The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 
264 
frequently rather droops over; but as true Brahmas occasionally present this conformation, too 
much sticss must not be laid upon it. There can be no doubt, however, that the great increase 
of cushion and fluff favoured by most exhibitors and judges during the last few years> is 
quite false and foreign to the breed ; and as our frequent remarks to this effect in reports of 
shows have occasionally been denied with some coarseness, it may be well to state that a 
bird which won first prize as a white Cochin cockerel in 1883 was admittedly bred from so-called 
Light Brahma >} parentage upon both sides ! In fact, those most behind the scenes know 
best that Cochin crosses have produced the imitation of Cochin development some admire. 
Light Brahmas, like White Cochins, need plenty of shade, to keep the cocks from turning off 
to that objectionable straw-colour we have already referred to. To show them to perfection they 
also need a country grass-run ; and if in such circumstances, want no preparation for show 
whatever, beyond washing their heads and legs. They will however keep much cleaner than 
White Cochins in the smoke of a town, being harder-feathered birds. 
DARK BRAHMAS. — The head and neck of a Dark Brahma cock are very similar to the 
Light, the head being white and the hackle striped, but somewhat more so than in the Light breed. 
1 he back is nearly white, a little black appearing here and there ; while between the shoulders the 
black ought to predominate, but is nearly hidden by the hackle flowing over it. The saddle- 
feathers are like the hackle, silvery white, striped with black. Many breeders prefer only a little 
stripe in the hackle and saddle-feathers,, and such are the most showy birds for exhibition, while 
they will often breed good pullets if other points are correct ; but, on the whole, we greatly prefer 
a good distinct dark stripe in every feather. As the feathers approach the tail the stripes get 
broader, till they merge into the tail-coverts, which are rich glossy green-black, with a margin or 
lacing of white. The effect of this is very beautiful, while a “ mossy” appearance of the coverts is 
not only unpleasant to the eye, but is inferior for breeding pullets. The tail itself is pure rich 
black with a green gloss, any white being a great blemish. This fault is hereditary in some 
otherwise good strains, and is, we believe, often caused by a remote cross with the Dorking ; for in 
many cases where we have noticed it, we have seen other undeniable signs of the Dorking taint : 
but this will not account for many cases, where the blood is undeniably pure. The objection to 
white in the tail does not, however, apply to a silver margin or edge to the top sickles, which we 
have already described as proper to the cock in the Light breed, and is frequently found also in the 
best specimens of the Dark. When perfect this is a very great beauty, and very frequently 
accompanied by a fair black-cock type of tail. Sometimes, instead of a green lustre to the black 
of the cock’s wings and tail, the feathers show purple reflections. As a rule such birds breed 
beautiful dark pullets, and the purple shade is not to be considered a fault. 
The wing-coverts are black, forming a distinct black bar across the middle of the wing, while 
the ends of the secondaries, or the feathers which appear when the wing is closed, have a large 
black spot on the end, making the top edge of the wing also appear black. The remainder of the 
secondaries are white on the lower half and black on the upper, but the black of course is not seen. 
The flights are all black except a narrow fringe of white on the lower edge. There is often a little 
brown or bronze towards the top of the “ bar,” and at the end of the secondaries. As hereafter 
explained, this is often very useful in breeding dark pullets, and if not too plentiful is not to be 
considered a great defect, but if very conspicuous is almost a disqualification. There is also often 
a portion of brown on the shoulders and back ; in such positions the colour should be condemned, 
being both unsightly and objectionable for breeding. 
The breast may be either black, or black very slightly and evenly mottled with white ; the 
