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CHAPTER XII. 



THE SPANISH FOWL. 



WITH this variety of Fowls, I must confess myself not 

 much acquainted. I am familiar with their appearance and 

 general characteristics, but not so with their habits and quali- 

 ties. They are said (o possess many and rare merits. Their 

 appearance is certainly very fine, being spirited and animated. 

 The name " Spanish" is said to be a misnomer, as they were 

 originally brought by the Spaniards from the West Indies, 

 and, although subsequently propagated in Spain, it is now very 

 difficult to procure good specimens from that country. They 

 were taken in considerable numbers from Spain into Holland, 

 where they have, for many years, been bred with great care ; 

 and it is now from that quarter our best specimens come. 



A thorough-bred Spanish Fowl should be entirely black, as 

 far as feathers are concerned, and, when in high condition, dis- 

 play a greenish metallic lustre. The combs of both male and 

 female are very large, of a brilliant scarlet, and that of the Hen 

 drooping over on one side. Their most singular feature is a 

 white marlc on each check, of a fleshy substance, similar to the 

 wattles; which is small in the Hens, but large and very con- 

 spicuous in the Cocks. '* This marked contrast of black, bright 

 red, and white, makes the head of the Spanish Cock as hand- 

 some as that of any other variety ; and, in the genuine breed, 



