280 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
The colours chiefly found are Blacks, Whites, Greys, Black and White, Spangles, Brown-Reds, and 
Gingers. The cocks average 5 to 6 lbs., the hens 4 to 5 lbs. From their appearance one would not think 
they even approached the weights quoted. 
The breed possesses extraordinary prepotent powers, and has been used to a great extent in the 
manufacture of some of the present-day improved breeds. 
To a Fancier who has a leaning towards a breed of Poultry that will never become common, the Aseel 
offers more than ordinary inducements. 
The following is the Standard adopted by the Aseel Club (Eng.) : — 
Standard of Perfection and General Characteristics. 
COCK and hen. 
Beak. — Very strong, fine-grained, and somewhat short ; lower mandible, thick and straight ; upper 
mandible, thick and slightly curved. 
Comb. — Triple, or what is termed "pea comb,'' the smaller the better, very hard and horny. 
Head. — Short and small, though broad between the eyes and jaw, and thick at the base. 
Eyes. — Bold, prominent, and brilliant, set back in the head. 
Face. — Of fine texture, though hard in substance ; ear-lobes and wattles as small as possible, the hen 
having little or no watde. 
Throat. — Clean, not prominent or fleshy. 
Neck. — Round, hard, muscular, and powerful, of medium length and same width throughout, curved 
slightly at the back, and seated high between broad shoulders. 
Back. — Broad at shoulders, short, and quite straight, no inclination to roach back. 
Breast. — Wide, short, and flat, carrying no fluff, and almost naked at point of breast-bone. 
Stern. — Narrow in comparison with shoulders, but thick and strong in hand at root of tail, this latter 
being a great indication of strength. 
Wings. — Strong, short, and carried level, standing well out from the shoulders, showing a bare spot at 
the first joint. 
Tail. — Slightly drooping, and short, with narrow, hard feathers. 
Sickles in Cocks. — Very fine, hard, and short, tapering like a scimitar to three or four inches from the 
ground. These in old cocks will appear parti-coloured, which is no detriment. 
Tail Coverts. — Short, spare, and very hard, difificult to break, the tail of the hen close and compact. 
Thighs. — Thick, strong, and muscular, and well apart, covered with little feathers. 
Legs. — Short, but not dumpy ; straight and quite clean, with closely-affixed, regular scales. 
Feet. — Short, thick, and straight ; toe-nails the same, straight hind toe to be preferred, though what is 
termed " duck-footed " is not a disqualification. 
Plumage. — Hard, close, and wiry, devoid of fluff. 
Body in hand. — Very firm, hard, heavy, and evenly balanced. 
Carriage and Shape. — Straight and upright, angular throughout, and not too gamey in general 
appearance. 
Points of Colour. 
Comb, Face, Jaws, and Throat. — Red. 
Eyes. — Pearl, all shades of white, pink, and yellow. 
Beak and Legs. — To match, though of no definite colour. 
Remainder of Plumage. — No final Standard of colour can be framed for Aseel, as they are yet of no 
fixed hue. The principal colours are red, black, grey, red-spangle, bhck-spangle, yellow, and white. 
