VARIETIES OF DOMESTIC FOWL. 89 



THE POLISH FOWL. 



" It appears probable," says Dickson, " that the Polish fowl 

 is a hybrid between the Crested and the Spanish fowls. It is, 

 however, quite unknown in Poland, and takes its name from some 

 resemblance having been fancied between its tufted crest and the 

 square-spreading crown of the feathered caps worn by the Polish 

 soldiers. These fowls are exceedingly handsome, and remark- 

 ably good for the table. The hens are excellent layers, and 

 produce very large, finely flavored eggs ; but they are bad sitters. 



The breed of crested fowls is much esteemed by the curi- 

 ous, and is bred with great care. Those who are desirous of 

 propagating any singular varieties separate and confine the 

 individuals, and do not suffer them to mingle with such as have 

 the colors different. The varieties are more esteemed in pro- 

 portion as the colors are more rare, or as the tuft contrasts with 

 the rest of the plumage ; but though the differences of plumage 

 are thus preserved pretty constant, they seem to owe their 

 origin to the same breed, and cannot be reproduced pure with- 

 out careful superintendence. These cocks are much esteemed 

 in Egypt, in consequence of the excellence of their flesh, and 

 are so common that they are sold at the rate of twopence or 

 threepence a piece. They are equally abundant at the Cape 

 of Good Hope, where their legs are feathered. Some travel- 

 lers assert that the Mexican poultry are crested, and that what 

 are called Poland fowls are natives of either Mexico or South 

 America ; but these, as well as all the rest on the continent of 

 America, have been introduced from the ancient continent." 



" Of the Polish fowl," says Richardson, " there are three sub- 

 varieties, one of which, however, would appear to be nearly, if 

 not altogether, extinct, even in its native country. This fowl is, 

 perhaps, the most unchanged from the primitive stock of any we 

 8* 



