170 BANTAM FOWLS. 



resemblance to the Black Spanish. His plumage is jet black ; comb, 

 single and serrated ; cheeks, white ; legs smooth and blue. They are 

 first rate layers ; eggs, small, but very rich in their flavor. 



The Black Bantam has quite an attractive form. His plumage, 

 distinguished for its lustre, his comb, of rosy hue, his eye, fear- 

 less and impudent, his tail, full and flowing, and his self-com- 

 placent gait, mark him as a beautiful example of a noble spirit 

 in a little body. The hens are less distinguished for their form, 

 and are inferior in capacity. Yet they have the credit of being 

 good layers, and of fulfilling their maternal ditties well. They 

 are not fond of wandering away from home, nor of mingling 

 in the company of other hens in the neighborhood. They are 

 easily kept in the range of the barn-yard, and are useful in 

 destroying numerous insects that fall in their way. The Black 

 Bantam produces eggs that are smooth, and of a buff color, 

 and are pronounced to be of better flavor, than those of larger 

 fowls. 



Their chicks, when hatched, are quite small and tender ; the 

 eyes, feet, and legs, are black; but when they are full grown, 

 and covered with plumes, they are found not to be more feeble 

 and tender than those of many other breeds. The warm 

 season of summer is considered the best for raising the Ban- 

 tam chickens, as they are not at first fitted to endure the cool 

 and chilly air of spring. It is considered good policy to keep 

 the Bantam cock from mingling with other kinds of domestic 

 fowls, if one is desirous of rearing a plenty of chickens, or ot 

 securing a great quantity of eggs. 



WHITE BANTAMS. 



The white Bantams are somewhat larger than other varieties, 

 some being half the size of common fowls, and others being 

 nearly as small as Seabright's, and other breeds. They are a 

 pure white, and possess the general characteristics of the race 



SIBERIAN BANTAMS. 



This is a rare breed, having been brought, it is said, from 

 the southern border of Siberia, where the severe cold weather 

 dwindles all animal life to its smallest capacity. They must, 

 consequently, be very hardy, and able to withstand severe cold 



