186 DIFFERENT BREEDS OF POULTRY. 



ously cultivated with most marked success, and we cannot 

 avoid remarking yet again on the results which might have 

 been produced in this country had more attention been paid to 

 them here, instead of laying almost exclusive stress upon colour 

 and other fancy points. 



Most of the French breeds have more or less crest, which 

 naturally places this chapter next to that on the Polish fowls 

 It is remarkable also that most of them agree in being non- 

 sitters, or at least incubate but very rarely. 



CRVECCEURS. This breed has been the longest known in 

 England. The full-grown cock will not unfrequently weigh 

 10 Ibs., but 7J to 8 Ibs. is a good average. 



In form the Creve is very full and compact, and the legs 

 are exceedingly short, especially in the hens, which appear 

 almost as if they were creeping about on the ground. In 

 accordance with this conformation, their motions are very 

 quiet and deliberate, and they appear the most contented 

 in confinement of any fowls we know. They do not sit, or 

 very rarely, and are tolerable layers of very large white eggs. 



The comb is in the form of two well-developed horns, 

 surmounted by a large black crest. Wattles full, and, like the 

 comb, a bright darkish red. The throat is also furnished with 

 ample whiskers and beard. 



The plumage is black, but in some of the largest and finest 

 French birds it is not unfrequently mixed with gold or straw 

 on the hackle and saddle. Which is to be preferred will 

 depend upon circumstances. Judges at exhibitions always 

 insist upon a pure black all over; and if the object be 

 to obtain prizes, such birds must of course be selected both for 

 breeding and show purposes ; at the same time we should fail 

 in our duty were we not distinctly to record our opinion 

 that the golden-plumaged French birds are often by far the 

 largest and finest specimens. It should be remembered that 

 the French have mainly brought these breeds to perfection 



