BANTAM. 17 



September, our five Poland hens laid 503 eggs, 

 one of them only sitting within the time. An average 

 egg weighed 1 ounce o drachms, exclusive of the 

 shell, which in this breed is very thin ; the above 

 number making a total weight of SQ^lbs. and a 

 fraction. 



The tops of these fowls should be periodically 

 clipped near the eyes, or they grow into the eyes 

 of the fowls and nearly blind them, rendering them 

 very subject to alarm and to be driven away. This 

 is particularly ne'cessary in wet weather. 



BANTAM, a well-known small breed, originally 

 from India, is valued chiefly for its grotesque figure 

 and delicate flesh. 



There has been lately obtained a variety of Ban- 

 tams, extremely small, and as smooth legged as a 

 game fowl. From their size and delicacy, they are 

 very convenient, as they may always stand in the 

 place of chickens, when small ones are not otherwise 

 to be had. They are also particularly useful for 

 sitting upon the eggs of partridges and pheasants, 

 being good nurses, as well as good layers. Sir John 

 Sebright, M.P. for Herts, is one of the chief ama- 

 teurs of this breed. Sir John's breed are beauti- 

 fully striped and variegated. 



In addition, there is a South American variety, 

 either from Brazil or Buenos Ayres, which will 

 roost in trees. They are very beautiful, partridge 

 spotted and streaked ; the eggs small and coloured 

 like those of the pheasant ; both the flesh and eggs 

 are fine flavoured and delicate. 



The CHITTAGONG or MALAY, another Indian va- 



