SHANGHAE FOWLS. 61 



IMPERIAL CHINESE FOWLS. 



This variety of fowls are said to have been produced orig- 

 inally from a cross between Marsh's or Forbes' Shanghaes and 

 the " Cochin Chinas." The committee of the South Carolina 

 Poultry Society, in their report, say : 



"IMPERIAL CHINESE," This name has been given to a large variety 

 of fowl produced by crossing the Forbes' Shanghae on the Cochin China 

 fowl. They are very large, and the best cross breed, we are acquainted 

 with." 



These fowls have been represented as being the Marsh Shan- 

 gaes. If they are a cross, as has been represented, I shall 

 not conceal the fact, as I ana pledged to give the truth, as far as 

 possible, without fear or favor. I have received a pair of this 

 variety from the yard of C. C. Plaisted, Esq., of Great Falls, N. 

 H., and I can bear testimony to their being a very fine fowl ; 

 short legs, compact bodies, and possessing the good points of 

 the best specimens of Shanghaes. The cock is a light-red, 

 merging in brown. The hen is of a beautiful variegated 

 plumage, partaking of the shades of the dominique fowl to 

 some extent. I am opposed to multiplying names of fowls, 

 without a good reason, and when they are not unquestionably 

 a distinct breed ; and if we admit the right of breeders to give 

 a new name to every cross that is produced, we should soon 

 find ourselves in a labyrinth of confusion in the nomenclature 

 of our poultry. 



In making these remarks, I do not wish to be understood as 

 speaking in disparagement of these fowls, for I consider them 

 as a very superior fowl, and one of those fortunate crosses (if 

 they are a cross,) that produce a better fowl than either of the 

 parents, and consequently sell at a higher price. I have not 

 bred my specimens yet, having received them recently. I expect 

 to produce some splendid samples next season, however, and 

 I will then give a more detailed description of them in the 

 Northern Farmer. They now sell at $10 to $15 a pair. 



Here is Dr. Bennett's description of this variety. I have had 

 no engraving taken of them, in consequence of their affinity to 

 the Shanghaes. They are well represented in model by Mr. 

 Hudson's cut of Shanghaes, before inserted, and the cuts which 

 follow. 



"This breed of fowls is ranked, by common consent, as one of the 

 best varieties now bred in New England ; and this position is accorded 

 to them on account of size, beauty, and general valuable properties. 



