French Breeds. 
349 
GOURNAY. 
This breed is the common Fowl of Normandy, and is of fair size, with mixed plumage of black and 
white. The comb is single, erect in the cock, but falling to one side in the hen. In both cock and hen the 
wattles are large, but the ear-lobes are very small and have a whitish blue tinge. The hens are good layers 
of fair sized eggs, but rarely develop a i)ropensity to incubate. The chickens when hatched are black and 
white. The quality of the flesh of this Fowl is good. 
THE GATINAIS. 
This breed is principally confined to the old province of Gatinais, from whence it takes its name. The 
plumage of both cock and hen is pure white, the legs being of a pinky flesh colour. This breed has a pea 
or triple comb. The hens are splendid layers, good and steady sitters, and the best of mothers. 
THE MANTES. 
This variety is evidently a cross between the Gournay and Houdan. They are of good size, with a 
mottle I plumage similar to the Houdan. They have a rather peculiar appearance, possessing beard and 
muffling but no crest ; the head is surrounded by a single comb, upright in the cock and falling to one side 
in the hen ; the body is of massive shape, and the back has a good incline towards the tail. Another 
peculiarity about the breed is the absence of the main sickles in the cock, giving the bird an unfinished 
appearance. They are fairly long in the legs, with thin straight toes. The breed is in much favour in 
Belgium; the classes at the Belgian shows being well patronised. They are excellent layers, rarely evincing 
a desire to incubate. The flesh is of the highest quality for the table. 
