SHAXGIIAE FOWLS. 75 



property of underlapping the posterior portion of the wing. Let this 

 DC true or not, there is in the Cochin China which I possess, a peculiar 

 propensity to do this, which does not exist in any other fowl that 1 have 

 seen or heard of. 1 have two very fine Chinese crowers, perfectly white, 

 and seemingly uniform in their general qualities, yet it is impossible 

 to look at these fowls in a hot summer day, without noticing this pe- 

 culiarity, which thus distinguishes the white Cochin Chirm. I have 

 seen this bird for hours, with hia wing thus doubled up, as if to enjoy 

 the influence of a passing breeze. This has not been noticed in the 

 white Shanghae, One writer asserts, that this is peculiar to the bird 

 only in winter, and for the purpose of securing warmth, whereas, in my 

 fowls, it is more particularly noticeable in summer, and, as I conceive, 

 for the purpose of avoiding the heat. 



Apart from all this, what has been written on the value of these 

 fowls, we may receive as correct. No one who has had trial of this 

 breed, can speak too highly in their commendation; and I feel per- 

 suaded, that when they become generally known, they will become 

 the favorite fowl of all others. 



In answer to your inquiry respecting the price of fowls, I would 

 state, that the white Shanghae and white Cochin China, are worth 

 $15 the pair ; their eggs have been sold for $4 per dozen. 



With the knowledge I possess of their good qualities, I would 

 cheerfully give $25, if they could not otherwise be obtained. There 

 are but very few of this breed in this section of country. In New 

 England, they still command a good price, and no doubt will for some 

 time to come. The brown Shanghaes are not much known in this 

 neighborhood, but an interest is now being excited on the subject, 

 which will soon call them into general notice. There are many fowls 

 that pass under that name, as 1 have seen in our markets, and at some 

 of our fairs, which might as well go under any other name. 



With regard to the Dorking fowl, I can say but little. I know of 

 no one around me that has the pure breed. What generally passes 

 for the Dorking in this section of country, is, in the opinion 01 good 

 judges a mongrel breed. 



I have a splendid fowl of the black Shanghae variety, which I 

 regard highly. They are heavily feathered on the legs, and some 

 have five toes. They lay a very brown ogg, and are most excellent 

 nurses to the young chicks. They are a noble fowl. 



S. A. B. 



