WYANDOTTES. 
The Wyandottes* are of American origin and were known in their 
early history by several names — each section of the country where they 
were found seeming to have a name that was given by the breeder who 
first introduced them. They were known as Sebrights, Mooneys, Ameri- 
can Sebrights and a number of names which their peculiar markings 
would indicate. The name Wyandotte was not applied until they were 
admitted to the Standard in 1883. It was thought by some that this 
name would injure their popularity, but by eliminating all former names 
it seems to have done much to make them the more popular. Just 
what breeds entered into the first Silver Wyandottes it is impossible to 
say. That Dark Brahmas and Silver Spangled Hamburgs were two of 
them, has been proven, as a cross of these two gives a breed that resembles 
them, but fails in shape and partly in color, showing that some other — 
an unknown — cross was added. They have, since their admission to the 
Standard, been one of the most popular middle-weight breeds. 
The wide range of color found in the eight varieties allows every 
admirer to indulge his fancy. Each variety has points of color difficult 
to obtain, and when obtained, places a high valuation on the specimen. 
No one variety can claim a higher fancy or commercial value than the 
other, as all are popular, and all are much sought for. Whichever variety 
one may choose, he will find interesting color problems to solve. In the 
Whites, it will be how to secure fine white plumage and escape creami- 
ness and brassiness; in the Blacks, how to obtain greenish, glossy black, 
without the purple barring; in the Silvers, how to obtain silvery hackles 
and saddles free from brassiness, large, oval white centers free from 
mossiness, and breast lacing free from white edging; in the Goldens, how 
to get the correct shade of golden bay, which in this variety supplants the 
white of the Silvers; in the Buffs, how to secure an even shade of rich, 
golden buff, and have the same shade of color prevail through the speci- 
men, and to avoid the out-cropping of black and white; in the Partridge 
and Silver Penciled varieties, how to obtain the rich foundation color with 
distinct, clean-cut lacing in neck and back of males, with the fine double 
penciling in females; in the Columbians, how to keep the surface of neck, 
back and wing-bows of males free from brassiness, and secure distinct lac- 
ing of neck, with black tails, laced coverts and black wing-flights, and the 
beautiful laced neck and tail-coverts of females, with black wing-flights. 
*Note: Fred A. Houdlette, who suggested the name Wyandotte, says the name was given in honor 
of a coasting vessel bearing the name Wyandotte, which belonged to his father. 
