There is, in addition to the gold and silver spangled, a third variety of these fowls, in which the whole plumage is of a glossy green black, the other characters being similar to those above described; these are termed Black Pheasant Fowls in the north of England.
The term pheasant fowl, as applied to the spangled Hamburgh, takes its origin from the crescentic moon shaped markings, which resemble those of that bird; and the term Moonies is also sometimes applied to them from the same cause.
Pencilled Hamburghs.—This variety is also of two colours, golden and silver, the hens in both should have the feathers of the body distinctly pencilled or marked across with several separate bars of black, the hackle in both sexes should be perfectly free from dark marks, the comb a piked rose, the ear lobe white, and the legs blue as in the spangled Hamburghs, the tail should be very large and black or bronzed. The cocks do not show these pencillings, but are white or brown in the silver or golden birds respectively. The birds are of a compact form, and very graceful sprightly carriage. They do not sit, but lay exceedingly well, hence one of their common names, that of Dutch every day layers, they are also known in different parts of the country as Chitteprats, Creoles, or Corals; Bolton bays and grays; and in some parts of Yorkshire by the erroneous name of Corsican fowls. Large numbers are imported from Holland, but the birds bred in this country are much superior in size, retaining, however, their profitable characteristics.
Poland Fowls.—Poland fowls are characterized by the presence of a large top-knot, which, in the cocks, is composed of feathers resembling those of the hackle, and in the hens forms a dense globular tuft; a very small crescent shaped comb is usually present, rising like two small horns from the arched and dilated nostrils. Several varieties of colour exist; in the black birds there should be an entire absence of white except in the top-knot, in which the less black the better, the chest should be very prominent an fleshy, the legs dark, the wattles large and pendulous.
The spangled Polands, both gold and silver, are rather larger and less compact; and in addition to the crest, many possess a large tufted beard. Other varieties, as buff, white, &c., also exist, but they are less frequent. Polands are very good layers, but do not sit; as table birds they are not surpassed by any variety in quality and plumpness, although their small size is against them as a market fowl, and their delicacy as chicken is also a considerable drawback; from the latter circumstance, they will scarcely be found entitled to rank as profitable poultry, except on dry, sandy, or chalky soil, and in warm, sheltered situations.
Malay Fowls.—Malays are large leggy fowls, with a very upright carriage, small tail and clear legs, their heads and necks are long and snaky, and distinguished by a small warty comb; the hens are fair layers and remarkably good sitters and nurses. Malays are of almost every variety of colour, black, white, grey, &c., though the most common tint is a cinnamon brown. They are not as largely bred as formerly, for as egg producers they are not very profitable, and their large limbs are against their use as table fowls. What is termed the Pheasant Malay originates in a bad cross between the Malay and spangled Hamburgh, in which the good qualities of both breeds are sacrificed.
Bantams, Silk Fowls, Frizzled and Rumpless Fowls, &c., &c., can hardly be regarded as profitable poultry, but come under the description of fancy fowls. As paying stock, my opinion is in favour of one or other of the following varieties:—
For market fowls for table use, the coloured Dorking is unequalled.
For the production of eggs, Hamburghs where there is a free range; Cochins and Spanish where there is less space; the first being the best winter layers, the latter yielding the largest eggs.
Many persons recommend cross breeding fowls for the purpose of improving upon certain varieties; it is difficult to see by what cross the qualities of Dorkings, as table fowls, can be improved; or the superior laying properties of Hamburghs, Spanish, and Cochins, increased.