174 DIFFERENT BREEDS OP POULTRY. 



CHAPTER XX. 



IIAMBURGIIS. 



UNDER the name of Hamburghs are now collected several 

 varieties of fowls, presenting the general characteristics of 

 rather small size, brilliant rose combs, ending in a spike behind, 

 projecting upwards, blue legs, and beautiful plumage. None 

 of the Hamburghs ever show any disposition to sit, except 

 very rarely in a state of great freedom ; but lay nearly every 

 day all through the year, except during the moulting season, 

 whence they used to be called " Dutch every-day layers." 



It is not our province to enter into the question of the 

 origin of the different breeds of Hamburghs. There can be no 

 doubt that the usual classification into simply spangled and 

 pencilled is not sufficient to mark the distinct varieties that 

 exist ; but our duty is to take the classes as we find them, and 

 describe them as they are now recognised at the leading shows ; 

 paying special attention to the plumage, as exactness of 

 marking is of more importance in this than in almost any 

 other breed. In so doing we are glad to acknowledge the 

 assistance of Mr. Henry Beldon, who has bred these beautiful 

 varieties more extensively, and takes more prizes with them, 

 than any one else in the kingdom. 



SILVER-PENCILLED. The size of this exquisite breed is 

 small, but the shape of both cock and hen peculiarly graceful 

 and sprightly. Carriage of the cock very conceited, the tail 

 being borne high, and carried in a graceful arch. The comb 

 in this, as in all the other varieties, to be rather square in 

 front, and well peaked behind, full of spikes, and free from 

 hollow in the centre. Ear-lobe pure white, free from red 

 edging. Legs small and blue. 



The head, hackle, back, saddle, breast, and thighs of the 

 cock should be white as driven snow. Tail black, glossed with 

 green, the sickle and side feathers having a narrow white edging 



