288 BIRDS 



The chief characteristic is in the long hock feathers, which 

 are very stiff and of such a length as sometimes to touch 

 the ground. Whites are the best known color, although 

 black are also seen. Once very commonly kept, the com- 

 ing of the Cochin Bantam has driven the Booted Bantam 

 to the wall, so that it is doubtful if there is now a repre- 

 sentative specimen of the breed in this country. 



In Belgium several very old varieties of bantams are 

 cultivated. These are of two types, one of which is similar 

 to the Booted Bantam, just described, except for the pos- 

 session of large beards of feathers on the throat. It is 

 bred in several colors, some of which are striking. The 

 other sort is clean-legged and rose-combed. The only 

 Antwerp Bantam which appears to have been brought to 

 this country is the Mille Fleur, or " Thousand Flow- 

 ers." It is of the booted and bearded type, deep buff in 

 color, each feather having a black spot near the end, tipped 

 with white. This is a beautiful bird and undoubtedly will 

 become popular here. 



The SiLKiE Fowl, which is not commonly considered to 

 be a bantam, is still small enough to be included in the group. 

 It is believed to have been produced in Japan or China and 

 undoubtedly is of very ancient origin. Its chief peculiarity 

 is the silky quality of the plumage, caused by the entire 

 absence of the barbicels or hooks, which ordinarily bind 

 together the barbs, to form the web of the normal feather. 

 The comb is rose and plum-colored, as are the wattles and 

 the bare portions of the head. The ear-lobes are blue. The 

 legs also are blue, and more or less heavily feathered. 

 There are five toes instead of the usual four. Silkie hens 

 are the finest possible mothers for pheasants, quail and 

 ducks. While their use is not necessary for the hardier 

 species, they are a great aid in rearing the more delicate 

 birds. 



