POULTRY. 501 



even ordinary care. Their flesh is also very fine, which has gained them the name in Eng 

 land of &quot;The French Dorkings,&quot; the Dorkings being considered the best of all table fowls by 

 the English. The cocks will weigh, on the average, from seven to nine pounds, and the 

 hens from six to eight pounds. In size, form, and quality, this breed resembles the Dorking, 

 the body being bulky and plump, with breast deep and full, and back broad. 



The general plumage is black and white evenly intermixed, or as some have represented, 

 &quot;black and white spangled; &quot; the crest, beard, and hackle being of the same color. The crest 

 is not as large as the Polish fowls, and though full, falls backward, leaving the comb exposed, 

 and not obstructing the sight. The comb is exceedingly peculiar, being bright red in color, 

 quite prominent, and in general appearance reminds one of the antlers of a deer; it inclines 

 backward towards the crest, is triple in form, the outsides opening like the leaves of a book, 

 while the centre has the appearance of an &quot;ill-shaped strawberry,&quot; as Mr. Geyelin, the Eng 

 lish writer, has expressed it. 



The comb of the hen is quite small, and looks like coral. Her crest is also quite round 

 and compact. The beak is dark horn-color; the eyes are white or pinkish white, mottled 

 with lead color or black. This breed has the peculiar mark of the Dorking, having a fifth toe 

 detached from the others, and slightly curving upward. The general carriage is upright and 

 lively. The cut of these fowls representing birds bred by Mr. Charles Gammerdinger, 

 Columbus, Ohio, is a good illustration of the breed. 



Houdans never sit, consequently a few Cochins or Brahmas should be kept for incubating 

 purposes. The little chicks usually hatch better and earlier than other breeds, nearly every 

 egg proving fertile; they also mature early. They bear confinement well, but should be kept 

 clean and free from dampness. 



Merits and Defects Of Houdans. With respect to this subject we subjoin the 

 following, from the pen of the well-known and extensive breeder of various kinds of poultry, 

 Mr. W. H. Todd, of Vermillion, Ohio: &quot; Of all the French breeds we have tried, embracing 

 Creve Coeurs, La Fleche, and Houdans, we regard the latter as the hardiest and best, and, in 

 real merit, they should rank high in comparison with any of the improved breeds, combining, 

 as they do, very many excellent traits and advantages. Now thoroughly acclimated, Houdans 

 are extremely hardy, early maturing, persistent layers, and one of the best table and market 

 birds, the flesh being unusually white, juicy, and tender, with a large proportion of breast 

 meat and less shrinkage in dressing than any other variety. Some claim that a Houdan 

 will dress one-fifth more, ready for the kitchen, than any other fowl of the same live weight. 



At maturity, cocks weigh seven to nine pounds, and hens six to seven, or more, when 

 fattened. They are not termed high flyers, and are contented almost anywhere, though in 

 disposition lively and sprightly, are not supposed to be very troublesome in gardens and 

 orchards, and being good foragers, are well adapted to a free range, especially on the farm, 

 where they are invariably well liked. They are virtually non-sitters, and, in order to breed 

 them successfully, a few Brahma or Cochin hens should be kept to hatch and raise the chicks. 

 Their eggs are generally fertile, and the chicks seldom die, except by accident. So rapid is 

 their growth, that at two or three months old they rival the Brahmas, in weight, and are 

 better developed for broilers and table use. Their thick crests and beards serve well as a 

 protection from frost in winter. Admirers and breeders of Houdans are apt to take 

 considerable pride and interest in them, which is not to be wondered at, as the beholder is 

 always struck with their quaint, comical appearance.&quot; 



The chickens mature early, feather rapidly, are also quite hardy compared with many of 

 our choice breeds, and are, as previously stated, becoming more so, as they become adapted 

 to our climate. We can recommend them to the farmer as a profitable fowl generally. 



Creve Coeurs. In conformation this breed resembles the Houdans, the principal 

 difference being in the comb, which is a good size and consists of two horns in form, standing 



