68 



THE PEOPLE'S PRACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 



The feather-legged Bantam is very remarkable for the tarsi, or beams of the 

 legs,, being plumed to the toes with stiff, long feathers which brush the 

 ground. The black-breasted reds are considered fine birds. They are red in 

 color, with a black breast and single dentated comb. The tarsi are smooth, 

 and of a dusky blue. When this breed are bred pure, it yields in spirit and 

 courage to none, and is, in fact, a game fowl in miniature, being as beautiful 

 and graceful as it is brave. A pure white Bantam is also a beautiful bird, 

 and as courageous as it is beautiful. The Golden and Silver Sebrights, the 

 Nankeen and Pekin Cochins are also remarkably handsome birds, as are also 

 the Black Bantams. 



GOLDEN AND SILVER SEBRIGHT BANTAMS. The plumage of the Golden 

 Sebright is of golden color, and the Silver Sebright of a silver white, with a 

 glossy jet black margin; the cocks have the tail folded like that of the hen, 



with the sickle feathers shortened 

 or nearly straight, and broader than 

 usual. 



BLACK BANTAMS. The plumage 

 of the Black Bantam is a uniform 

 black in color, resembling that of 

 the Black Spanish ; tail of the cock 

 arched; legs short, dark blue or 

 black, and perfectly clean ; comb a 

 bright red; ear-lobes white; face 

 red. Hen not to exceed eighteen 

 and the cock twenty ounces. 



WHITE BANTAMS. The plumage 

 of the White Bantam is pure white, 

 with legs white and well feathered. 

 They should not exceed two pounds 



GOLDEN SEBRIGHT BANTAMS. ^"6 pair. 



PEKIN OR COCHIN BANTAMS. This most remarkable of all the numerous 

 breeds of Bantams was first introduced in England in 1862 or '63, and one 

 or two pairs have been shown in this country. It is said the original pro- 

 genitors were stolen from the Summer Palace, at Pekin. They partake some- 

 what of the habits of the Cochin Chinas, and resemble Buff Cochins very 

 much in color and form, possessing the feather-leg, abundant fluff, presenting, 

 as the engraving shows, a most singular appearance. To breed them perfect 

 birds in this country, will require great skill ; still, by being crossed with 

 other breeds of feather-legged Bantams, to introduce fresh blood, and then 

 breeding back to the pure strain, may have the desired effect. The Pekin 

 Bantams are very tame, the hens are good sitters and mothers ; the males 

 even take a share in brooding the chicks. Their novelty will undoubtedlv 

 make them great pets among bird fanciers. 



