ASIATIC BREEDS, 131 
. 
They are of large size, with a very gentle disposition, 
and the ease with which the Cochins are kept in confine- 
ment makes them favorites with many poultry-raisers. 
When full-grown the weight ranges from ten to fifteen 
pounds; they are too heavy to fly, and a fence two feet 
~ligh will confine them. As sitters and mothers the 
Lens are not surpassed, and are prolific layers, especially 
wa winter, when eggs are scarce. The chickens grow 
capidly, and at three months are large enough for eating. 
It is true, they have some defects. The flesh is in- 
ferior, especially of old birds. The inclination to sit 
sometimes interferes with their greatest usefulness. This 
tendency is developed by over-feeding. Asa breed the 
Cochins are most useful to supply the demands of a fam- 
ily for early chickens and a plenty of large, rich eggs. 
If the Cochins had dore nothing more than to awaken 
a general interest in poultry-breeding, their introduction 
wou'd still have been of benefit. 
Besides the Partridge, which may be either of the 
single or Pea-comb variety, the principal sub-varieties of 
the Cochins are the White, Buff, and Black. With 
those who breed the White variety every feather must 
be pure, otherwise the fowl is looked upon with disfavor. 
The Buff Cochins may be of any shade, but the birds in 
a flock must correspond in color. With the Blacks, it is 
of the utmost importance that every feather should be 
solid black. In other respects than plumage, the sey- 
eral varieties of Cochins are very similar. 
Oe 
THE LANGSHAN FOWLS,. 
The Langshans are natives of the extreme northern 
part of China, where most of the fowls, both wild and 
domestic, are black, and where the winters are very 
