7. CRESTED OR POLISH BREED (fig. 32).--Head with a large, rounded crest of feathers, supported on a hemispherical protuberance of the frontal bones, {228} which includes the anterior part of the brain. The ascending branches of the premaxillary bones and the inner nasal processes are much shortened. The orifice of the nostrils raised and crescentic. Beak short. Comb absent, or small and of crescentic shape; wattles either present or replaced by a beard-like tuft of feathers. Legs leaden-blue. Sexual differences appear late in life. Do not incubate. There are several beautiful varieties which differ in colour and slightly in other respects. [Illustration: Fig. 31.--Hamburgh Fowl.] The following sub-breeds agree in having a crest, more or less developed, with the comb, when present, of crescentic shape. The skull presents nearly the same remarkable peculiarities of structure as in the true Polish fowl. Sub-breed (_a_) _Sultans_.--A Turkish breed, resembling white Polish fowls, with a large crest and beard, with short and well-feathered legs. The tail is furnished with additional sickle feathers. Do not incubate.[362] Sub-breed (_b_) _Ptarmigans_.--An inferior breed closely allied to the last, white, rather small, legs much feathered, with the crest pointed; comb small, cupped; wattles small. {229} Sub-breed (_c_) _Ghoondooks_.--Another Turkish breed having an extraordinary appearance; black and tailless; crest and beard large; legs feathered. The inner processes of the two nasal bones come into contact with each other, owing to the complete absorption of the ascending branches of the premaxillaries. I have seen an allied, white, tailless breed from Turkey. [Illustration: Fig. 32.--Polish Fowl.] Sub-breed (_d_) _Crève-coeur_.--A French breed of large size, barely capable of flight, with short black legs, head crested, comb produced into two points or horns, sometimes a little branched like the horns of a stag; both beard and wattles present. Eggs large. Disposition quiet.[363] Sub-breed (_e_) _Horned fowl_.--With a small crest; comb produced into two great points, supported on two bony protuberances. Sub-breed (_f_) _Houdan_.--A French breed; of moderate size, short-legged with five toes, wings well developed; plumage invariably mottled with {230} black, white, and straw-yellow; head furnished with a crest, and a triple comb placed transversely; both wattles and beard present.[364] Sub-breed (_g_) _Guelderlands_.--No comb, head said to be surmounted by a longitudinal crest of soft velvety feathers; nostrils said to be crescentic; wattles well developed; legs feathered; colour black. From North America. The Breda fowl seems to be closely allied to the Guelderland.