PRACTICAL PAPERS—POULTRY RAISING. 295 
past two or three years, larger prices have been paid for birds 
of this, than any other variety—over three hundred dollars has 
been paid for a single trio, consisting of a cock and two 
hens—and yet the introduction of this class of fowls has been 
of immense value to the poultry stock of the country, for 
wherever there has been an infusion of this blood a great in¬ 
crease in the size of the progeny has been the result. The 
mania, absurd as it undoubtedly was, has done good service by 
awakening a more general interest in the whole subject of 
poultry. 
That Cochins have real merits does not admit of a question. 
They are hardy; chickens easily reared, though slow in coming 
to maturity. There are four varieties of them, partridge, buff, 
white and black—all having the same general characteristics, 
varying only in color. Our preference, however, is for the 
partridge color, owing to having had better success with them, 
and their plumage not fading like the buffs. Cochins are, 
however, inveterate setters, it being very difficult to break 
them up when once they get fairly “ stuck ” to the nest. 
Bantams are the most beautiful of the poultry kind, and 
are an admirable acquisition to the list of pets. Though their 
eggs are small, they lay a large number. We look upon the 
game varieties of Bantams with the most favor, as embodying 
the largest amount of' impudence in the least compass, which 
seems to be the great aim of their existence. The varieties 
are the same as of the larger game. Of all varieties of 
Bantams the productions of Sir John Seabright stand first; 
showing what may be accomplished by close and prudent 
application to the principles of “ breeding for a purpose.” 
Ducks .—Few farmers realize the value of a good variety of 
ducks upon the farm. With a good range, and a running 
brook ducks can be reared cheaper, pound for pound, than any 
other meat. We would select either the Rouen—a gray duck 
of French origin, or White Aylesbury—a white duck of Eng¬ 
lish origin. Birds ot these varieties weigh eighteen to nine¬ 
teen pounds per pair at maturity. Our preference is the 
