FANCIERS’ JOURNAL AND POULTRY EXCHANGE. 
515 
pQlJLJ^Y DEf^J[VIEfJj. 
DARK BRAHMAS. 
We do not deem it necessary, at this time, to preface our 
remarks with the stereotyped description of these noted 
birds, which may be found in our valuable works of refer- 
ence, or in poultry papers, oft repeated. We have to offer 
a few facts concerning their habits, and best plans for breed- 
ing true to points which we wish to see developed, as fan- 
ciers or amateurs, who differ considerably in our tastes 
for various fashions or customs. For the general marking 
or color of the Dark Brahma hen we decidedly prefer the 
bluish or steel gray, and we think that the majority of breed- 
ers generally select, other points being desirable, this class 
of shading, though the brownish shade, having a dirty ap- 
pearance, is more frequently seen, and was, until quite re- 
cently, considered the right style. In either case, the feather 
edged with white, whether clear or yellowish, is considered 
objectionable. The pencilling or figures should be so clear 
and distinct as to he easily distinguished at a distance of ten 
or twelve feet. To breed pullets of this description, the 
proper mating of the parents is of importance. Having a 
hen tolerably well marked, we would select a cock having a 
solid black breast and thigh's, though we would not object 
to small, perfectly-formed, that is, well-defined, white spots 
on the breast. The hackle and saddle should have a distinct 
stripe of black down the middle of each feather, widening 
toward the base, the edge of the feather laced with white. 
He should be as nearly perfect as possible in other points, 
or, if a cockerel, nearly matured and promising to develop 
such. "We should prefer, in any case, to mate a young cock 
with hens over two years of age, or the reverse. The pro- 
geny of parents, both being young, generally suffer from leg 
weakness, and do not mature and moult as well as where 
there is considerable difference in the age; though unex- 
pected tendencies are frequently developed, unfavorable or 
otherwise, which defy the most considerate precautions. 
In breeding Dark Brahmas the tendency is to breed 
lighter, and must be provided against in a scientific manner. 
The pencilling should be so dark on the gray ground as 
to be almost black, which, contrary to the gray of a brown- 
ish cast, moults out tolerably clear and well-defined in mark- 
ings ; and hens of- this class generally show to advantage, 
and are generally admired, even by those who have hereto- 
fore paid but little attention to the difference. It would 
always be well to select either the hen or cock of a shade 
darker than that desired. Other points and defects may be 
secured or bred out by attention in selecting the breeding 
stock. If it is desired to produce heavier feathering on legs 
and toes, let either the hen or the cock be slightly vulture- 
hocked, having only the softer and curling feathers depend- 
ing from the hock. Birds of this character mated with such 
as are scantily feathered, will remedy in the young the fault 
of one parent if not both. Small combs, long or short hocks, 
and almost any desired result may, with care and patience, 
be accomplished in a similar manner, that is, by proper 
selection. Frequently refuse stock may be pointed out as 
candidates for the table at the age of ten or twelve weeks 
when the sexes should be separated ; then the ultimate char- 
acter is better represented than at later or intermediate 
stages of growth, when the bird appears awkward, clumsy, 
and ugly, so that few would have any faith at all in the ex- 
treme specimens. But it is sometimes interesting to observe 
what a change such birds pass through; the most ungainly 
frequently turn out to be the best of the flock. They are 
making frame while the prettiest are producing plumage 
and general symmetry. 
Although pullets of a light shade on the throat and breast 
may develop at maturity tolerably well-pencilled feathers, 
yet we should prefer to select such as have good pencilling 
of a dark shade when the first feathers appear on the chicks, 
and care to see but little white on the breast and shanks of 
the cockerels at the same age. A fowl like the Brahma must 
have genuine merits or it cannot long be tolerated and im- 
proved as this has been, possessing, as it does, a beautiful 
appearance like a real live painting, great size, good quality 
of flesh, and excellent laying qualities (the latter have some- 
what deteriorated by the practice of preparing for exhibi- 
tions) ; a good constitution, quiet habits, yet excellent fora- 
gers if allowed the run on the lawn, where they make a 
splendid show, worthy the pencil of any artist, especially 
a lover of fine bred fowls. 
