70 



THE PEOPLE'S PRACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 



top of the head. The legs are mostly well feathered to the ground, and often 

 have five toes ; but neither point is universal. The sole value of the Silky 

 fowl is as a mother to Bantams, or other small and delicate chickens, such as 

 pheasants or partridges. For such purposes they are unequaled, the loose 

 long plumage affording the most perfect shelter possible. They are, of 

 course, peculiarly susceptible to cold or wet, and have no other value than 

 that stated, except from their singular and not unornamental appearance. 



THE BLACK JAVAS. 



This species of birds are said to be among the most valuable breeds of 

 this country, and are frequently described as Spanish fowls. Their plumage 

 is of a black or dark auburn color ; legs large and thick ; single comb and 

 wattles. They are -prolific layers, their eggs being large and as well flavored 

 as those of the Black Spanish. They are a perfectly hardy breed and easily 

 reared. 



OLD FARMER. .FOGEY'S FOWLS. 



