POULTRY. 209 



It is plump-bodied, large, white-fleshed, matures early, aud lays 

 large eggs al)undautly, although in this respect it is not equal 

 to the Spanish. And it may be here stated tliat the Dorking 

 and the Spanish make a good cross. 



The Bolton Gray has enjoyed some reputation as a laying 

 hen, although the eggs are small, and they mature slowly. 

 But it has an odd habit of dying suddenly, without any ap- 

 parent cause, and for this reason it cannot be recommended. 

 " You go into the coop," says Mr. J. J. H. Gregory, " and find 

 one of your finest fowls on the nest for two or three days in 

 succession, with a comb rather unusually red (now this red- 

 ness of the comb is a certificate presented by other fowls that 

 their internal egg-producing apparatus is in full working order;) 

 and you tell John that ' really that Bolton Gray hen does beat 

 all in the poultry line that was ever heard of, seen or read of; 

 indeed you more than half believe she is but a mass of eggs 

 slightly covered with [feathers.' John, filled with respectful 

 admiration, approaches the prodigy with stealthy steps, looks 

 closely, and — proclaims her dead ! " This has been our own 

 experience. 



The Bantam, although the smallest of breeds, is pleasant to 

 keep, on account of its smart, gay and sprightly habits. The 

 best variety, Golden Sebright, is named after Sir John Sebright, 

 an English fowl-fancier. The Bantam will often weigh not over 

 one pound. A six months' old Bantam hen was exhibited at 

 the Essex fair, in 1860, which weighed only six ounces. These 

 little birds lay well and sit well. Their eggs are delicate, and 

 weigh from ten to fifteen to the pound. At a show in London, 

 in 1847, five Bantams sold for about 8250, or 850 each I The 

 breed is of Asiatic origin. 



The Leghorn fowls, in their general characteristics, are almost 

 precisely like the Black Spanish, and some maintain that they 

 are an accidental variety of that sort. They are clear white, 

 with beautiful pendant wattles, large serrated comb, of spirited 

 bearing and handsome carriage, shy, wild, hardy. They are 

 unsurpassed layers ; they do not incline to sit until the second 

 or third year ; they mature early, commencing to lay in four or 

 five months. Their young are hardy, and advance with rapidity. 

 The flesh of the Leghorn is white and excellent, but the bird is 

 only of medium size, and not profitable to raise for market. 

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