Malays. 107 



Malays are inferior to most other breeds as layers, but 

 the pullets commence laying early, and are often good 

 winter layers. Their eggs, which weigh about 2 ounces 

 each, are of a deep buff or pale chocolate colour, surpass 

 all others in flavour, and are so rich that two of them are 

 considered to be equal to three of ordinary fowls. They 

 are nearly always fertile. 



Their chief excellence is as table fowls, carrying, as they 

 do, a great quantity of meat, which, when tinder a year old, 

 is of very good quality and flavour. Crossed with the 

 Spanish and Dorking, they produce excellent table fowls ; 

 the latter cross being also good layers. 



Malays are good sitters and mothers, if they have roomy 

 nests. Their chickens should not be hatched after June, 

 as they feather slowly, and are delicate ; but the adult 

 birds are hardy enough, and seem especially adapted to 

 crowded localities, such as courts and alleys. " Malays," 

 says Mr. Baily, " will live anywhere ; they will inhabit a 

 back yard of small dimensions; they will scratch in the 

 dust-hole, and roost under the water-butt; and yet not 

 only lay well, but show in good condition when requisite." 

 Like the Game fowl, it is terribly pugnacious, and in its 

 native country is kept and trained for fighting. This pro- 

 pensity, which is still greater in confinement, is its greatest 

 disadvantage. When closely confined they are apt to eat 

 each other's feathers, the cure for which is turning them 

 into a grass run, and giving them a good supply of lettuce 

 leaves, with an occasional purgative of six grains of jalap. 

 The Chittagong is said to be a variety of the Malay. 



