222 
THE POULTRY BOOK. 
more developed tliaii that of a Cochin ; but a yickle-tail, ariisiiig in all probability 
from a cross with some other breed, is not unfrequent. 
The comb is usually depressed and warty, approaching in form to that of the 
Malay ; but variations in this respect are frequent, and single combs, with those 
of an intermediate character, are by no means uncommon. The one first mentioned, 
however, is regarded as the most correct form ; its colour, with that of the wattles, 
should be of a dull leaden blue; the face is very thinly covered with feathers, 
through which the dark-blue skin is conspicuous ; the ear-lobes are commonly of 
a bright blue ; the legs, which are not unfrequently heavily feathered, are dark 
blue, almost black, as are the feet, v/hich are generally furnished with five toes, 
and many specimens are furnished with a small feathered crest at the back of 
the comb. In form. Silk fowls are compact, and low on the legs ; in this respect 
resembling well-bred Cochins. 
Silk fowls are by no means of so great a weight as they appear, for their 
feathers, when in good condition, are very fluffy, and stand well out from the 
body, giving them the appearance of far greater bulk than they in reality possess. 
Their ordinary weight is under Wo pounds each for the hens, and two pounds and 
a half for the cocks. From their small size they are not unfrequently termed 
silky Bantams, and are often exhibited at our poultry shows in the classes for 
those breeds. 
The eggs laid by Silk fowls are small in size, and of a pale buff colour. The 
hens usually lay about twenty or five-and-twenty eggs before showing any desire 
to sit; they are admirable mothers, and on this account as well as from the 
warmth afforded by their downy plumage, they are well suited for rearing pheasants 
or partridges. 
The chickens of the white variety are hatched with canary-coloured down, and 
more attractive little creatures can hardly be conceived. They are easy to rear 
wiien hatched not earlier than March or April. To those who may wish to keep a 
few fowls in an aviary, or in a garden or shrubbery, the Silkies have many recom- 
mendations, for they are docile, readily confined by a very low fence, and easily 
contented within very narrow limits. In such localities they may be relied on to 
furnish a supply of excellent eggs for the breakfast-table ; and when desirous of 
sitting, they may safely be intrusted with the eggs of any other fowl. The point, 
however, in which these birds appear to least advantage, is in their character as 
table-birds ; for their black skin and dark bones are, with most persons, fatal 
objections. If, however, the repugnance to their appearance can be overcome, 
they will be found admirable eating, as Temminck truly remarks — It is certain 
that the flavour and whiteness of the flesh of these fowls greatly surpasses that 
of other poultry, and if their disagreeable aspect when on a dish did not keep 
them from our tables, we should estimate them as fully equal to Guinea fowls, 
which they resemble in the whiteness and flavour of their flesh.” 
Mr. Hewitt sums up their advantages and drawbacks very impartially, in the 
following remarks— I believe them to be a variety that quickly degenerate, when 
