CHAPTER XIV, 
SPANGLED HAMBURGIIS. 
The same warm discussions wliicli liave arisen respecting the nomenclature of the 
birds described in the last chapter, have, even with increased intensity, prevailed 
respecting the varieties at present under consideration. 
Of their origin, it may he stated that little or nothing is knov/n ; and their history 
is simply this, that, under the names of Gold, Silver, and Black Pheasant fowls. 
Gold and Silver Mooneys, and Red Caps, they have been long and assiduously 
cultivated by the north of England breeders. For long periods of time have 
Pheasant-fowl clubs existed in several of the northern tovms, where single hens 
were exhibited for competition, the prizes being frequently such homely articles 
as copper tea-kettles, coal-scuttles, rocking-chairs, and other equally useful imple- 
ments of household utility. To the name of Hamburgh they have, as stated in our 
last chapter, not the slightest claim, it having been given to them at Birmingham, 
because of their fancied resemblance to the Pencilled Dutch. Still, as before 
stated, the name of Spangled Hamburghs has been generally received and under- 
stood ; and therefore, erroneous as it doubtless is, v/e avoid a greater confusion by 
retaining it. 
Although all Spangled Hamburghs have certain general characters in common, 
such as spangled or mooned plumage, rose or double combs, and blue legs, never- 
theless there are great differences in the different varieties, and there can be no 
doubt that several very distinct breeds, known as Gold and Silver Mooneys, and Gold 
and Silver Pheasant fowls, have been included under this title. These, as far as 
we are aware, have never been accurately described, nor, in fact, has their descrip- 
tion been even attempted by any one practically acquainted with the distinctions 
between them, and the results obtained by crossing the different varieties. 
One great reason why Spangled Hamburghs have not been as generally culti- 
vated in the south of England as in the north has doubtless been this ignorance 
respecting them. The caprice of the judges, or the custom of the time, has called 
for pens containing, not pure bred birds, but those consisting of Mooney hens 
and half-bred Pheasant cocks. The winning pens have been purchased by persons 
ignorant of this fact, and the purchasers have been disgusted with Spangled 
Hamburghs in consequence of their not being able to cull a single pen of show 
birds from ever so large a number of chickens reared from their purchased stock. 
Under these circumstances, we have the greatest pleasure in being able to 
place before our readers the following most valuable article on the different breeds 
