146 THE COCHIN CHINA FOWL. 



COCHIN CHINA FOWL. BURNHAM'S IMPORTATION. 



In reply to a request of the Editor, Geo. P. Burnham, Esq., 

 of Boston, Mass., communicated the following, in reference to 

 his two importations of Cochin China Fowls, introduced into 

 this country in January and February, 1850. In a letter 

 dated December 1st, 1850, he writes : 



It affords me pleasure to give you a brief account of my 

 Cochin China birds, and, in accordance with your desire, I 

 would state that I have given them a thorough experimental 

 trial during the past year, and can " speak by the card," from 

 actual knowledge of the habits and qualities of those I have 

 imported and bred. 



You are already aware that I obtained two lots of these 

 Fowls early in the present year one batch, of six, from J. J. 

 Nolan, of Dublin, and the other six direct, by ship, from Can- 

 ton. All the imported male birds are now dead; three of 

 them were killed by fighting, and the fourth died suddenly, (in 

 my absence from home,) from some unknown cause. Of the 

 original Hens, I have but three remaining one of Nolan's, and 

 two of the others. Of the young stock, however, I have re- 

 served twenty -five specimens say, eighteen Pullets and six or 

 seven Cocks, (Stags,) which promise finely for another season. 



For all the purposes of a really good Domestic Fowl 

 whether I speak of productiveness, easy keeping, laying qua- 

 lities, size, disposition, beauty of form and plumage, or hardi- 

 ness, (in this climate,) after a careful comparative trial, I deem 

 the Cochin Chinas the best. This is saying much in their fa- 

 vour, I know ; but you ask my real opinion, and I give it ho- 

 nestly. To my fancy, they have no equals among the varieties 

 now known in America. 



In the multiplying of all kinds of stock, it is admitted that 

 there are exceptions, or rather a choice, among the progeny 



