LANGSHAN IS A RANGY BIRD 51 



steel-gray and black. In breeding penciled or parti-colored birds 

 it is so often necessary to mate them so close in order to secure 

 the correct characteristics, that the productiveness of the birds 

 is likely to be slighted. In consequence a solid-color bird is the 

 more practical one for the farmer or general market poulterer. 

 They can be raised in large flocks with the least amount of atten- 

 tion paid to color, and all the attention bestowed on their utility 

 qualities. 



Black and White Cochins. — In this respect the Black Cochin 

 or the White Cochin is the more desirable variety. The Black is 

 of a rich, glossy, greenish-black throughout its entire plumage, 

 and the White is pure white throughout. A flock of Black Co- 

 chins present a handsome sight, and being dark they do not soil 

 so readily, as do the Whites. On the other hand, the Whites 

 dress better for market purposes, for there are no dark pin feathers 

 to mar the clean appearance of the flesh. 



Langshans are the smallest and the most active of the Asiatic 

 breeds, also the most rangy-looking birds. See Fig. 29. They 

 are bred in two colors, White and Black, and the latter is probably 

 the most widely bred in this country. 



The Langshan is distinct from the Brahma or Cochin in shape. 

 The male, especially, has a very majestic carriage, tall and stylish, 

 not the least gawky, a splendid leader for the flock, attentive to 

 the hens, and an excellent forager. Langshans are good sitters 

 and mothers, and having a gentle disposition, they are ideal fowls 

 for the farm. They are fair layers, particularly during the winter 

 months, and the chicks are hardy and grow well. Langshan 

 chicks mature earlier than the other Asiatic breeds. 



To the inexperienced eye some confusion exists between the 

 Black Langshan and the Black Cochin ; but this should not be. 

 The Cochin is a stocky bird, with heavy-looking neck and legs, 

 whereas the Langshan is very erect, with a high tail and sweeping 

 curve to the neck. The Langshan fluff is moderate and close, 

 while the Cochin fluff is extreme and loose. Then, too, the feath- 

 ering on the shanks of the Langshan is not so profuse, and the 

 shanks are longer in proportion. The comb of the Langshan is 



