HOUDANS. BRXDAS. 193 



Many of the first-imported Houdans lacked the fifth toe, 

 and this feature might easily have been bred out. Un- 

 fortunately English breeders went the other way, and rather 

 insisted on it, far more than the French did; with the result 

 that bumble-foot is now often seen, as in Dorkings. The legs are 

 in colour a sort of mottle of white, pink, and blue. 



As to the merits of Houdans, the unspoilt stock is one of 

 the most valuable breeds ever introduced into this countiy, and 

 in general usefulness surpasses all the French varieties. Better 

 table-fowls are none, the laying powers are great, the chickens 

 fledge and grow faster than almost any breed, and the eggs are 

 invariably prolific indeed, the ardent Houdan cock requires 

 more hens than any breed we know. There is also no hardier 

 variety known. Such a strain is emphaticr-lly a farmer's fowl, 

 wherever the eggs can be hatched by other breeds or an 

 incubator. In breeding for crest, colour, and toes it is to be 

 regretted much has been too often lost, and many exhibition 

 strains are rather poor layers ; so that for economic purposes 

 it is generally better to procure stock, if possible, direct from 

 France. 



BRED AS OR GUELDRES. This fowl is of exceedingly well- 

 proportioned shape, with a wide, full, prominent breast. The 

 head carries a small topknot, and surmounts a rather short, 

 thick neck. The comb is very peculiar, being hollowed or de- 

 pressed in the centre, which gives to the head a most singular 

 expression. Cheeks and ear-lobes red ; wattles ditto, and in 

 the cock very long and pendulous. 



The thighs are well furnished and slightly hocked, and the 

 shanks of the legs feathered to the toes, though not very 

 heavily. The plumage varies ; black, white, and cuckoo or 

 mottled being most seen. The cuckoo-coloured are known 

 exclusively by the name of " Gueldres," and the black bear 

 chiefly the name of Bredas ; but it is much to be desired that 

 one name should be given to the whole class, with simply a 



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