72 



THE ASIATICS. 



as mentioned, while the manipulations necessary to the dou- 

 ble mating system tend to force your blood lines so far apart 

 that the introduction of one into the other injures both color 

 and markings. 



The only way to hold in check the white that is so likely 

 to make its appearance ir the wings .:nd about the? roots of 

 the tail feather? c-f the male, is to have a good, rich black 

 in breast, body and wings and with these good, strong under*; 

 color is necessary. These are the only safeguards against . 

 the white or gray, that naturally belongs to all fowls whose 



plumage shows the black-red shades. The same fault, if 

 fault it must be called, was found in the early-day males, 

 the Earl Derby Games, our present-day Black Red Games, 

 Brown Leghorns and others with similar colors. The pres- 

 ence of white or gray has a very undesirable influence upon 

 the richness of the surface color. For all these reasons it is 

 quite difficult to hold the shades and markings of Partridge 

 Cochins together with perfect Cochin type, but it can be ac- 

 complished if the proper care and attention are given along 

 the lines as I have suggested. GEO. W. MITCHELL. 



STANDARD BRED BLACK COCHINS. 



An Instructive, Convincing Article by a Fancier and Judge Who Has Bred Them Continuously 



During Twenty-two Years. 



By C. H. Rhodes. 



FTER a fancier has made the breeding of a 

 certain variety of fowls a specialty for a num- 

 ber of years, it i s hard to keep his mind 

 free from prejudice toward other varieties. Very 

 naturally his special variety of fowls become his fav- 

 orites, and he desires to have other breeders recognize the 

 true merits of his variety as seen by himself. The true 

 fancier, however, will avoid prejudice or favoritism, con- 

 ceding to all varieties the true merit they deserve. When- 

 ever an article is published from the pen of a contributor 

 showing a desire to depreciate any special variety of fowls, 

 you can rest assured that the fowls he depreciates are strong 

 competitors of public favor. It is to be hoped that the read- 

 ers of this article will recognize the desire of the writer to 



A Black Cochin Hen of Grand Shape and Color. Bred by C. H. Rhodes. 



call attention to the excellencies of the Black Cochin, giving 

 to all other varieties of fowls most respectful consideration. 

 It is not the purpose of this article to go into details 

 regarding the origin, history or advent of the Black Cochins 

 in this country. Many articles as to the history of these 

 fowls have been published heretofore. The purpose of this 

 article will have been accomplished if it produces in the 

 mind of the reader a recognition of the sterling qualities 

 possessed by the Black Cochins, and assists in placing them 

 in the front rank with other varieties. 



The breeders of these fowls thoroughly understand and 

 appreciate them for their economic worth. As compared 

 with the other Asiatics they stand second to none 

 as egg producers. Their eggs are large and uniform. 

 The hens are not prone to sit very early in the 

 season, but when they raise a brood of chicks, 

 they make thebest of mothers. The better strains 

 of these fowls under careful handling' breed 

 very uniform as to size, color and shape. The 

 epicure will find in the Black Cochin a fowl 

 that for table use will fill all requirements. The 

 tissue of the fowl is tender and easily prepared 

 for use. Unlike many varieties of black fowls, 

 the skin dresses yellow and is free from any 

 bluish tinge, which is so objectionable in many 

 of the markets of the east. 



The Black Cochins are very hardy fowls. 

 They stand exposure and fatigue, changes of 

 climate and temperature with impunity. As a 

 class they are exceptionally free from predis- 

 position to disease. During unfavorable sea- 

 sons of the year, when other flocks are infected 

 with disease, they are immune. The typical 

 fowl has a beautiful greenish black metallic 

 luster. A flock of these well-bred fowls is most 

 pleasing to the eye, and would please and en- 

 thuse any admirer of fine poultry. 



MR. RHODES LONG DEVOTION TO BLACK 

 COCHINS 



My attention was first called to Black 

 Cochins in 1872. A Wisconsin friend was at 

 that time giving his especial attention to these 

 fowls. The early breeders were more success- 

 ful in securing the requisite color than in ob- 



