82 COCHIN CHINA FOWLS. 



The Queen's fowls, said to be received from Cochin China, 

 were smooth-legged ; but of a subsequent importation by Mr. 

 Burnham, direct from Canton, five were smooth, and one was 

 feathered on the legs. These last fowls proved of extraordinary 

 weight at two years old ; and up to this time, the stock has been 

 bred together by Mr. B., with very excellent success. In the past 

 year's product, perhaps one-fourth of all the chicks show more 

 or less feathering upon the legs, though Mr. B. selects his breed- 

 ing stock, invariably, with the smooth limb. All the other 

 characteristics remain unchanged from the original, in this 

 stock. The size, color, form, invariable single comb, and aver- 

 age weight all, are like the parent stock. 



The full grown cocks of this breed, will weigh, at twenty to 

 twenty-four months of age, from nine and a half to ten and a 

 half pounds; the hens, at the same age, will draw seven to 

 eight pounds ; year old cocks will draw eight to nine pounds ; 

 and the finest year old pullets, from six to seven pounds each. 

 This is the extent of their weights, generally, but in some cases, 

 they exceed these weights. 



We consider these fowls to be a good breed, but not equal to 

 some other kinds now among us, nor are they selling at so high 

 rates generally, as several other breeds that w T e can mention. 



Those fanciers, however, who desire to purchase "Cochin 

 China " fowls, will find the best specimens in possession of Mr. 

 Burnham, who has probably had more experience in raising and 

 dealing in this breed, than any other person in this country. 



Mr. Burnham is correct when he says, that there is a differ- 

 erence of opinion among fanciers, in regard to what is the true 

 Cochin China fowl. The following communication shows that 

 these fowls are not entitled to the name they have hitherto 

 received : 



TAUNTOX, March 20th, 1851. 



Dear Sir, I believe it was in October, 1849, that I sent yon some 

 China fowls, which were erroneously called " Cochin China " biit 

 their true name was Shanghae and they never should have had any 

 other name, as that was their native place, arid so, of course, should 

 have been their legitimate name. And who first gave the name o'f 

 Cochin China to this particular breed, I never could ascertain neither 

 could I arrest its progress after it had started. 



I received from my nephew, Nicholas Baylies, in July, 1846, from 

 Shanghae, in China, two pairs of fowls, which he recommended as a 

 superior breed for the table, and very large. Some of this importa- 

 tion were sent to Plymouth, and about Plymouth county, where they 

 were well received, and some one gave them the imposing name 



