THE GAME FOWL. 249 



coloured, with cccasional changes in plumage from a light yellow 

 to a dark gray, and recently in the stock in Carolina there has 

 been a tendency to black tail-feathers and breast, as well as an 

 inclination to gray and light-yellow, and with a slight approxi- 

 mation to red hackles in some rare instances. 



" The majority of the whole stock, however, preserves the 

 original Pheasant-colour. This variety has a strong frame, and 

 the largest and most muscular thighs of any Fowl I have as 

 yet seen. This gives quick power to his fierce action in fight, 

 and, if not killed immediately, he is sure to be victorious. I do 

 not know whether they will fight well in a cold climate like 

 yours. The Cocks are distinguished by large upright combs, 

 strong bills, and very large lustrous eyes. Their legs vary 

 from a dirty to a dark green-colour. The Hens differ so little 

 from the Cocks that a description is unnecessary. 



" They are as good layers and sitters as any other game 

 breed-and are good nurses. The Cock, which was the pro- 

 genitor of all the stock now in the United States, was presented 

 to Gen. Thomp'son, by Gen. Santa Anna, just before he closed 

 his official career as Minister to Mexico, and was victorious in 

 a large main, fought by the famous Cock-fighting Mexicans. 

 Gen. Thompson sent to Queretaro for some Hens, and thence 

 sprang all the true Cock-Hens now in this country. Those 

 sent by my brother, Mr. Summer, to Mr. Giles, Dr. Wight, and 

 Mr. Burton, are from a pair presented to him by Gen. Thomp- 

 son, out of the original stock. 



te Their crosses on other game breeds are highly esteemed 

 here as fighting Fowls, and their muscular forms adapt them 

 as well for the spit as for the pit. Wm. Summer, of Pomaria, 

 S. C., breeds them in their purest state, and regards them a 

 valuable Fowl for domestic purposes. 



"A. G. SUMMER." 



Mr. William Summer, in a letter to the author, dated " Po- 







