POULTRY KEEPING 539 



weight of cocks is 8 pounds; hens, 7 pounds; cockerels, 7 pounds; 

 pullets, 6 pounds. 



La Fleche. These fowls differ in character from the other two 

 varieties of French poultry mentioned. Houdans and Crevecoeurs 

 are more compactly built than La Fleche, the latter being tall and 

 rather gaunt looking, and in style and character denote the prepon- 

 derance of Spanish blood. Their plumage is a rich, glossy black 

 throughout. The comb is peculiar, being V-shaped, of moderate 

 size, branching and antler-like, somewhat like two horns pointing 

 upward. The birds are of extremely delicate constitution and diffi- 

 cult to raise. The flesh is more delicate and juicy than that of any 

 variety except the Game. They are moderate layers of very large, 

 white eggs, but are by no means so good as the Spanish in this 

 respect; as table fowl they are superior, but do not mature early 

 not nearly so early as the Houdans or the Crevecoeurs. The stand- 

 ard weight of cocks is 8^2 pounds; hens, 7 1 / pounds; cockerels, 

 T l /2 pounds; pullets, 6*/2 pounds. 



GAMES AND GAME BANTAMS. 



The Game is one of the most interesting breeds of domestic poul- 

 try. Its origin -and history are seemingly linked with all topics 

 concerning poultry and its origin. For a long time Games have 

 -been favorites in this country. They are noted for their vigor and 

 courage, having formerly been bred for fighting. By careful selec- 

 tion in breeding for many generations they have been brought to a 

 high state of perfection. The beauty of an exhibition Game is 

 much praised in this and other countries and the pens are generally 

 filled at the shows. They are sought after and courted by fanciers, 

 and as ornamental fowls they have few equals in the number of 

 their admirers. The practical qualities of the Game have never 

 been demonstrated with accuracy, their tall figures standing in the 

 way of popularity and general usefulness. It should not be under- 

 stood that they are unprofitable to keep, but rather not a fowl for 

 farm purposes. They are usually good layers and excellent table 

 fowl, their meat being fine-grained, tender, and juicy. They are 

 splendid sitters and mothers. Their tall, commanding, and striking 

 figures are decided contrasts to those of other poultry, and afford a 

 diversion to admirers of fine poultry. The varieties are Black- 

 breasted Red, Brown Red, Golden and Silver Duckwing, Red Pyle, 

 White, Black, and Birchen. 



Bantams. These are purely ornamental poultry and are kept 

 for pleasure exclusively, though some maintain that they are profit- 

 able egg producers. They are sometimes spoken of as "The chil- 

 dren's fowl." The Sebright, Rose-comb and Cochin are among the 

 most popular. 



Rose-Comb Bantams. These are miniature Hamburgs. There 

 are two varieties, the Black and the White. The cock has a small, 

 round head; a short and slightly curved beak; large prominent 

 bright eyes; rose comb, square in front, fitting firmly on -the lic.-itl 

 and ending in a spike with a slight upward curve; ll.it. closely fit- 

 ting ear lobes; broad, thin, and well-rounded wattles; neck small 



