Points and Qualities of Wyandottes. 
437 
of Woodside Farm, Ashton, near Chester, several years ago. The first English-bred specimens 
appear to have been exhibited at the Staffordshire Agricultural Show in 1884, by Mr. T. C. 
Heath. Since then the stock has spread into many various hands. They appear to have been 
mentioned in American poultry journals, however, as far back as about 1873, under the name 
of American Sebrights, or Sebright Cochins ; at least the birds then figured, and described, 
appear nearly the same as those now in question. 
Much unprofitable speculation as to the origin of these fowls is practically set at rest by 
the early nomenclature. That they were based upon Asiatics is proved both by their early 
name, and by the tell-tale yellow leg ; but it is believed that the modern birds were produced 
from Light Brahmas. For the rest, it has been said the lacing was got from the Sebright 
Bantam ! It is far more likely the Polish was employed, to which it is known the Sebright 
itself owes its marking, and which has evidently imparted the tender flesh and plump breast. 
The general appearance of the original 
silver -laced Wyandottes is shown in the 
illustration. Apart from the plumage, the 
breed has a decided character different 
from all others, though some of the points 
do not seem as yet fully understood by 
English breeders. Thus, the comb has 
often been described as that of a Ham- 
burgh ; but this is not so. It is a rose- 
comb, ending in a spike ; but it should be 
much smaller, and specially narrower, than 
a Hamburgh comb, and the back end and 
spike should curve downwards parallel to 
the curve of the top of the head. This 
comb is as typical of the breed as that of early American wyandottes. 
a Brahma. The general shape is nearest 
that of a Brahma, but with more rotundity and fulness of breast than usual in that breed, 
and the whole form very compact, with shortish medium, bright yellow, clean legs. The tail is 
longer and more full than in modern Brahmas, though some of our own original Brahmas pos- 
sessed as much ; it is glossy black, and carried flowing, neither squirrel-fashion nor low, and the 
saddle should fill up a handsome curve in both sexes, as in the Langshan : saddle not nearly so 
full as in other Asiatics. In regard to colour, there is one general ideal— as clear as possible 
white in ground colour, every feather laced as evenly as possible with black, as in a Sebright 
Bantam (see feathers of that breed). The cock’s hackles are white, striped with black. The 
ear-lobes should be bright red, and any white or yellow is deemed a serious fault. 
Economically, all experience places the Wyandotte very high, at least at present. It has the 
hardiness of all recently “made” breeds, lays very early and well, feathers and matures quickly, 
and is a fairly good table-fowl ; we say “fairly ” good, because many people will not admire a bird 
with yellow skin, while this identical yellow skin is in America considered besc of all. It has good 
breast and wings, and not large drumsticks, any way. The hen is a capital sitter and mother, 
usually content with once a year. The eggs are tinted, from the Brahma descent. The pullets 
often lay at five months old. According to the American standard, cocks should not be less than 
eight and a half pounds and hens six and a half pounds ; young birds a pound less. 
A breed like this has supplied a distinct gap in existing poultry classes, giving a large 
