Beeton's book of poultry and domestic animals - Thurman Lodge ...

MALAY i BRAHMA POOTBA.
habits of domestac fowls, some useful information ib given
conoemimg the Coclun-China. "Prom her experience of this
species," the "Henwiife" says, "lOochins lay regularly, and, if
not too highly fed, are produotiv« of very fine chickens. The
hens are more exemplary in their maternal dirties, and from
their abundance of soft and downy feather, are peculiarly
adapted for the purpose of hatching. They enjoy the honour
of maternity ; their love of this task seems their idiosynorasy.
For them a mother's joys is ' blessed with those sweet cares,'
Ac." From a sea of poetryour author again emerges intothe poultry-yard,
and continues :— " This variety is very hardy, and may
be kept in a smaller space than almost any other ; cockerels,
however, must have ample range, if intended to become superior
specimens. It is remarkably free from liability to any disease,
if well provided with green food, which is indispensable.
" I consider the Cochin a more beautiful bird, and capable of
comparison with the most graceful and high-coloured of our
poultry; its exquisite feathering and lovely tints, from the
palest buff to deep orange, make this bird peculiarly the lady's
own.
" All must appreciate its massive build, small head, rich, fuH
hackle, and majestic carriage—true types of the high-caste
Cochin."
A somewhat rare variety is tiie Maiat Fqwx, which possesses
many good qualities. It is a large, heavy bird, with long
legs, which are stout and firm, enabling their owner to stand
very erect ; some specimens of this fowl have been known to
measure over three feet in height, and weigh more than ten
pounds. Crossed with the Spanish fowl, tiie Malay produces
excellent birds for table. Like the game fowl, it is terribly
pugnacious, and in its native home is specially trained for
fighting. In captivity, it will assault its companions indisctiminately
; and, it is said, that at exhibitions, "Before the show
opens, and even before the judges have performed their duties,
the committee are called in to keep the peace ; the combatants
are separated, and, instead of occupying decorated pens, each
fowl, perhaps thrust into a spare pigeon-cage, stands in solitary
wretchedness, looking as fowls generally do look after they
have been fighting." The same authority informs us that—
*• I have heard an amateur relate how he has had his window
broken by his Malay cock doing battle with his own reflec-
tion."
The Braema-Pooxba has not long been introduced into thiai