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Poultry Pages Home >> Poultry Articles >> Chicken Keeping the Old Way >> Poultry Book Two, Set 2

Chicken Keeping the Old Way -
The Poultry Book Two, Set 2

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These pictures were taken from a downloaded copy of The Poultry Book by W. B. Tegetmeier, F. Z. S.; with colour illustrations by Harrison Weir Published in 1867, it is subtitled "Comprising the breeding and management of profitable and ornamental poultry; their qualities and characteristics."

This set covers the Brahmas and Dorkings from the wood engravings and chromatographs. Quotations from the book are highlighted in green to distinguish them.

Dark Brahmas (Imported in 1853)

Although this does not show the colour, it clearly shows the conformation and plumage style of the Brahma.

The cockerel in the centre is, you have to admit, a magnificent chap.

Light Brahma Cockerel & Light Brahma Pullet

This matched pair of drawings shows off the birds well. I have to wonder if a photograph would be as good.

Brahmas were considered to be profitable birds for the cottager, a word whose meaning has shifted over the last 150 years from the original cottage gardener.

Dark Brahma Coloured Plate

At las a coloured plate showing the Brahma's off.

The book warns:-

"... if they have an unlimited range they are great ramblers, remaining out later at night than any other variety that may be in the same run;"

Dorking Fowls

A nice wood engraving of a Dorking cockerel and hen although the cockerel's comb doesn't look quite right to me.

Interestingly, even in 1863 they were railing against caponising of cockerels (Dorkings were primarily meat birds). Happily another practice that is now illegal.