French Breeds. 
345 
Disqualifications. 
Absence of crest, beard, or muffling ; red, brown, or straw-coloured feathers in plumage ; feathered 
shanks or feet ; shanks and feet any other colour than black, or leaden-black ; presence of fifth toe, wry 
tail, or any other bodily deformity ; any frandulent dyeing, dressing, or trimming. 
LA FLECHE. 
The La Fleche differ considerably in shape, style, and form from the Houdan and Creveccjcur, and, in 
fact, the breed, as fostered in England and in France, also differ, the English-bred bird having no crest, the 
French-bred having a smart tuft of feathers on the head. In appearance, the La Fleche is a rather narrow, tall, 
gaunt-looking bird, inclining to the shape of the Spanish Fowl, but possessing a widely-different comb. The 
difference in the head points virtually make two varieties of the breed, though their other characteristics are 
alike. The bird, as now bred in England, is even taller than the Spanish, and has a red face, w/iitc ear-lobes, 
and greenish-black body colour. They are not nearly as precocious as either the Crevecoeur or Houdan, 
maturing very slowly, which retard their being kept where early chickens are desired for table purposes ; 
though, when matured, they fatten quickly, the flesh being considered quite as good as the two mentioned 
varieties. They are better layers than the Creves or Houdans, but are inclined to be delicate, and require a 
warm or mild climate, and dry soil, with well-sheltered surroundings. Like the Creve and Houdan, the hens 
are non-sitters. The chickens hatch Black and White. In mating the La Fleche Fowls for breeding, size, 
shape, style, prominent breast, and entire absence of white in plumage are the chief considerations, though 
the comb and ear-lobe must also be given attention, if high-class specimens of the breed are desired. One 
great disadvantage in rearing the chickens is the decided tendency to leg-weakness ; but this can be obviated 
to a great degree by choosing for mating only well-matured and vigorous-constitutioned stock birds on both 
sides. There is no doubt that this failing militates against the breed becoming popular, and, in fact, they 
will not do well unless bred and reared on perfectly dry soil ; but, where this can be obtained, they will be 
found a most useful and valuable breed of Poultry. The La Fleche, as recognisd by the French breeders 
and judges, as we remarked before, has the head adorned with a very small tuft, or half-crest, of feathers ; 
but do not differ in any other important point to those on the other side of the Channel. For our 
purpose we will describe the breed as known in England. 
General Characteristics. 
COCK. 
Head. — Rather long, and free from crest. 
Beak. — Long, strong, of a dark horn or black colour, the nostrils being large, and cavernous. 
Comby — Bright red. This feature is something like the Creves, being composed of two more or less 
upright horns, of fleshy formation, with smaller spikes at the front and base. The combs in this variety 
vary — in some birds having branches projecting from the inner sides, similar to the horns of a young stag ; 
in others, nearly upright ; and in a third, branching out at an acute angle. 
Ear-lobes. — Extra large, and pendulous, pure white, without stain or folds. 
Wattles. — Bright red, long and pendent, well rounded at the bottom. 
Face. — Bright red, quite free from feathers. 
Eyes. — Red and brilliant. 
Neck. — Long, erect, and well covered with hackle feathers. 
Back. — Wide, long, with an incline towards the tail. 
Wings. — Large, and carried closely to the body. 
Breast. — Wide, deep, and full, very prominent. 
Tail. — Full, carried at a moderate height, well furnished with broad, long, and well curved sickles. 
Legs. — Thighs and shanks long and stout, the shanks dark slate, or nearly black. 
Toes. — Four on each foot, straight, and same colour as shanks. 
