ANTAMS have gained a position in the fancy far beyond the wildest hopes of 



their most ardent admirers. Only a few years ago they were spoken of as 



"Banties," and those who fostered them were considered a little ofi the regular 



line of the poultry fraternity; to-day they have the attention of the poultry 



world, and the most successful breeders in the land pay them tribute. In 



England, Canada and the United States the most accomplished breeders 



are using their utmost endeavors to produce some one or more varieties of these 



miniature fowls of a surprising quality, so as to. astonish their fellow fanciers and gain 



prominence in the Bantam kingdom. 



In 1816 Moubray devoted to Bantams only thirteen lines of 



INTRODUCTION his book on domestic poultry; to-day, if alive, Burnham could write 



TO a book on the Bantam craze. Forty-five years ago Messrs. Wing- 



FIRST field and Johnson spoke of seven varieties, all that were known at 



EDITION. that time; to-day we have over forty kinds and colors, all fine 



in form and plumage. 



So much has been said and written within the last few years about Bantams that it 



would be quite impossible to say much of them that has not been previously stated. In 



compiling this volume, the author has gone through many books, written letters of 



inquiry to fanciers all over the world, and talked with every one known to him who 



knew aught of the subject. Facts thus obtained, together with those coming under his 



own personal observation, are herein recorded for the benefit of the reader. 



It is the author's wish t'(i;.pre^nt. this subject not ip. a lengthy, scientific manner, 

 but in a short, concise way that it' may be both attractive to the amateur and interesting 

 to the experienced fancier. Should this desire be fulfilled he will be fully compensated 

 for the many hours spent in search and preparation of the data contained herein. 

 1899. >?: ,^ T. P. mcgre;w. 



The pleasure derived from the compilation of "The Bantam Fowl,," was consider- 

 able, but far in excess of this is the gratification that comes with the task of revising 

 and enlarging it to meet the increased and more critical demands of Bantam fanciers. 

 Much advancement has been made in the quality of Bantams since the first edition of 

 this book was written. We now have a number of specialty clubs 

 INTRODUCTION devoted to their interest; all over the world Bantams are bred and 

 TO r^pognized as a valuable branch of the poultry industry; and at 



SECOND our Reading shows liberal accommodation is provided for the little 



EDITION. beauties. 



Extend the hand of fellowship to all brother fanciers; urge 

 them to continue in the good ^ork now so well in hand, and the Bantam interest will 

 grow to double its present proportions. Keep on faithfully in the engrossing work of 

 breeding Bantams better and better. It is with such an object that this book has been 

 enlarged in your interest and in the interest of our feathered pets. 



1903. • T. P. M'cGREW. 



