POUIvTKY DEPARTMENT. 42 1 



Descf iption. We here give a short description of the various breeds, 

 together with their characteristics, so that it will be easy to decide which 

 one will be the most suitable for the place where they are to be kept. 



Andalusians. This is sometimes called the Blue Spanish and is one 

 of the leading varieties of the Spanish group. This group has been de- 

 scribed as follows: 



"A close, compact, smallish-sized body, placed upon legs of a good 

 length ; the neck rather long, with a fine head ; a large, upright-single 

 comb ; in the hen also large, but falling over one side ; and the cocks 

 have large sickle-shaped tails. ' ' Of course the color of plumage, legs, &c. , 

 are different in the several varieties, but the general appearance is as 

 here described. 



In Andalusians the plumage is slate-colored, but on the cock's neck 

 and back it is dark purple or nearly black. The birds are of a good 

 size, are prolific la3'ers of large white eggs, are precocious as chickens, 

 very hardy, bear confinement well, are fair table birds when young, can 

 be kept on all fairly dry soils and are non-sitters. In selecting birds at- 

 tention should be paid to size, to erectness of carriage; and any white on 

 the face, which ought to be red, should be avoided, as this indicates a cross 

 with the black Spanish." 



Braliinas. This breed is one of the most prominent breeds of fowls. 

 It is chiefly valuable for its great size and hardiness, and for laying well 

 in winter. The eggs, which are buff in color, are often srriall, but are 

 rich in quality. 



They are not a first-class table fowl, so far as quality of flesh is con- 

 cerned, having more of the flesh laid on the legs than on the breast; but 

 when young they are desirable, especeially when size is considered. 



For a family fowl they are unequalled, and a large Brahma chicken is 

 a dinner for a fair sized family. 



There are two varieties of Brahmas, the dark and the light, which are 

 alike, save in color. The bird is of pleasing shape, well-proportioned 

 and handsome. It has deep, massive body, neat head, small pea-comb, 

 and heavily-feathered legs. They are good sitters and mothers, though 

 clumsy when old; are very quiet in habits; moderate layers; and can be 

 kept on any soil. They are so large and' the wings so weak they can 

 be kept in bounds with an ordinary fence. 



Cochin. This was once, the most popular breed of all. Cochins 

 somewhat resemble the Brahmas in shape and appearance, but have more 

 feathers and are rather rounder. As winter layers they are fairly good, 



