melanic

The Silky breed of fowls is characterised among other peculiarities by a remarkable abundance of melanic pigment.

Intermediates occur connecting the melanic form with the type, and sometimes specimens are found of a paler hue than the type.

The Melanic race have a much stronger propensity to indulge in the intemperate use of ardent spirits than white people.

From the experience of breeders it would appear that the melanic form is somewhat hardier, at any rate in captivity.