MALAY i BRAHMA POOTBA. 



habits of domestac fowls, some useful information ib given 

 conoemimg the Coclun-China. "Prom her experience of this 

 species," the "Henwiife" says, "lOochins lay regularly, and, if 

 not too highly fed, are produotiv« of very fine chickens. The 

 hens are more exemplary in their maternal dirties, and from 

 their abundance of soft and downy feather, are peculiarly 

 adapted for the purpose of hatching. They enjoy the honour 

 of maternity ; their love of this task seems their idiosynorasy. 

 For them a mother's joys is ' blessed with those sweet cares,' 

 Ac." From a sea of poetry our author again emerges intothe poul- 

 try-yard, and continues : — " This variety is very hardy, and may 

 be kept in a smaller space than almost any other ; cockerels, 

 however, must have ample range, if intended to become superior 

 specimens. It is remarkably free from liability to any disease, 

 if well provided with green food, which is indispensable. 



" I consider the Cochin a more beautiful bird, and capable of 

 comparison with the most graceful and high-coloured of our 

 poultry; its exquisite feathering and lovely tints, from the 

 palest buff to deep orange, make this bird peculiarly the lady's 

 own. 



" All must appreciate its massive build, small head, rich, fuH 

 hackle, and majestic carriage — true types of the high-caste 

 Cochin." 



A somewhat rare variety is tiie Maiat Fqwx, which possesses 

 many good qualities. It is a large, heavy bird, with long 

 legs, which are stout and firm, enabling their owner to stand 

 very erect ; some specimens of this fowl have been known to 

 measure over three feet in height, and weigh more than ten 

 pounds. Crossed with the Spanish fowl, tiie Malay produces 

 excellent birds for table. Like the game fowl, it is terribly 

 pugnacious, and in its native home is specially trained for 

 fighting. In captivity, it will assault its companions indis- 

 ctiminately ; and, it is said, that at exhibitions, "Before the show 

 opens, and even before the judges have performed their duties, 

 the committee are called in to keep the peace ; the combatants 

 are separated, and, instead of occupying decorated pens, each 

 fowl, perhaps thrust into a spare pigeon-cage, stands in solitary 

 wretchedness, looking as fowls generally do look after they 

 have been fighting." The same authority informs us that— 

 *• I have heard an amateur relate how he has had his window 

 broken by his Malay cock doing battle with his own reflec- 

 tion." 



The Braema-Pooxba has not long been introduced into thiai 



