POULTRY. 131 



Cochin China, Chittagong, and Brahma Pootra, arc ahnost 

 worthless, except as a cross with the common barnyard fowl ; 

 for they are generally poor layers, clumsy, although persistent 

 and indomitable sitters, and their flesh is coarse and ill-flavored. 



The farmer has therefore but four breeds to select from, if he 

 wishes to arrive at the maximum degree of profit. These 

 breeds have well-marked and infallible characteristics, all dif- 

 ferent from each other to a certain extent, but uniting in the 

 most desirable qualities. 



The Black Spanish fowl is certainly the most desirable breed 

 we have, where a good layer and table fowl is desired. The 

 full-blooded bird is of a jet black plumage, with reflections of 

 greenish blue, and both sexes have very large, high-colored wat- 

 tles and combs, and ivhite faces. The males are courageous, 

 but attentive and kind to the females, who are most excellent 

 layers, but poor sitters, and inconstant nurses. The flesh of 

 these fowls is extremely delicate, white, and juicy. The eggs 

 are of good size and excellent flavor. Together with these 

 desirable qualities, this breed is easily reared and fed, (the birds 

 being but small eaters,) and they reach maturity at an early 

 period. Care must be taken in severely cold weather to protect 

 them, as their large wattles and combs are easily frozen. 



The Hamburg fowl is another excellent laying breed, often 

 being called the " Everlasting Layers." There are five varie- 

 ties: — the Black, Golden Spangled, Golden Pencilled, Silver 

 Spangled, and Silver Pencilled. These are all desirable breeds 

 for laying, but the eggs are rather small, and the birds not so 

 large for. the table as the Black Spanish, although of equally 

 good flesh. The males are kind and attentive, and the females 

 seldom desire to sit. This is the breed that Martin, in his Book 

 on Poultry, wrote of, as follows : — " The hen betrays no disposi- 

 tion to incubate, but continues to lay eggs, as if for no other 

 purpose than to repay her keeper." This breed is not very 

 hardy, but, in. a warm house, will lay throughout the winter. 



The Dorking fowl stands, unquestionably, at the head, where 

 a breed for poultry is desired. Both sexes have usually a pure 

 white plumage, sometimes gray or mottled ; their hind toes are 

 doubled. The males are peaceable and attentive to the females. 

 The hens are good layers, and excellent sitters and constant 

 mothers. These fowls are very heavy. Their flesh is delicate 



