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Chapter XIX. 
BRAHMAS. 
Next to the Langshan it is doubtful whether any other variety of Fowl has caused more controversy, and at 
times angry discussion, as the History and Origin of the Brahma. Though the name denotes as if its original 
habitat was India, this is doubtful, it being claimed by some authorities that, similar to the Plymouth 
Rock and Wyandotte, the two varieties, both Light and Dark, were originated in America, from a 
cross with the Grey Chittagong on top of the Cochin, the former being a large variety of the Malay. One 
strong point in favour of the common origin of Brahmas and Cochins may be discovered in their similar 
osteological characters and anatomical peculiarities. The skull of the Cochin is vaulted and arched both 
from back to front, and side to side, and possesses a peculiarly marked groove, extending along the frontal 
bone, and these features every anatomist will regard as distinctly marked characteristics. In these same 
characteristics the skull of the Brahma and Cochin are identical, differing entirely to other pure breeds of 
Fowls, the latter wanting the distinguishing frontal peculiarities, and the remarkable arched or vaulted 
character of the head found in both these breeds. 
There is little doubt that the Brahma has, to a considerable e.xtent, deteriorated of late years as to laying 
qualities. When first introduced, they were good layers, but breeding so much for feather properties has, to 
a great extent, sacrificed their laying powers ; but there is no denying the fact that their appearance is now 
far and away more striking in the Show pen. As a table Fowl, either pure or crossed, they take high rank, 
owing to their substantial size, and the excellence of their meat ; and again, they are most docile and 
tractable (and may be kept well within bounds by the lowest of fences), are remarkably handsome in 
appearance, with a majestic carriage. Both the Dark and Light varieties should be identical in 
size, shape, and carriage, differing only in colour. Great size is, of course, a weighty considera- 
tion in breeding the variety ; but forcing growth is especially to be condemned in this breed, the result too 
often showing itself in the plumage, which thus becomes soft and fluffy looking, as it must always be 
remembered that the True Brahma is a closc-fcathcrcd breed. The general characteristics of well-bred birds 
exhibit themselves in the quality of head and comb, and the commanding, upright carriage. The head of 
tha cock should be very small in proportion to the body, and when extra small, is a certain sign of high 
breeding. A coarse-looking head quite spoils the appearance of many an otherwise good bird. The top of 
the head should be rather wide, the eyebrows slightly overhanging, but not so much as to give a sour or 
scowling look to the face. The whole head should be rather short and well arched, a weak or snipey head 
quite spoiling the appearance. The comb should be triple, the centre division being the highest, and as a 
guide to the absolute purity of a strain, in sitch this ciiaracteristic feature never varies, though sometimes 
the combs will grow too large or crooked, but will still be triple if the strain is pure. An ideal comb rises 
from the beak to the centre, then decreases towards the back, forming an arch, the beak short and thick at 
the base, with rather a downward, curved appearance. The neck of the cock should be as full as possible 
in the hackle, and well arched ; the hackle at the back of the head should start out with a very convex and 
clean sweep, forming a distinct depression at the junction with the head, and should be full and abundant, 
flowing in great profusion over the back and shoulders, thus adding greatly to the commanding appearance 
of the bird. The back should be wide, but very short, the saddle commencing to rise just behind the base 
of the neck (a flat-sided, or narrow bird, should be distinctly avoided for the breeding pen). The saddle should 
be broad and full, rising well towards the tail, thus adding to the proud carriage which is such a conspicuous 
feature of the breed. The saddle feathers should be very full and abundant, flowing well over the tips of the 
