170 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



to leave their chickens and lay again too soon for very early 

 broods. Lastly, some are prolific layers, especially in 

 winter, when eggs are most scarce. This quality can be 

 much developed by breeding from hens which do not sit so 

 frequently. 



Their defects are equally marked. The flesh is inferior 

 to that of other breeds, though tolerably good when eaten 

 young ; there is, however, always a great absence of breast, 

 which excludes the fowl from the market, and confines it to 

 the family table. The leg, which contains most meat, is, 

 however, not so tough as in other breeds. The want of 

 breast is best overcome by crossing with the Dorking, the 

 result being a very heavy and fairly proportioned table 

 fowl which lays well, and is easily reared, but is still rather 

 coarse. The hen, excellent layer though she is, has also an 

 irresistible inclination to sit after every dozen or score of 

 eggs ; and this is apt to be very troublesome, except where 

 a regular and constant succession of chickens is desired, 

 when it becomes a convenience, as broods can be hatched 

 with the greatest regularity. Finally, this breed is pecu- 

 liarly subject to a prejudicial fattening, which, if not 

 guarded against by the avoidance of too much or too 

 fattening food, will check laying, and even cause death by 

 disorder of the liver. To keep them in health Cochins 

 require special attention to a plentiful and daily supply of 

 green food, without which they rapidly fall into ill-health. 



On the whole, this breed is of little value as a market 

 fowl unless crossed with the Dorking or Crevecceur ; 

 neither will it be found profitable where eggs are the chief 

 consideration, and the hens cannot be allowed to indulge 

 in their sitting propensities. 



LANGSHANS. About 1871, importations were made 

 chiefly by Major Croad, but there were others of large 



