208 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



and they will lay a greater weight of eggs annually than any 

 other fowl, unless it be the Leghorns. The White-Faced 

 Spanish is the purest variety. It has a clear white face, a 

 full breast, large single, serrated comb, long pendant wattles, 

 (apt to freeze in winter,) and beautiful black plumage, and is 

 an attractive bird. Mr. Richardson, author of an English work 

 on " Domestic Poultry," says, " The Spanish is one of the very 

 best birds with which I am acquainted. It possesses flesh of the 

 best and whitest quality, and acquires it with rapidity, which is 

 a most important consideration to the producer ; and the hen 

 lays a large egg." 



The Black Spanish is very popular in England, where it is 

 known as the " gentleman's fowl." It has acquired an equal 

 reputation in this country, as an early and everlasting layer, 

 early maturing, seldom or never desiring to sit, and usually 

 healthy. The objection to this fowl is that its wandering and 

 fly-away propensities render it annoying in a neighborhood. 



For sitting the common native fowl may be recommended, or 

 the Brahma Pootra. The latter is a very broody bird and sits 

 remarkably well, but, being clumsy, must be looked after when 

 the chickens hatch, lest she crush them with her feet. The 

 Brahma Pootra is also popular as a good layer, producing a 

 large Q^g about the size of the Black Spanish, and of the yel- 

 lowish hue common to eggs of the Asiatic breeds. The flesh 

 of this bird is good also. Although large, it is not gigantic in 

 size, nor is it awkward in appearance. It matures slowly, and 

 unless forced the chickens will not lay in less than eight or nine 

 months. It is a great eater, but will accept any kind of food. 

 It does not incline to fly, nor to wander abroad, nor to scratch 

 much, and it is therefore a good breed to keep in enclosures in 

 town. The color of this fowl is white, with a mottled neck ; its 

 comb and wattles are small, and it is hardy and able-bodied. 

 This variety is at the present time more popular tiian any 

 other, and perhaps deservedly so. One great merit of the 

 Brahmas is their peaceful disposition — an entire absence of 

 pugnacity. 



The Dorkings both lay well and sit well, and, where only a 

 single kind is desired, can be recommended. The pnrc variety 

 is speckled. Its name is derived from a town in Surrey, in 

 England, and in that country it is considered the best of fowls. 



