NEW BREEDi 111 



"In the strict sense of the word, then, there is no such 

 thing as an absolutely pure breed the term is only compara- 

 tively true. We may term the Spanish fowl of pure breed, 

 because it has existed a long period, and obviously could not 

 be improved by crossing with any other known variety ; in 

 fact, its origin as a variety is not known. But many of our 

 domesticated birds have a much more recent origin. Where 

 were Game Bantams fifty years ago 1 The variety did not 

 exist. They have been made by two modes : breeding Game 

 to reduce the size, and then crossing the small Game fowl so 

 obtained with Bantams. Yet Game Bantams, as at present 

 shown, have quite as good a title to a pure breed as any 

 other variety. In fact, every variety may be called a pure 

 breed that reproduces its own likeness true to form and 

 colour. 



" The statement that Brahmas, Black Hamburghs, Dorkings, 

 &c., are pure breeds is meaningless, if it is intended to imply 

 anything more than that they will reproduce their like, which a 

 mongrel cross between two distinct varieties cannot be depended 

 on doing. There is no doubt but that many of our varieties have 

 been improved by crossing with others. The cross of the bull- 

 dog thrown in and bred out again has given stamina to the 

 greyhound ; and although generally denied, there is no doubt 

 but that the Cochin has fc in many cases been employed to give 

 size to the Dorking. In the same manner new permanent 

 varieties of pigeons are often produced, generally coming to us 

 from Germany, in which country the fanciers are much more 

 experimental than in England, where they adhere to the old 

 breeds with a true John Bull tenacity." 



Applying the above scientific and lucid remarks to the sub- 

 ject under discussion, it is now considered by most who have 

 studied the matter that every variety of the domestic fowl has 

 originated in a wild bird still existing the common Jungle 

 Fowl of India, known to naturalists as the Gallup Bankiva of 



