COCHIN. 141 



All persons conversant with poultry matters 

 are aware that this gigantic fowl was originally 

 imported from China, and has added considerably 

 to our stock of valuable birds. 



Cochins lay regularly, and if not too highly 

 fed, are productive of very fine chickens, which I 

 consider excellent for the table, if killed young; 

 more than that, I cannot say. 



The hens are most exemplary in their ma- 

 ternal duties, and, from their abundance of soft 

 and downy feather, are peculiarly adapted for the 

 purpose of hatching. This seems their vocation, 

 which they accept with the most serene patience 

 three or four times a-year. They enjoy the hon- 

 ours of maternity; their love of this task seems 

 their idiosyncrasy. For them a mother's life is 

 " blessed with those sweet cares, all other joys, so 

 fax above," and they are often tempted to leave 

 their chickens at too early an age to resume them, 

 which is a great disadvantage in cold weather. 



