FA VEROLLES. 227 



but which has gradually to a large extent displaced its 

 predecessors, so that the Houdan itself, in its original 

 neighbourhood, is now in a great relative minority com- 

 pared with the interloper. This is not without reason, as 

 the Faverolles (spelt with an s at the end) combines large 

 size, early maturity, great hardiness, great laying powers, 

 and fine flesh ; being also a good sitter and mother. 

 French breeders themselves consider it the best fowl yet 

 produced in their country for purely economic purposes. 

 The birds are said to average 150 to 180 eggs per annum 

 in France, of a light brown colour. 



It is a curious comment upon the theories of some 

 English writers upon table poultry, who in former years have 

 so lauded the superiority of French judgment (and justly so), 

 that the French have built up their last and best fowl, not 

 with such crosses as Indian Game, but on the fowl we have 

 so many years recommended for this purpose the Brahma. 

 It has been evolved, merely by economic selection, from a 

 mixture of Light Brahmas and English Dorkings with the 

 native Houdan fowl. Thus the type in the Houdan 

 district varies much, specimens being found of all colours, 

 with single and rose combs, with four and five toes. The 

 fowl has, however, gradually settled towards one prevailing 

 type, as follows : The head is rather short, with single 

 comb midway in size between that of the Dorking and 

 Cochin ; wattles and lobes (red) rather small, and more or 

 less concealed by feathered beard or bib, and side whiskers ; 

 neck short, with abundant hackle ; breast and body long 

 and full ; legs short and carriage low ; shanks slightly 

 feathered, and white or pinky-white in colour ; feet with 

 five toes ; tail very moderate and carried rather high. The 

 size is large, and general appearance distinctly Asiatic. 

 Colours and markings are very nondescript in the native 

 district, but have tended to settle into three types. Ermine* 



