VARIETIES OF DOMESTIC FOWL. 87 



ered his usual vigor, and I have not discovered the slightest 

 variation in the characteristics of his progeny ; in fact, the 

 chickens produced by a cross between this breed and my other 

 fowls differ but slightly in appearance from the pure Spanish, 

 showing, I suppose, the purity and strength of the breed. Hav- 

 ing kept but few fowls, for the amusement and convenience of 

 my family, I made no arrangements for keeping this breed 

 distinct, till during the last season, when I became so well 

 convinced of their decided superiority, as to be induced to pre- 

 pare a separate establishment for them, with reference to keep- 

 ing the breed pure. 



The hen is a most inveterate layer. During the two years 

 I have had them she has manifested no inclination to sit, and 

 with the exception of brief intervals during her different litters, 

 which have consisted of about eighty eggs, has layed constantly. 

 The eggs are of large size, fine flavored, and, unlike most of 

 the eggs from dark-colored poultry, the shells are as white as 

 alabaster. 



For grace and beauty, I think this breed is unsurpassed by 

 any that I have noticed. I am, sir, 



Respectfully, your obedient servant, 



FRANCIS BLAKE." 



Mr. John Fussel, of the firm of Shorey & Co., Boston, has 

 also some of the true Spanish fowl, imported by him from 

 Fayal. 



