244 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



The colour of the plumage is generally white, and the comb 

 double : but black and various colours are also seen. 



Frizzled fowls are, as might be supposed, often delicate, 

 and uncertain layers, though we have met with other 

 strains which were stated to be hardy, and very good in 

 the latter respect. They are very common in the Mauritius, 

 where they are reckoned amongst the most useful poultry. 

 As a rule, however, their peculiar plumage cannot and 

 does not suit a damp climate. We may add that, though 

 " frizzled," the plumage should not be ragged, but every 

 feather sound and neat. The handsomest of all are black. 

 There are also Frizzles so small as to be shown in Bantam 

 classes. 



RUMPLESS* FOWLS are of various colours, the only 

 essential characteristic being the absolute want of a tail, or 

 of any approach to one. It is, indeed, exceedingly difficult 

 to breed any particular colour, as few persons have interest 

 in the breed sufficient to persevere long enough for securing 

 uniformity. The handsomest are white ; black also looks 

 well ; but speckled are most common. The size also varies 

 much, ranging from 7 Ib. each, down to Bantam size. 



NAKED NECKS. On several occasions there have ap- 

 peared at exhibitions some fowls imported from Austria, 

 and stated to be bred in Transylvania, with the curious, 

 and to ourselves, hideous peculiarity of having no feathers 

 on the neck. The heads are feathered, and the appearance 

 is just as if the entire neck below the head had been 

 plucked, except that the skin is of a red colour. Other 

 points have differed, and we have seen one bird of a pair 

 with clean, and the other feathered shanks. The only 

 merit of the fowl is singularity, but of a kind that is 

 singularly repulsive. 



