222 CLASS AVES. 



These cocks have indented crests and wattles, like our own. 

 The plumage is generally black, with bronzed reflexions ; but 

 in domestication, is found to assume various colours. 



The domestic race of these cocks is not very abundant, nor 

 is much cultivation bestowed upon it. The epidermis, as 

 black as ink, presents a disgusting appearance, when the 

 bird is served up at table. When the liens mix with other 

 males, mongrels of various colours are produced; some of 

 these have the epidermis and periosteum tinted with black, 

 and others entirely resemble our common hens. The nature 

 of these birds is very wild, and the hens are not fruitful. 



We are inclined to agree with M. Temminck, as to the 

 distinction of this species, which is strongly confirmed by the 

 examination of its internal parts. 



M. d'Azara, in his essays on the natural history of the 

 quadrupeds of Paraguay, says, that in that country, at 

 Buenos Ayres, and in the range of the Andes, there are also 

 hens, whose feathers, feet, crest, barbs, and skin, are black ; 

 the flesh is of a deeper colour than that of common hens, and 

 the bones more opake. It is singular that no mention is made 

 of these birds in M. d'^Azara's book on the ornithology of 

 those countries. 



The Silk CocJc, also a variety of the common, in Latham, 

 M. Temminck considers specifically distinct. Like the negro 

 cock, the epidermis and periosteum are black ; but the flesh is 

 white, and of an exquisite flavour. These birds would be 

 esteemed equal to the pintado as a delicacy, but for the re- 

 pugnant aspect of their skin. 



The livery of this bird is of a pure white ; the crest and 

 wattles are of the colour of lake. All the barbs of the 

 feathers are divided and extremely silky ; even the down at 

 the origin of the feathers is less close, and of a finer tissue, 

 than in the races of common cocks. 



The females are bad sitters, and much care is necessary to 



