This rare breed has a rather obscure history. Their first  introduction into American scene to have been at two periods, that of earliest date being into New Orleans, where they spread northward as far as Iowa, and alter importation being into Connecticut, about 1850, by Capt. Kellogg of Mystic. Lately another lot has been imported into Ledyard. Mr. Kellogg’s importation is still represented by a few individuals in the vicinity of Mystic; and Mr. W.H. Beckett, of Boston, showed specimens from the same at the Massachusetts Poultry Association Fair last February, and took a prize.

 

They are black, with a vivid glossy green, although the cocks were originally red on the neck-hackle, lest this appears to have been bred out. The bottom of the feet is yellow, and sometimes the dark legs are nearly of the same color. They have rose combs, less acceptably single, and both sexes are heavily muffed. The flesh is yellow. They are round compact in form, and not badly shaped. Cocks will, late in the fall, reach seven pounds; ten pounds has been reported; pullets stand five. They appear to have useful economical qualities, prestigious reports having been made of their laying qualities, cases being reported where 200 eggs per year were produced. Probably with a high rate, if correct, was the result of recent importation, which even to often set as a stimulus.

 

The egg is rather small. Their flesh is excellent. They make good sitters and mothers, and the chickens are hardy, and mature early. It is reported that a cross between a cock of this species and a light Brahma have produced pullets laying at four and a half month of age. There can be no doubt this race will prove to be a very valuable addition to existing ones, especially if other importation are made to infuse fresh blood.