THE POULTRY BOOK. 
61 
peculiarities. It has been remarked that it is a fact universally recognized hy 
comparative anatomists, that the distinguishing characters of nearly allied varieties 
are more strongly marked in the hones of the skull than in any other part of the 
body. Now, the skull of the Cochin is vaulted and arched, both from before back- 
wards, and from side to side, and possesses a peculiarly marked groove, extending 
from before backwards on the frontal bone ; and, what every anatomist will regard 
as a character of great value, the long axis of the aperture through which the spinal 
cord issues from the skull, is the perpendicular one. Now, in these characters the 
skull of the Brahma is identical ; whereas, in all our ordinary breeds of fowl the 
long axis of the occipital foramen is placed transversely, the skull wants the 
distinguishing frontal peculiarities ; and the remarkable arched or vaulted cha- 
racter formed both these breeds. 
Having allowed to those who maintain one view of the question as to the 
origin of the Brahmas, space to advocate their opinions, it will be hut fair that we 
should afford a like opportunity to their opponents. We have therefore much plea- 
sure in transcribing the following from the Poultry Yard,” as it is unquestionably 
the ablest defence of the opposite view that has appeared in print : — 
‘‘In many instances the Brahmapootras have been most unfairly judged, 
because birds of unquestionable impurity of race have been taken as a standard, 
and an opinion thereon has not only been formed, but published. This has not 
been wilfully done, but the conclusion has been arrived at, without due preliminary 
inquiry, that they are simply Cochin-China fowls of another colour than those we 
have hitherto possessed. 
“ To form a just opinion, it is necessary to study their habits, and to breed 
them. We see enough in their shape to justify us in holding them distinct 
from the Cochin- Chinese ; hut still more do we find it in their habits and 
produce. 
“ In the shape of Cochin-China fowls no one can fail to remark the absence of 
breast, which is indeed one characteristic, as the lack of it enables the fluffy thigh 
to become more apparent ; and the wedge-like shape of the bird, while wide 
behind and tapering to the breast, favours the development of those points which 
constitute the chief beauties in that breed. Now, in the Brahmapootra, this lack 
is materially supplied, inasmuch as there is a breast amply developed, and pos- 
sessing a rotundity approaching, when in hand, to what game-fowl breeders and 
amateurs call cleverness; which is, that a well-proportioned fowl, placed breast 
downwards on the palm of the hand, should balance. This cannot be where the 
breast is wanting. 
“ A main merit of the Cochin-China fowl is its domesticity, and its happy, con- 
tented disposition ; satisfled with a small run, and never seeking to roam. This is 
the admitted character of the bird, and it never deviates from it. We have known 
instances where seventy of these birds were kept in a small yard, with a grass-run 
of three-quarters of an acre, and where it has been necessary to drive them forcibly 
out of the yard to the grass; and the owner assured us he thought there were 
