146 DIFFERENT BREEDS OF POULTKY. 



breast is best overcome by crossing with the Dorking, the 

 result being a very heavy and fairly proportioned table fowl 

 which lays well, and is easily reared, but is still rather coares. 

 The hen, excellent layer though she is, has also an irresis- 

 tible inclination to sit after every dozen or score of eggs; 

 and this is apt to be very troublesome, except where a regular 

 and constant succession of chickens is desired, when it becomes 

 a convenience, as broods can be hatched with the greatest 

 regularity. Finally, this breed is peculiarly subject to a pre- 

 judicial fattening, which, if not guarded against by the avoidance 

 of too much or too fattening food, will check laying, and even 

 cause death. 



Cochins are subject to an affection called white comb, con- 

 sisting of an eruption on the comb and wattles much re- 

 sembling powdered chalk, and which, if not dealt with in time; 

 extends all over the body, causing the feathers to fall off. The 

 causes are want of cleanliness, and of green food, chiefly the 

 latter. This must, of course, be supplied, with an occasional dose 

 of six grains of jalap to purge the bird ; and the comb anointed 

 with an ointment composed of four parts of cocoanut oil, two 

 of powdered turmeric, and one of sulphur. 



On the whole, this breed is little valued as a market fowl 

 unless crossed with the Dorking or Crevecoeur; neither will it be 

 found profitable where eggs are the sole consideration, and the 

 hens cannot be allowed to indulge in their sitting propensities. 



The Langshan is free from many of the above defects. Its 

 meat is very fair, and there is a good breast if the model is 

 good ; it is fully as hardy, and on the average a better layer, 

 while it does not sit so often. The foolish prejudice of English 

 cooks in regard to black legs is against it, as it is against some 

 of the best French fowls, but there are signs of this dying away. 



The Langshan, having longer wings and a lighter make, 

 requires a higher fence than will confine modern Cochins with 

 perfect safety. 



