16 GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF POULTRf. 



all the other merits of the breed to which they belong. Let 

 such be secured and prized by all means ; but let it be also 

 remembered and believed that nothing pays so wretchedly as 

 to begin " poultry -fancying " with inferior stock, and that 

 really fine fowls which never had a grandfather are any day 

 preferable to " degenerate decendants from a line of kings." 



It has been already remarked that the Cochin breeds are 

 excellent layers in winter, but that their invincible propensity 

 to sit, which occurs every two months, or even less, is a fatal 

 objection to their being kept by those who do not desire the 

 care of young broods. If, however, the system adopted depend 

 npoii home-reared chickens to replenish the stock, one or two 

 Cochin hens may be kept with advantage in cases where the 

 other fowls are of non-sitting varieties. The frequency of 

 their desire to incubate now becomes a recommendation, as the 

 owner can depend upon " a broody hen " at almost any season 

 which may suit his views ; and if always parted with at the 

 age of two years, they will not fail to maintain their deserved 

 character as good winter layers. Their own eggs, of course, 

 should not be given them if the chickens be for market, unless 

 running with a Dorking, Houdan, or Crevecoeur cock, either of 

 which crosses produce a gigantic table-fowl of very fair edible 

 qualities. For home use, however, Cochins are not to be 

 despised when killed anywhere under nine months old ; they 

 carry an immense quantity of solid meat ; and if this be more 

 on the leg than could be desired, it must be also remembered 

 that the said leg, though certainly not equal to breast or wing, 

 is more tender than that of most other breeds. 



On the whole, if a good stock can be afforded, and a good 

 number of chickens yearly are to be reared, we should, for 

 domestic use, recommend Langshans, Plymouth Rocks, or Light 

 Brahmas. If there be a double run, as described in Chapter 

 I., the finest birds may be kept pure, and their eggs and 

 progeny, when possible, sold at "fancy" prices ; whilst the hens 



