http://www.archive.org/stream/loudonsnaturalhi00loudrich/loudonsnaturalhi00loudrich_djvu.txt A friend sent me this. Thought it was quite interesting. Hi Roger, I ran across this site and thought you might be interested in
what was written here. The book was written in London England in the
mid 1800s by English authors. They made minor reference to the
Rosecombs and Nankins. This was written in a taxonomy book so
the information should have some accuracy and validity.
You can find this excerpt under the heading of Gallinaceous Birds.
If nothing else it is just more history about the breed and possible
variations contained within the Nankin gene pool before they became
a recognized breed.
To save a little time this is the what it says.
THE BANTAM FOWL
is a small variety, with short legs, most frequently
feathered to the toes, so as sometimes to obstruct walk-
ing. Many Bantam fanciers prefer those which have
328
Birds.
clear bright legs, without any vestige of feathers. The
full-bred Bantam cock should have a rose comb, a well-
feathered tail, full hackles, a proud lively carriage, and
ought not to weigh more than a pound. The nankeen
coloured and the black are the greatest favourites. If of
the latter colour, the bird should have no feathers of any
other sort in his plumage. The nankeen bird should
have his feathers edged with black, his wings barred
with purple, his tail feathers black, his hackles slightly
studded with purple, and his breast black, with white
edges to the feathers. The hens should be small, clean-
legged, and match in plumage with the cock.
Notice the reference to white in the breast feathers. Rog
