Bantam Fowl

Bantam Fowl (Gallus bankiva), a well-known variety of the common Domestic Fowl, originally brought from the East Indies, and supposed to derive its name from Bantam, in Java, though they probably came from Japan. It is remarkable for small size, being only about a pound in weight, and for a disposition more courageous and pugnacious than even that of a game-cock. A bantam-cock will drive to a respectful distance great dung-hill-cocks five times its weight, and has been described as 'a beautiful example of a great soul in a little body.' There are several sub-varieties of the bantam. Most of them have the legs much feathered. The flesh and eggs are good, although the eggs are of course small. The bantam hen lays well in winter. See POULTRY.