THE ITALIAN AND MALAY HENS. 31 



out the year. Those who give credence U 

 this may fortify their belief by the authority 

 of Aristotle, who speaks of certain fowls in 

 Illyria who habitually lay three eggs a day. 

 This miraculous performance has, however, 

 not been witnessed out of Illyria. 



3. The Italian Hen. So called, although 

 it was introduced into Europe from the Bar- 

 bary States. They are mostly glossy black, 

 and are more particularly distinguished by 

 the enormous size of their combs and wat- 

 tles, which are equally conspicuous in both 

 sexes. They are in great repute as layers, 

 but are delicate, and require warm lodgings 

 in winter. I should think them better adapt- 

 ed to the Southern States. 



4. The Malay. This is the largest of our 

 breeds. Dampier says that he saw one of 

 this breed so large, that, standing on the 

 floor, it picked up crumbs from the table. 

 They are mostly yellowish or reddish-brown. 

 The eggs are large and well flavoured. The 

 flesh of the chicken is not very delicate, and 

 is better adapted for broth than anything 

 else ; in the adult it is coarse and stringy. 



