COCHIN CHINA FOWLS. The introduc tion of these fowls into England dates back to 1843, and soon after that date, they were intro duced into the United States. As an indication of the admirable qualities of these fowls, it will only be necessary to give the principal varieties into which they have been broken up, to show the estimation in which they are held. These are, White, Buff, Cinnamon, Gr9use or Partridge Cochin, Lemou, Silver Buff, Silver Cinnamon, Black Cochin, Cuckoo, and Silky-feathered Cochin. We illustrate two of the beat known of the breeds, the Partridge Cochin, and the Buff Cochin. Although among the largest of barn yard fowls, they endure confined quarters fairly well. It must be admitted, however, that they are better adapted to the farm, where they can have range, than to the confined quarters of the city. Qn the farm, the White Cochins are sturdy birds and will forage, if allowed, long distances in search of insects. If kept in con finement they must have animal food, and also green food, daily, and if possible they should be allowed a short ramble late in the afternoon, when they will not trespass much. As winter layers of eggs the hens are among the best of all the breeds of Gallinaceous fowls. They also cross kindly with other barn-yard fowls, and live contentedly with other breeds. The objec tion to them is that they are rather coarse boned, inclined to undue accumulation of fat. The general characteristics of the Cochin cock are : comb single, fine, rather small, upright and straight with well defined serrations, stout at the base and tapering to a point. Head small and carried rather forward ; eye bright and clear; deaf ears pendant and large; wattles large and well rounded on the lower edge. The
hackles of the neck full and abundant, reaching well to the back. Back broad, with a gentle rise from the middle to the tail, and with abun dant saddle feathers; wings small, primaries well doubled under the secondaries, so as to be out of sight when the wings are closed. Tail, small, curved feathers numerous, the whole tail carried rather horizontally than upright. Breast deep, broad and full; thighs large and strong, well covered with soft feathers. Vulture hocks, those with long stiff feathers, are objectionable; the fluff should be soft and abundant, well covering the thighs and standing well out behind. Legs rather short, thick and bony, wide apart, and well feathered on the outside to the toes; toes stout and strong, the anterior and middle toes well feathered. The carriage not so upright as in other breeds. The hen should cor respond with these points, but be more feminine in appearance, for instance, the comb should be single, very small, fine, low in front, perfectly straight with well defined serrations, and the tail, of course, lacking the sickle feathers. If birds are intended for exhibition they must not only be perfect in markings and make-up gen erally, but they must also be in the highest possible condition. The best age is ,just when the pullets are ready to lay. If strictly kept from intercourse with the male birds, they will then be in their full development and beauty of form and color. The cockerels should be two or three months older than the pullets. This, of course, applies to young fowls and not to fully matured birds.