COCHIN. 143 



It, perhaps, has a larger appetite than most 

 fowls, and a good hearty meal must be given ; 

 but we are repaid in eggs and early chickens. 

 These are the principal uses for which we should 

 keep it. 



The male bird possesses a quiet and easy tem- 

 per, and is peculiarly gifted with the art of calm- 

 ing any violent spirit his hens may display. 



Lords of the creation! what an example do 

 they set you of patience imder much provoca- 

 tion! 



To be perfectly truthful, a cross with the 

 Cochin deteriorates the beauty of all other varieties, 

 and adds nothing to the value of chickens so 

 obtained. 



As an example of this, see the gaunt, long- 

 legged, LU-conditioned birds so often the result 

 of a Cochin cock having been introduced into a 

 poultry yard to improve the breed ! ! 



Since writing the above, I have been gratified 

 by receiving a perfect corroboration of my opi- 

 nions, both as to this breed and the general treat- 

 ment of stock, from Mr Stretch, the eminent 

 Cochin fancier. 



