452 



The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 



double comb of a livid or dark purple colour, bluish face and deaf-ears, a crest as full as possible, 

 and feathered dark legs with five toes. The birds are, of course, free from vulture-hocks, and the tail 

 of the cock should be rather short, and with a nice rise from the saddle, very much resembling the 

 Cochin type. 



The following notes are from Mr. F. Wragg, who showed Silkies for Lady Gwydyr with 

 considerable success for several seasons : — 



" Silkies may be classed as purely fancy poultry, having little but their unique appearance to 





Hackle of Cock. 



Body of Hen. 



Fig. g6. — Feathers of Silky Fowls. 



recommend them. Instead of feathers, they are covered with an abundance of white silky hair ; the 

 wing and tail-quills also being hung with long silky fringe. The skin and legs are blue, the face 

 and comb a deep purple colour, ear-lobes being slightly tinged with white. The best specimens 

 have five toes and are feathered on the legs. The plumage should be pure white. 



" The cock should have a full prominent breast ; neck medium size ; hackle very full, flowing 

 well round the shoulders and on the back ; saddle square, and rising upwards to the tail, which 

 should gradually rise a few inches and then droop over. The comb is double, but is wider than 

 long, having a lumpy appearance, with scarcely any points on the top. It should be well on the 

 front of the head, and behind it should be a spur or crest of feathers projecting straight out, about 

 two inches in length. The weight of the cock averages about four pounds. The hen is rather 

 small in proportion, weighing only about two and a half pounds. She is very square and compactly 

 built, breast being full and round, neck rather short, saddle square and well cushioned, tail almost 



