202 DIFFERENT BREEDS OF POULTRY. 



partridges. For such purposes they are unequalled, the loose 

 long plumage affording the most perfect shelter possible ; and 

 another useful point is that a full nest of eggs will usually 

 tempt the bird to sit within a few days at any time. They 

 are, of course, peculiarly susceptible to cold or wet, and have 

 little value than that stated, except from their singular and not 

 unornamental appearance. 



There is an occasional silky sport from the ordinary Cochin 

 fowl. The plumage resembles that of the preceding variety ; 

 but in every other point the fowl is a true-bred Cochin. The 

 loose feathering being no real protection from wet, this breed, 

 like the other, is delicate in our climate. 



FRIZZLED FOWLS present a most remarkable appearance, 

 every feather in good specimens being curved, or turned back 

 from the body, so as to show a portion of the under side, like 

 the curved feathers in the tail of a common drake. The colour 

 of the plumage is generally white, and the comb double ; but 

 black and various colours are also seen. 



Frizzled fowls are, as might be supposed, often delicate, and 

 most uncertain layers, though we have met with strains which 

 were stated to be hardy, and very good in the latter respect. 

 They are very common in the Mauritius, where they are 

 reckoned amongst the most useful poultry. As a rule, how- 

 ever, their peculiar plumage cannot and does not suit a damp 

 climate. 



We may add that, though " frizzled," the plumage should 

 not be ragged, but every feather sound and neat. The hand- 

 somest of all are black. 



RUMPLESS FOWLS are of various colours, the only essential 

 characteristic being the absolute want of a tail, or of any 

 approach to one. It is, indeed, exceedingly difficult to breed 

 any particular colour, as few persons have interest in the breed 

 sufficient to persevere long enough for securing uniformity. The 

 handsomest are white : black also looks well ; but speckled are 



