78 FARMING FOR LADIES. [cii-iP. in. 



Of Hybrids, or fowls bred from crosses 

 which have been tried between our common 

 domestic breeds and other birds of nearly 

 similar species, the only experiment of the 

 kind which has in any way succeeded is that 

 between the hen and the pheasant ; which 

 are so naturally alike in their habits, that 

 besides being equally heavy on the wing, 

 they both feed upon grain and insects, roost 

 upon trees, lay the same number of eggs for 

 hatching, and build their nests upon the 

 ground. Although common hens have been 

 impregnated by cock pheasants which have 

 stealthily sought them, yet the broods thus 

 generated still retain much of their wild 

 nature. Their flesh, however, has so much 

 of the game-flavour of the pheasant, coupled 

 with the juiciness of the fowl, as to be greatly 

 prized by connoisseurs in good eating; and 

 therefore attempts are often made to pro- 

 pagate the breed by those who are careless 

 of trouble and expense. 



The Bantam is a dwarf breed of such 

 a diminutive size as seldom to weigh much 

 more than a pound. They have been, indeed, 

 bred by the fanciers of so small a size as not to 



