are of lead colour, except the sole of the foot, which is 

 yellowish. 



THE BANTAM FOWL 



is a small variety, with short legs, most frequently 

 feathered to the toes, so as sometimes to obstruct walk- 

 ing. Many Bantam fanciers prefer those which have 



