32 



Marvels of the Universe 



THE YOKOHAMA FOWL. 



Jt has been proved that these beautiful birds 

 were kept in Japan as far back as 600 B.C. 



hideousness of the Octopus, go to an aquarium and 

 gaze upon the writhing, dirty-grey group of Octopi 

 there for a few minutes. I shall then be honourably 

 acquitted, I know. 



LONG-TAILED FOWLS OF YOKOHAMA 



BY H. SEPPIXGS WRIGHT 



The long-tailed cock, technically known as " The Yoko- 

 hama," is a special product of Japan, where it was kept 

 as far back as 600 B.C. It presents a pleasing and unique 

 contrast to the general run of fowls. The fact that it is 

 of Japanese origin accounts for the proud and beautiful 

 bird we have in the Yokohama, for, no matter what 

 section of art the Japanese touches, there his artistic soul 

 finds full expression, whether it be in the much-admired 

 masterpieces carved in ivory, or quaintly drawn in water- 

 colour. Many interesting stories are told of the history 

 of this remarkable bird. 



The " Antient Almanack," a chronicle not unlike our 

 " Domesday Booke," tells us : 



" That once upon a time the Province of Tosa " 

 (where the Yokohamas had alwaj's been extensively 

 bred) " selected a feather for its crest, and required all 

 retainers to attach a feather to their spears as a pennon, 

 or emblem, on grand occasions and in state processions. 

 Competition sprang up amongst the Samurai, or retainers, 

 each individual striving to obtain the longest feather." 



The feathers from the tails of the Yokohamas were 

 chosen ; in consequence there arose a great demand for the 

 longest plumes. Breeders therefore bred for the greater 

 length of tail. The price demanded for such feathers was 

 enormous, and finally birds were raised with tail feathers 

 measuring as much as eighteen or twenty feet in length, 

 showing what could be done by scientific selection and 

 special cultivation. Of course, the modern breeder has 

 neither the same facilities, nor can he devote so much 

 time to the art ; consequently he is well satisfied with 

 a tail of twelve or thirteen feet, such as the subjects of 

 our illustrations. 



The birds are always kept in high, narrow cages, lit 

 from the top. If the bottom were lighted the bird 

 would probably descend, and then, alas ! for the beautiful 

 tail ! The bird remains on its perch all day, and to 

 protect the long tail from dirt or damage two other 

 perches are placed further back in the cage, over which 

 the tail falls. In public gardens possessing an aviary, 

 this bird is always a great attraction. About every 

 other day he is taken out of his cage for a walk — an 



