SILKY FOWLS. 1G3 



in this respect, and the fine and savory quality of their flesh, they 

 closely resemble the famous Sumatra Game. The imported Tonquins 

 are in my possession, but no others of this excellent breed are to be 

 found in America, except those owned by Mr. George A. Smith, of 

 Georgia, who has one of the most extensive varieties of pure 

 blooded imported fowls in the country. ' 



SILKY FOWLS. 



These are a singular bird, and another specimen of Nature's 

 curious freaks among the feathered races. They are covered 

 with down, somewhat resembling silk in its raw state. Mr. 

 Bement, in his Poulterer's Companion, says : 



This bird by modern writers, is considered a species, rather than a 

 variety. It is of good size, and the whole body is covered with 

 feathers, the webs of which are disunited, somewhat in the manner 

 of some of the feathers of the ostrich and the peacock, and appear 

 some like hairs and glossy silk. The legs are covered on the outside 

 to the toes. Individuals of this sort differ in respect to color as in 

 other varieties ; some are pure white, and others of a dingy brown ; 

 and all of them with dark-colored legs ; nor are the legs always 

 feathered. The bird is indigenous in Japan, where it is much prized, 

 and is also found in China, where they are frequently offered in cages 

 for sale to the Europeans. The skin and bones are said to be black, 

 which gives it when cooked, an unfavorable appearance, on which 

 account it is in disrepute. 



Some splendid specimens of the white Silky Fowl were 

 exhibited at the Fair of the New England Poultry Society, at 

 Boston, September 1852. 



