In a work of this extent it is impossible to do more than allude to several of the least important varieties of the domestic fowl, and this is of less moment as the general directions given with regard to feeding, breeding, &c., apply, with very slight variations, to all the different breeds. [Illustration: COCHIN CHINA HEN.] COCHINS OR SHANGHAES.--Cochins are perhaps the most popular fowl at the present time, and, in the opinion of many, deservedly take the first place on account of their good qualities as profitable stock, no less than from the estimation in which they are held as fancy fowls. So extensively have they been diffused over the entire length and breadth of the land, that a lengthened description of their peculiarities is scarcely requisite. Their large size, peculiar crow, small wings, rudimentary tail, and the extraordinary development of the fluffy feathers of the thighs and under parts of the body are familiar to all; these remarkable characteristics are carried to an extreme degree in the bird shown in the engraving, which is a representation of an imported hen, formerly the property of Mr. Andrews. In purchasing Cochins for stock, care should be taken to obtain birds of good quality, as breeding from second and third-rate fowls will be found exceedingly undesirable. As regards size, the cocks should weigh at least 10lbs., the hens 8lbs., when full grown; they should be short on the legs, which should be yellow and well feathered down to the tips of the outer toes, which should only be four in number on each foot. The tail feathers should, in both sexes, be very small, and almost hidden by the dense mass of saddle feathers covering the back, and the fluff should be well developed. With regard to colour, at present the fashion is entirely in favour of the light buff birds, which, to command the highest prices, must even be destitute of dark markings on the neck hackle; or any slaty tinge in the downy under portions of the fluff, or of the body feathers. The rage for light buff birds I regard as an undue prejudice, and believe the darker breeds will be found quite as valuable for farming stock; in fact, the extreme prices which are commanded by the lightest birds are simply owing to the difficulty of breeding them perfectly free from dark colour; and am confident that it has had a very injurious effect upon the breed; for size and form have been sacrificed in the endeavour to rear birds of the desired colour, and in too many instances a set of small leggy almond shaped hens have taken the place of heavy square-built short-legged birds of a darker colour. The white birds, though exceedingly ornamental, are scarcely equal in character to the coloured varieties, and the black have hitherto been only produced by crossing a buff with a white, and, as might be expected from such an origin, their progeny are very uncertain in their colour.