THE POULTRY BOOK. 
i44B 
in the ear-lobe. I freely admit that I should prefer the white, hut feel confident that 
it is not to he generally, if ever, obtained. I have also invariably noticed that any 
unusual whiteness of the ear-lobe is accompanied by a great falling off in the lacing, 
and therefore, if attainable only at so great a cost, it must not be insisted on. 
Whether the ear-lobe is white, or possesses the blue tinge, either form would place 
the bird above those of its competitors who, equal in other points, manifested the 
decided red stain. In the carriage of these birds we find the very extreme of pride, 
vanity, and self-importance ; the feet are raised in walking much more than in 
any other of the Bantams, and planted again with the greatest deliberation and 
precision. When alarmed, their deportment is most striking ; the wings drop to 
the ground, not listlessly, but as if determined to make the most of their tiny 
proportions; while the head is thrown back, and the tail raised, so that they 
nearly meet.” 
It is desirable to give a more minute description of the characteristics of these 
birds, as it is necessary to breed them to an exact standard for exhibition. 
We have, therefore, much pleasure in adding the following detailed description 
by Mr. Hewitt, who is known as one of the most successful breeders of both 
varieties. 
Kespecting their weight and size, Mr. Hewitt gives 20 ounces as the extreme 
weight for the cock, and states that, if less, the bird is greatly to be preferred for 
exhibition, though for stock they are rarely useful at a less size ; but it is desirable 
to breed them a few ounces less for show purposes. In the hens the extreme 
weight is 16 ounces : the same remarks apply respecting the weight of exhibi- 
tion and stock birds as in the case of the cock. 
The carriage of the Sebright cock is the height of self-importance ; the head is 
drawn back, until the tail, which is well raised, nearly touches it ; the wings droop 
about half way down the legs ; the birds are restless, impatient, and constantly 
moving ; much given to pugnacity, and always seeking antagonists, which they 
attack fiercely, despising disparity of size altogether, and, from their rapidity of 
motion, are frequently triumphant over weighty adversaries. In the hens, the car- 
riage is upstart, gay, and lively. 
The general character of the plumage of the cock is very fine, close-lying, and in 
first-class birds laced accurately throughout. Across the shoulders is generally the 
most faulty part, if the birds are not very correctly bred ; but in really good -breeds 
no such imperfection of plumage exists. It is imperative in first-class birds that 
the lacing should completely encircle the feathers. In the hens the plumage 
should be brilliant, well-laced, very close-lying, and compact ; each feather being 
very long and narrow. 
The neck of both sexes must be perfectly hen-hackled, and accurately laced ; 
although, near the head, from the feathers being smaller, the black predo- 
minates. 
The conformation of the saddle-feathers in the cock is the same as in the hen, 
being all regularly laced ; as the feathers approach nearer the tail, they become 
Y 2 
