CHAPTER XVI. 



AMERICAN BREEDS 

 PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 



The breed known as the Plymouth Rock is generally 

 acknowledged the best for useful purposes that has ever 

 been bred in this country, and as especially adapted to 

 our American climate, markets, and uses. As fowls for 

 the farmer and raiser of market poultry, they are su- 

 perior to other birds in many respects. They fill the 

 requirements of the farm, while maintaining their purity 

 as a breed. They are good layers, sitters, and mothers. 

 They are excellent foragers, and, being at the same time 

 under easy control, will bear close confinement without 

 injury. They have the desirable characteristic of being 

 self-reliant when roaming at will and dependent upon 

 their own exertions, and contented and happy when re- 

 strained in close quarters. 



For general purposes we know of no better fowl. 

 They are hardy, and easily raised, and for a breed that is 

 so large they are wonderfully active and industrious, quick 

 and sprightly in their movements. With a good yard 

 of Plymouth Rocks, the farmer or market-poultry raiser 

 lias a breed that fills all requirements; the farmer's 

 object being not so much to gratify taste or a love of 

 the beautiful and ornamental, as to keep fowls that will 

 give a good supply of eggs through a great part of the 

 year, and furnish in the fa!4 and winter large-sized, com- 

 pact birds, possessing a presentable color for the table. 



The Plymouth Rocks were first brought to notice 

 when the Brahmas and Cochins were leading the fashion, 

 and did not attract particular attention; but on the score 

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