CREVECCEURS. 221 



of the French breeds have more or less crest, which naturally 

 places this chapter next to that on the Polish fowls. It is 

 remarkable also that most of them agree in being non- 

 sitters, or at least incubate but very rarely. 



S. This breed has been the longest known 

 in England. The full-grown cock will not unfrequently 

 weigh 10 lb., but 7j to 8 Ib. is a good average. 



In form the Creve is very full and compact, and the legs 

 are exceedingly short, especially in the hens, which appear 

 almost as if they were creeping about on the ground. In 

 accordance with this conformation, their motions are very 

 quiet and deliberate, and they appear the most contented 

 in confinement of any fowls we know. They do not sit, or 

 very rarely, and are tolerable layers of very large white eggs. 



The comb is in the form of two well-developed horns, 

 surmounted by a large black crest. Wattles full, and, like 

 the comb, a bright darkish red. The throat is also fur- 

 nished with ample whiskers and beard. The plumage is 

 black, but in some of the largest and finest French birds it 

 is not unfrequently mixed with gold or straw on the hackle 

 and saddle. Which is to be preferred will depend apon 

 circumstances. Judges at exhibitions always insist upon a 

 pure black all over ; and if the object be to obtain prizes, 

 such birds must of course be selected both for breeding and 

 show purposes ; at the same time we should fail in our 

 duty were we not distinctly to record our opinion that the 

 golden-plumaged French birds are often by far the largest 

 and finest specimens. It should be remembered that the 

 French have mainly brought these breeds to perfection by 

 seeking first the useful qualities, and it is beyond doubt that 

 the rigid application to them of our artificial canons has 

 seriously deteriorated the breed in practical value. A large 

 globular crest seems the chief point in English judging, 



