THE DOMESTIC FOWL. 37 



THE KULM, OR GREAT MALAY FOWL. 



SYNONYMES. Gallus giganteuS, of Temminck ; Grand Coq des Malaiet, 

 of the French ; Kulm Ha/m, Malaischer Hahn, of the Germans ; Kulm 

 Fowl, Malay Fowl Great Malay Fowl, Chittagong Fowl, of the English 

 and Anglo-Americans. 



This breed is in high repute with many writers, as 

 a supposed connecting link between the wild and the 

 tame races of fowls. Indeed, something very like them 

 is still to be found in the East ; and it would be useful 

 to know, as a certain test, whether the kulm cock be 

 indocile, like the pheasant, or tameable, like the fowl. 

 Their flesh is condemned by common prejudice, as 

 coarse, stringy, oily, and ill-flavored. The pure breed 

 is undoubtedly game ; but, as far as size is con- 

 cerned, has little to recommend it. The hens, how- 

 ever, are excellent layers, and the eggs remarkable 

 for their delicacy. 



The kulm fowl is kept in a domestic state, not only 

 in India, Java, and Sumatra, but in the Malay penin- 



