32 THE BANTAM. 



They make large capons, but are considered 

 to be very indifferent layers, and not very 

 steady sitters. 



5. The Bantam. This breed is kept more 

 for its grotesque figure than for profit, ft is 

 at once recognised by its feathered legs and 

 diminutive size. It is a good layer, but 

 the eggs are very small. There is another 

 variety of this breed, which ha-j been raised 

 in England, which' is not much larger than 

 a pigeon, and with smooth legs. Aside from 

 the curiosity of the thing, I know of no ob- 

 ject in raising this breed, unless for the un- 

 worthy purpose of passing them off for chick- 

 ens out of season. The prudent farmer will 

 hesitate to introduce them into his poultry- 

 yard, unless he wishes to diminish the size 

 both of his eggs and chickens. 



These are the chief varieties commonly 

 known among us. There are others which 

 I have not seen ; such is the Dorking fowl, 

 an English breed, originating, I presume, 

 from the Malay. It is very large, and some 

 of them have two hind toes. 



The question has frequently been asked, 



