216 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



horns are very conspicuous. In the breeds more specifically 

 known as Polish the comb should be almost invisible, 

 but what there is of it will always show a bifurcated for- 

 mation. 



Under the title of Polish fowls might perhaps be included 

 the Crevecceurs, Houdans, and Gueldres, if not La Fleche ; 

 but we shall for convenience of reference describe these 

 crested fowls in a separate chapter on the French breeds, 

 and confine ourselves here to the other tufted varieties, 

 including the more recently introduced Sultans. 



WHITE-CRESTED BLACK. This is the most generally 

 known of all the varieties. The carriage of the cock, as in 

 all Polands, is graceful and bold, with the neck thrown 

 rather back, towards the tail ; body short, round, and 

 plump ; legs rather short, and in colour either black or 

 leaden blue. There should be almost no comb, but full 

 wattles of a bright red ; ear-lobes a pure white. Plumage 

 black all over the body, with bright reflections on the 

 hackle, saddle, and tail. Crest large, regular, and full, even 

 in the centre, and each feather in a perfect bird we suppose 

 of a pure white ; but there are always a few black feathers 

 in front, and no bird is therefore to be disqualified on 

 that account, though the fewer the better. Weight from 

 5 to 6 Ib. 



Hen very compact and plump in form. Plumage a deep 

 rich black. Crest almost globular in shape, and in colour 

 like the cock's. We never yet saw a bird in whose crest 

 there were not a few black feathers in front, and we doubt 

 if such were ever bred. Where they do not appear, the 

 crests have always been "trimmed," and in no class does 

 this practice so frequently call for the condemnation of the 

 poultry judge. Weight of the hen 4 to 5 Ib. This 

 variety is generally delicate and subject to roup. 



BLACK-CRESTED WHITE. There is indisputable evidence 



