39 
class is looked upon differently from all others. There are two divi¬ 
sions—Pit Games and Exhibition Games—and perhaps three, which are 
as wholly different in character as though of distinct varieties. The 
Pit Game is not reckoned in the standard varieties of poultry, yet for 
practical and profitable poultry keeping it surpasses the more preten¬ 
tious Exhibition Game. The type of the Pit Game is as distinct, 
thorough, and characteristic as any of the standard Games, differing 
in plumage and feather markings. Color is not considered inbreeding 
Pits; it is muscle, bone, and strength that are sought after, bred for, 
and that distinguish it from its relative—the Exhibition Game. Note 
the contrast between the two types: The Pit is short, stout, and stocky, 
with abundant tail feathering; while the Exhibition Game is long, 
lanky, close feathered throughout, and spare in tail feathering. 
For the farm and general purposes the Pit Game has always been 
considered a practical and profitable fowl. It is hardy, matures early, 
a good layer, and fine for table purposes. Its flesh is considered of 
exceptional value for eating, being fine grained, tender, and sweet. 
The hens are splendid sitters and careful mothers. 
EXHIBITION GAMES. 
For a long time Exhibition Games have been favorites in this 
country. By careful selection in breeding for many generations they 
have been brought to a high state of perfection. The beauty of an 
Exhibition Game is much praised in this and other countries and the 
pens are always filled at the shows. They are sought after and courted 
by fanciers, and as ornamental fowls they have few equals in the num¬ 
ber of their admirers. The practical qualities of the Exhibition Game 
have never been demonstrated with accuracy, their tall figures standing 
in the way of popularity and general usefulness. It should not be under¬ 
stood that they are unprofitable to keep, but rather not a fowl for farm 
purposes. They are usually splendid layers and excellent table fowls, 
their meat being fine grained, tender, and juicy. They are splendid 
sitters and mothers. Their tall, commanding, and striking figures are 
decided contrasts to those of other poultry, and afford a diversion to 
admirers of fine poultry. The varieties of Exhibition Games are: 
Black-breasted Bed, Brown Bed, Golden and Silver Duckwing, Bed 
Pyles, White, Black, Birchen, Cornish and White Indian, Malay, and 
Black Sumatra. 
BLACK-BREASTED RED GAMES. 
The history of the Black-breasted Bed Game dates from the most 
remote times. They always breed uniformly and invariably alike in 
color, this uniformity being also observed in the Bantams ot this name. 
The color of the Bed Game cock is a bright orange; the head, hackle, 
and saddle being light red; the breast, body, and stern are black; the 
shoulders, with the exception of the shoulder coverts, are red; wing 
