222 TAKMIKG FOR LADIES. [chap. x. 



writer "that they are bred more from curi- 

 osity than profit," is contradicted by the fact 

 which he admits, " that they are largely fed 

 for the London markets." 



The Guinea-birds are handsome fowls ; 

 their back is arched, with the tail bending 

 downwards, and, as they stand high upon 

 their legs, being also nearly two feet in 

 length, they appear larger than they really 

 are ; for, when plucked, they seldom exceed 

 the size of a good Dorking fowl. Both 

 cock and hen are nearly of the same size, 

 and so much alike in appearance that it is 

 difficult to distinguish the one from the other. 

 Their plumage is dark, uniformly speckled 

 with white spots, and their note of call 

 is very disagreeable. They congregate to- 

 gether quietly and amicably, but if put 

 along with other fowls, they are quarrelsome 

 and cruel ; attacking them relentlessly in 

 the cowardly manner of a body opposed to 

 one, which they will surround and peck at 

 with fury, but if stoutly opposed they run 

 away. Although partly domesticated, their 

 habits still partake of the wildness of their 

 nature, and it has been hitherto found im- 



