104 



THE AMERICAN POULTERER'S COMPANION. 



YELLOW OB BUFF COC11INS. 



epithets more appropriate than that they are the 

 most domestic and amiable of all the varieties 

 of poultry. They are exceeded by none in their 

 attachment to their own house and yard, from 

 which they never wander far even when their 

 liberty is unrestricted; and in gentleness they 

 are unequaled. Both sexes will soon have suffi- 

 cient confidence to feed out of the hand of any 

 one with whom they are acquainted; and the 

 hens will allow their chickens to be taken from 

 beneath them with little resistance beyond a re- 

 monstrant cluck. No birds are more confiding 

 under kind treatment, yet no others seem so 

 \villing to set about making themselves com- 

 fortable even under adverse circumstances. In 

 a confined space all other varieties show their 

 sense of restraint by irritated movements and 

 sedulous research for an outlet ; while the Co- 

 chins will quietly repair to some corner, and ei- 

 ther by their repose or peering occupation give 

 evidence that they purpose to make all things 

 as pleasant as possible. Yet let no one suppose 



that they are without becoming high spirit. In 

 defense of their young, in buffeting intruding 

 poultry, in firmness of purpose when desirous 

 of sitting, no hens can be more exemplary. No 

 cocks come forward more gallantly to repel the 

 trespassing Lothario ; and none are more gen- 

 erous in giving precedence to the ladies at feed- 

 ing times than these natives of the Celestial 

 Empire. 



THE SHANGHAI FOWL. 



The Shanghai fowl in its varieties is highly 

 esteemed by many, and considered the best of 

 the Asiatic breed. The first imported into this 

 country was in 1847. 



In enumerating the most important points of 

 beauty and excellence in the Shanghai fowl, we 

 will begin with the hen. 



The hen should have a slightly curved beak ; 

 the forehead well arched ; comb low, single, erect, 

 and slightly and evenly toothed; wattles small 

 and curved inward ; eyes bright and prominent, 



