EUROPEAN BREEDS. 153 
were first described by an Italian author, about 260 years 
ago, in whose treatise rough wood-cuts of some crested 
fowls were given as ‘‘ Paduan Fowls.” Paduan was an 
Italian city, and these crested fowls were, therefore, 
Italian. Buffon refers to the Paduan fowls, and supposed 
them to have been descended from Asiatic stock ; he 
also described a variety with white body and black crest, 
which has long been extinct, although breeders have 
made many efforts to restore it. The vareties of the 
Polish fowls now known are the White-crested White, 
the White-crested Black, the Golden, and the Silver- 
spangled, with some bearded varieties. Of these the 
most beantiful is, perhaps, the first mentioned. The 
Polish fowls are profuse layers, non-sitters, delicate table 
fowls, ef handsome appearance ; they possess an oddity 
in their crests, which makes them attractive to the fancier 
and the amateur. They are contented in confinement, 
and bear close quarters very well; are easily kept within 
bounds and, becoming readily attached to their owners, 
make pleasing pets. When young, they are unusually 
elegant with their full crests, gracefully shaped little 
bodies, and tame disposition. On the whole, there is 
hardly any other breed which would give more satisfac- 
tory results in every way, where but one is kept, than 
this. For ornament, the pure white breeds have a de- 
cided advantage over the colored ones, because they show 
so conspicuously upon a green lawn or a field. The 
White Leghorn is very popular on this account, as well 
as for its prolific egg-producing ; but the White Polish 
has an advantage over the graceful Leghorn in the pos- 
session of a crest, a heavier body, and better flesh, as 
well as being equally valuable as an egg-producer. For 
ornament, therefore, as well as for use, the White Polish 
should be popular fowls. 
