GAME FOWLS. 105 



to any other in the IS T ew England States. The hens are good sitters 

 and nurses, and, for the size of the fowls, produce large eggs. The 

 cocks have a brilliant plumage, and the hackles on the neck are very 

 long and full-feathered, making a " perfect shawl." The body is round 

 and plump ; the neck is long and powerful ; the breast, full ; the 

 wings are long, and cover the thighs ; the beak is hooked and stout ; 

 the thighs are large and sinewy, and well set to the body ; the legs 

 are dark-colored and long; and the claws are strong, and, with the 

 legs, exhibit great muscular power. The belly is compact, so as not 

 to interfere with the agility of the fowls, which they possess to 

 a remarkable degree. The tail is very long, and by its beauty adds 

 much to the appearance of these birds. The chickens are easily 

 reared, and bear the climate of New England as well as those pro- 

 duced by any other stock. 



The flesh of the Game fowl is considered by all persons who have 

 eaten it, as equal, if not superior, to that of other breeds, and, for the 

 size of the fowl, there is less offal than in any other. 



For the incubation of eggs of rare and valuable breeds of fowls, 

 Game hens are to be preferred to all others. Amateurs and fanciers 

 will find it much to their advantage to employ Game hens as incuba- 

 tors of the eggs of the different breeds of Bantam fowls, as they are 

 not so heavy or so clumsy as to break the eggs, and, at the same time, 

 are most careful mothers, rarely or never injuring their chicks by their 

 impetuosity, as hens of other breeds sometimes do. Game hens will 

 most fearlessly attack cats and dogs in defence of their chicks ; and I 

 have known instances where full-grown rats have been killed by them. 



Many persons are deterred from keeping Game fowls by the reputa- 

 tion the cocks have acquired, unjustly, I think, of being quarrelsome. 

 The true bred Game cock is not, my experience teaches me, quarrel- 

 some or vindictive. He resents the interference of any cock with his 

 vested rights and privileges, and requires an instantaneous apology 

 for an insult, and, if his antagonist demurs, a battle is commenced 

 without the least delay. If the opposing cock retreats, the true Game 

 does not follow, but with a loud, exulting, and derisive crow, expresses 

 his triumph ; but when Game meets Game, death to one or both is 

 inevitable, as true Game " never retreats." This often occurs at the 

 first flirt. I have known an instance where both cocks were instantly 

 killed by a " brain stroke." 



For the rearing of chickens, a constant and regular supply of small 

 grains is required. The best kind is wheat, being preferable to barley 

 or buckwheat. Indian corn, of course, is not to be used, on account 

 of its great size. I do not approve of giving to chicks any moist food, 

 particularly Indian meal, as it w T ill ferment in a short time, and become 

 sour. Chicks should not be compelled to fast. Their crops are small, 

 and the power of digestion is so great, that, if the food is not con- 

 stantly within their reach, they are soon exhausted by the growth of 

 feathers and bone, lose their strength, and death is the result. I have 

 used the "screenings" of wheat for feeding chicks, and find them 

 quite as good as wheat, although costing much less. 

 5* 



