136 BREEDS. 



in body from the back to the breast-bone gives a 

 better proportion to the shape, which would 

 otherwise look scraggy. 



The legs are clean and of dark blue colour. 



Plumage — a brilliant jet black, hackles and 

 saddle feathers long. 



Tail — full, rising perpendicularly from the 

 back, and the numerous sickle feathers falling 

 veiy gracefuUy. 



Carriage — bold and majestic; this is of great 

 importance in rendering these fowls handsome 

 and attractive. 



Hens. 



" White face not nearly so large as that of the 

 cock. Comh, large, and hanging over one side; 

 it lessens very much during the moulting or non- 

 laying season, and is much affected by cold. 

 Plumage, perfectly black. This breed is cele- 

 brated for being egg-producers, a property which 

 renders them very valuable. They surpass all 

 other breeds in the size of their eggs, and they 

 lay constantly, being non-sitters. They are, 

 however, very unfit for table purposes, as they 



