THE COMPLETE GRAZIEE. BOOK VH. 



position in respect of popularity. It is a manufactured breed, and 

 partakes much of the Cochin shape, but is clean legged (fig. 155), and 

 markedly superior in economic qualities. The comb is single and the 

 legs are yellow. Of it there are four colours the barred, by which is 

 meant that every feather is crossed with narrow back bars on a white 

 ground ; the white, the buff, and th^ black, these being self-coloured. It 

 is an excellent variety for economic properties, good as a layer in winter, 

 an admirable sitter and mother, a rapid grower, and makes an average 

 table fowl. It is to be found everywhere, and appears to have the 

 important merit of adapting itself to all conditions 



Wyandottes. Of this breed, for which we owe another debt of 

 gratitude to American breeders, there are at present several colours. 

 These include the silver, which was the original, the gold, the white, 

 the buff, the black, &c. The breed is undoubtedly a composite, and 

 several varieties have been concerned in its production. The shape is 

 that of the Brahma, but it is clean legged ; the comb is rose, like that of 

 the Hamburgh, and the marking in the silver and the gold is, or ought 

 to be, black lacing on a silvery white or a golden bay ground, like the 

 lacing which has hitherto been peculiar to the Sebright Bantam. They 

 are very hardy indeed, excellent layers of rich eggs, grow rapidly to a 

 large size, and make good table fowls, but have the yellow legs which 

 are sought for in all American breeds. 



In addition there are two other breeds, known as the Javas and the 

 Dominiques, but these are so little bred that it is needless to say more 

 respecting them. 



In selecting, we should recommend to farmers, in the order 

 named: for 



Winter Layers. Langshans, Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, and 

 Orpingtons. 



Early Chickens. Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, Orpingtons. 



Cold Exposed Situations. Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks. 



2. THE LAYING, OK NON-SITTING VARIETIES. 



Of these there is quite a large variety, all of which, without exception, 

 have been developed in Western and Southern Europe. The most 

 numerous are known as the Mediterranean family, and include Anconas, 

 Andalusians, Leghorns, Minorcas, and Spanish. These have spread 

 very widely, as they are wonderful layers of 'large, white-shelled eggs. 

 They are very sprightly in carriage, of medium size in body, moderately 

 long in the neck, with a rather prominent breast, and flowing tail. 

 The legs are medium in length, and the head is surmounted by a large 

 single comb, standing upright in the cock, and falling gracefully over in 

 the hen. In all the ear-lobe is white, but in the Spanish this has been 

 permitted to spread so much that it not only covers the face, but hangs 

 down several inches below it. The Hamburgh is another large family, 

 but they are more of a fancy breed, as their eggs are too small for 

 market purposes. 



Anconas. A variety which is excellent as an egg producer, and is 

 hardy. The plumage is speckled, or mottled. 



