28 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



In correspondence with Mr. Rugg,the general characteristics 

 of the breed are thus detailed : " The Gray Chittagong. some- 

 times attains a great size ; the tail is small, but more compressed 

 than in some other varieties. The legs are whitish red, and 

 usually feathered. The comb is single, serrated, with occa- 

 sionally the slightest trace of a top-knot." 



Mr. Rugg says, writing to Mr. Burnham : 



" The samples of Chittagongs I send you have the largest 

 blood in them of any variety of fowl with which I am ac- 

 quainted." The above pair " were hatched on the 4th of June 

 last, and are the best specimens I ever saw here or elsewhere, 

 for their age. I had determined, under no circumstances, to 

 part with them, but will do so, if you like my price. They 

 are not yet six months old. The rooster weighs this day 

 (Nov. 26, 1849) eight and a half pounds, strong ; the pullet 

 seven and three quarter pounds. They are of a grayish color, 

 both marked in every respect alike, with the single exception, 

 that while the pullet is rather heavily feathered on the legs, the 

 cockerel shows but few feathers below the thigh. The pullets 

 will grow much larger, and are now about ready to lay, I judge. 

 These fowls are considerably larger than any Cochin Chinas I 

 have ever seen. This variety of Chittagong comes to maturity 

 earlier than any of the large species ; and our breeders prefer 

 them ^generally, for both laying and other practical qualities. 

 This pair of fowls, when fully grown, will weigh you, at the 

 least, twenty-two pounds. 



I have a cockerel fifteen months old, of this variety, and a 

 hen about the same age, or a trifle older, which, if alive next 

 March, and cared for properly meantime, I am certain will 

 weigh twenty-two pounds. * * * I have a rooster of this 

 species, also, seventeen months old, and a hen about three years 

 of age, which, at the commencement of the laying season, next 

 spring, I am sure will weigh twenty-five pounds f This is 



