678 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[8 Nov., 1907^ 



Although not as popular as many other varieties in the Common- 

 wealth, its usefulness may be seen bx the many excellent new breeds 

 which have been built up by the introduction of the Dorking. One of 

 the principles to be observed is to hatch the young in July, August, and 

 September, and no la/cr. Five second season hens are sufficient for one 

 male bird, and he should l)e a vigorous cockerel about 10 months old and 

 unrelated. Dorkings will not stand close breeding, and it is as w-ell 

 thev do not, otherwise thev would soon lose their size like the Silver 

 Wvandottes recentlv exhibited, manv of which were bred for feather 

 oniv — even tvpe appears to have been disregarded. Farmers have by far 

 the largest specimens in manv breeds, for the good reason that they do' 

 not usuall\- exhibit, their one nbjert bein' 



to obtain eggs or flesh. 



^ll.\t:K DORKING COCK. 



The Silver Grey Dorking hen is a perfect model in form. She 

 walks and stands erect, her head well uji, and has a fine tapering neck 

 from the full flowing cape over the shoulders. The comb is single and 

 of fair size, evenly serrated and falling o\er on one side in front part 

 for about half the length, whilst the back half is straight up without 

 twists or side sprigs. Although few hens have as perfect a comb as the 

 one described it is the ideal bird, not only for appearance, but to breed 

 fronr. It is important to have a good comb on the female for the sake 

 of its influence in breeding for males, as well as females. Manv a 

 breeder has been disappointed in the combs of his male birds, when the 

 fault has been due to the combs of the hens — weak combs, falling over 

 the entire length, twisted, or side sprigs. These faults are too often 

 overlooked in the hens. Ear-lobes, wattles, and face, should be bright- 

 red, with smooth, even tenure. 



The head is rather large but not coarse, and, with the neck, is silvery 

 white. Feathering of neck full ; and here Nature insists on one of her 

 own prerogatives. The feathers of the neck have a dark stripe in the 



