254 



VERTEBllATA. 



:iiliniral>lc i>:itifii«-(' in liatcliin-jj tliciii, lior iiidiistrious viive and assiduous labor in feeding lu r 

 ehii'kens, and lier cuuram' and energy in defending them, have always excited admiration. 



Of tli(' domestic Fowl there are nunurous varieties, each of which possesses some remarkable 

 eharaeteristies. The importance of j)oultry as a source of national wealth* has attracted great atten- 

 tion of lale years, ami consecpientlv the various breeds of fowls have been the theme of careful in- 

 vestigation. The following are {he most noted varieties: 



The pure Siianoiiai Fowl : this is an enormously large bird. The cock stands twenty-eight 

 inches hii;h ; w ei<;hs from ten to twelve pounds ; is hardy, productive, and of a docile temper, and 

 its llesli is tender and j dcy. There are many varieties and several inferior kinds. 



The C\>i'iiiN China Fowl resembles the preceding, but is somewhat smaller; its qualities are 

 similar. 



The Malay Fowi, stands twenty-six inches high, and weighs from ten to twelve pounds. The 

 eggs are large an<l oval, and two of them arc equal to three from the common breed. The cock 

 is noteil for his courage. The flesh does not take the first rank. 



The TnKASANT Malay Fowl, a variety of the preceding, is a useful and ornamental kind. 



The (ifELDERLAXD FowL, brought from North Holland, is jet black; they are good layers; 

 their flesh excellent; they are inferior to none for beauty or utility. 



The Dorking Fowl, which has been called the Capon Fotvl of England, is of various colors. 

 The white breed is the most noted ; they are hardy, prolific, easily raised, and the flesh is excel- 

 lent. The colored Dorkings are supposed to be mixtures with other breeds. 



The Spanish Fowl is black, and the hens are noted for continuous laying, without a disposi- 

 tion to sit. With many it is a favorite breed. 



GAUE FOWLS. 



j 



The Game Fowls are instinctive fighters, even the chickens, before they are fully fledged, being j 

 often stone blind from wounds received in their contests. Their chief use, in former times, has : 

 been as combatants in the cock-pit. This amusement is of some antiquity, and was formerh 



* The following memoranda will be sufficient to establish the value of domestic poultry, in the light of political 

 economy: ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF EGGS. 



In France (produced) 8,000,000,000 In the United States, estimated 6,000,000,000 • 



In Paris (consumed) 160,000,000 Annually imported into England from France, 60,000,000 , 



In London, estimated 350,000,000 '• " " " Ireland, 75,000,000 



In New York, estimated 150,000,000 



Value of Poultry of the United States, estimated, $40,000,000; of France, $70,000,000; of Great Britain, $55,000,000. ' 



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