158 SILVER PHEASANT FOWLS. 



yard with other breeds, provided both cocks and hens of this 

 breed are present. They are said to have come originally from 

 the island of Dominica. Mr. G. C. Pierce, of Danvers, Mass., 

 says : " Taken all in all, I consider them to be one of the best 

 native breeds of fowls, that we have, and I do not know any 

 breed that alters so little by in-and-in breeding. They are first 

 rate layers, and good sitters and nurses." In brief, I can say, 

 that a better native fowl will be very hard to find. 



SILVER PHEASANT FOWLS. 



Here we have a charming breed of little fowls perfect 

 beauties in every respect, and remarkable for great brilliancy 

 of plumage, and diversity of colors. Dr. Bennett thus describes 

 them: 



On a white ground, which is usually termed silvery, there is an 

 abundance of black spots. The feathers on the upper part of the 

 head are much longer than the rest, and unite together in a tuft. 

 They have a small, double comb, and their wattles are also compara- 

 tively small. A remarkable peculiarity of the cock is, that there is a 

 spot of a blue color on the cheeks, and a range of feathers under the 

 throat, which has the appearance of a collar. 



The hen is a smaller bird, with similar plumage to the cock, and at 

 a little distance seems to be covered with scales. On the head is a 

 top-knot of very large size, which droops over it on every side. These 

 are beautiful and showy birds, and are chiefly valuable as ornamental 

 appendages to the poultry-yard. 



