THE ENGLISH CLASS 99 



skill to breed the right feathers, being so old they breed true every 

 time. Color of female, golden brown and greenish black; color of 

 male, rich dark mahogany red, golden brown and lustrous greenish 

 black. It requires an artist to describe a good specimen of English 

 Redcap male. Each feather is so correctly marked with a spangle 

 or half moon and all are so arranged that the bird is a real picture. 



Orpingtons. If the Redcap were an early love the Orpingtons are 

 the last and best love*, for I do not ever expect to give up Orpingtons 

 as long as I keep any fowls at all. These are the largest of the smooth 

 legged breeds. There are several varieties but none very extensively 

 bred in California except the Buff, Black and White. These three 

 are the recognized standard varieties of Orpingtons. 



Fanciers spend money freely to keep up and maintain the type 

 and beautiful color of their favorites. The Buffs, with the rich golden 

 color both under and surface; the Blacks, the rich lustrous black that 

 judges demand, and the Whites, free from foreign color and brassiness. 



The skin and meat of all three varieties are white. The legs and 

 feet of Whites and Buffs are pinkish white and the Blacks are black or 

 slate color. 



All three varieties are popular and no one can justly say that one 

 is better than the other. The Buffs and Whites in pens side by side 

 do not differ in egg production so that it can be noticed. The only 

 real difference is in the personal taste of the owner of each color. 

 The legs are rather short, standing well apart to carry the weight of 

 flesh. Standard weight for cock is 10 pounds; cockerel 8^2 pounds; 

 hen 8 pounds and pullet 7 pounds. And I have hens that have been 

 famous layers weighing ten pounds. But Standard weight is a good 

 size for all practical purposes and if kept 'busy they will not accumu- 

 late fat. 



The Orpingtons have made a reputation for themselves as the best 

 winter egg producers we have, and the reputation is increasing by 

 leaps and bounds, because the fowls live up to expectations when 

 given half a show. 



The chicks are hardy, quick growers and until they begin to run to 

 leg are always ready to sell for broilers or fryers. As roasters they 

 are world beaters and the most remarkable feature of the Orpington 

 hen is, that it continues to pay its board until six or seven years old. 

 At three years old they are in their prime and will lay quite as many 

 eggs as in the first year if kept from putting on fat. This can be done 

 with exercise and correct feeding. 



Buff Orpington. This variety is in color buff, a golden color all 

 through when for exhibition. Earlobes, wattles and comb all red and 

 with the golden buff of the feathers fitting in makes a pretty picture. 

 Color of shanks white or pinkish white, medium comb having five 

 points. Positive white in earlobes or any foreign color in plumage is 

 a disqualification. 



