383 Tim iLr.usTRATP.n Book of Poultry. 



their saddles, while others were free from it. [This is a common fault in all cuckoo or Dominique 

 varieties.] They were capital layers, and in my opinion a very pretty breed, but found no favour 

 at the shows, and therefore have nearly died out. They bred very true to colour, indeed the cuckoo 

 is very easy to breed if you once get it on one side, and by a cross with some other variety the 

 points might have been worked up well." We are inclined to think a cuckoo-colour might meet 

 with more favour now than formerly, some other varieties having made it rather more familiar and 

 popular than in old times. 



Silver-pencilled Hamburghs were formerly termed Creoles or Creels in some localities (evidently 

 from the mingling of black and white in the plumage) ; and an American poultry magazine published 

 in 1S73, gave a short description and engraving of a pair of birds under this name. In this case, 

 however, the fowls were evidently bad or ill-bred Spangled Hamburghs — i.e., bred larger and coarser 

 by the sacrifice of feather. Such birds, like the Redcaps, are often extraordinary layers. 



Mr. Serjeantson has already stated that Black Hamburghs will do well in runs of only 

 moderate size, and we have also known Silver-spangles maintain their high qualities in small yards, 

 provided they were on a dry soil and kept rigidly clean, which is absolutely essential to them under 

 such circumstances. The other varieties are only adapted to a grass-run, and lose much of their 

 prolificacy if penned up, being also then subject to roup and other diseases, though when at large 

 the Spangles at least are tolerably hardy fowls. Their great merit of course is as layers, though 

 the meat is excellent so far as it goes. As a layer and table fowl combined the Redcap is probably 

 one of the most profitable that can possibly be, though it lacks those charms of beauty which 

 render the other varieties so attractive. Crossing is not to be recommended in these breeds ; but if 

 resorted to, the best is that between a Silver-spangled cock and a Light Brahma hen, which often 

 produces spangled fowls of considerable size and very great beauty. We have sometimes thought 

 a large and handsome spangled fowl might in this way be produced and perpetuated. Chickens of 

 this cross are excellent layers. 



Hamburghs require very little to prepare them for exhibition, neither looking well when 

 fattened, nor submitting to the process. They need nothing more than to be in brilliant condition 

 as regards plumage and ear-lobes. Confinement under cover will make a great deal of difference 

 to the ear-lobes of the cock, which become rough and tinged if exposed ; and is almost necessary 

 if old cocks are to be shown, as the deaf-ears of ola birds left at large generally become rough and 

 coarse. The pens should not be less than six or eight feet square, and of ample height, so that the 

 birds may be able to fly up to the perch for exercise. Darkness is not intended, but only to screen 

 them from the wind and sun, which will rapidly improve their appearance ; and all cocks, 

 Mr. Beldon says, should be thus put up for about a fortnight, to get them to look bright, as well 

 as used to the pens. The hens should not be put up, as they cannot stand it, but go back in 

 condition ; but those which are to be shown should always run together first, and be first tried in a 

 pen to see if they agree. Hamburghs are not generally a pugnacious breed ; but it is a singular 

 fact that of the many cases of injury from fighting during exhibition, and particularly of one hen 

 or pullet being scalped by the other, more have been observed by us in the Hamburgh classes than 

 any others ; though it must be remembered that Malays and Game are rarely now shown in pairs 

 at all. On one occasion we saw at Birmingham a beautiful Silver-pencilled pullet with a hole 

 pecked right through the skull to the brain. The prevention of such disasters is so simple that 

 there is really no excuse for its being neglected. All the Silver varieties require of course to be 

 washed, which should be done two or three days before the show. The birds, however well washed, 

 will always look much purer in the White, and even Gold-pencils will keep a richer colour, ii' they 

 can have a nice shady run in the shelter of a wood or piece of shrubbery or orchard. 



