BLACK SPANISH FOWLS. 143 



rations by the distinguished naturalists, breeders and fanciers, who 

 belong to that enterprising and eminent society. No better, nor any 

 so good, can be shown ; nor do I know that, among enlightened men, 

 there is any other. I have therefore adopted this standard as my 

 guide in selecting and breeding domestic poultry, and aquatic and 

 other fowls, of which I now have, in all, over fifty varieties. 



31y object is not to puff my fowls, for I have no desire to make 

 money out of them, (I would prefer to exchange for such varieties as 

 1 do not possess,) but to use my exertions to introduce here another, 

 and a more consistent and reliable standard, than mere opinion and 

 guess work ; and also to breed for myself none other than the pure 

 blood, of whatever breed. 



After forty years' experience in the breeding of fowls, both here 

 and in England, and having, in that long space of time, owned and 

 bred every known variety, it will scarcely be deemed presumptuous 

 in me to have an opinion of my own. 



The drawings of Black Spanish fowls, copies of which I send you, 

 were taken in my yard, from life. The cock is under eleven months 

 old, and is not, of course, fully matured. 



Of all domestic fowls, the Black Spanish rank first, in my estima- 

 tion, for beauty and utility. Their plumage is a beautiful glossy 

 black. The comb is large and serrated, and of a vivid scarlet. The 

 w r attles are long ; the cheek, white ; ear-lobes, large and white ; mak- 

 ing a pretty contrast with the sable hue of their plumage, and the 

 scarlet of the comb and wattles. Their legs are always blue. Their 

 flesh is white and juicy, and of the first quality for table use. They 

 are great layers, but rather disinclined to sit, and their eggs are large 

 and white. 



A full grown cock will weigh from seven to eight pounds. A hen, 

 from five to seven pounds. 



The comb of this breed, from its great size, is apt to freeze ; but 

 this can be easily prevented by a little care and caution during severe 

 weather. 



At this present time, there are many black fowls, with large combs, 

 that are ignorantly or designedly sold for "pure Black Spanish," that 

 lack many of the distinguishing marks of the pure breed. Purchasers 

 will find to their sorrow, that they pay for bastards. 



I am yours, respectfully, JOHN GILES. 



