1036 



PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE. 



Part III. 



6685. The Dorking cock and hen, (Jig. 715.) so named from^the town in Surrey 

 of that name, is the largest variety ; 

 shape handsome, body long and 

 capacious, legs short, five claws on 

 each foot; eggs large, and lays 

 abundantly ; color of the flesh in- 

 clining to yellowish or ivory. Both 

 hens and cocks often made into 

 capons. 



6686. The Poland cock and hen 

 (Jig. 716 a) were originally im- 

 ported from Holland. The color 

 shining black, with white tops on 

 the head of both cock and hen; head 

 flat, surmounted by a fleshy protu- 

 berance, out of which spring the crown 



feathers, or 



top, white or black, with the 

 fleshy king David's crown, 

 (the celestial in heraldry), con- 

 sisting of four or five spikes ; 

 their form plump and deep, 

 legs short, feet with five claws, 

 lay abundantly, are less in- 

 clined to set than any other 

 breed ; they fatten quickly, and 

 are more juicy and rich than 

 the Dorking. On the whole 

 this is one of the most useful 

 varieties. There is an orna- 

 mental subvariety known as 

 the golden Poland (b), with 

 yellow and black plumage. 



6687. The every-day cock and hen, is a subvariety of the above, of Dutch origin ; they 

 are of smaller size, and said to be everlasting layers. Their tops are large, and should 

 be periodically clipped near the eyes, otherwise, according to Moubray ( Treatise on 

 Domestic Fowls, 24 and 1 15.), they will grow into the eyes of the fowls and render them 

 very subject to alarm. 



6688, The bantam cock and hen {Jig. 717. )> is a small Indian breed, valued chiefly 

 for its grotesque figure and delicate flesh. Mowbray 717 

 mentions a subvariety, extremely small, and as smooth 

 legged as a game fowl. From their size and deli- 

 cacy they are very convenient, as they may always 

 be used as substitutes for chickens, when small ones 

 are not otherwise to be had. They are also particu- 

 larly useful for sitting upon the eggs of partridges i 

 and pheasants, being good nurses, as well as good 

 layers. There are two varieties of this breed, of 

 which the more common is remarkable for having the legs and feet furnished with fea- 

 thers. The other, and more scarce variety, is even smaller; and is most elegantly 

 formed, as well as most delicately limbed. There is a society of fanciers of this breed, 

 who rear them for prizes, among which Sir John Sebright stands pre-eminent. 



. 6689. The Chittagong or Malay hen {fig. 718.) is an In- 

 dian breed, and the largest variety of the species. They 

 are in color, striated yellow and dark brown, long necked, 

 serpent-headed, and high upon the leg ; their flesh dark, 

 coarse, and chiefly adapted to soup. They are good layers, 

 and being well fed produce large, substantial, and nutri- 

 tive eggs ; but these birds are too long-legged to be steady 

 sitters. 



6690. The shackbag or Duke of Leeds breed, was formerly 

 in great repute, but is now nearly lost. It is sometimes to 

 be met with at Wokingham (Oakingham), in Berkshire, 

 and is so large, and the flesh so white, firm, and fine, as to 

 afford a convenient substitute for the turkey. 

 6691. The improved Spanish cock and hen is a cross between the Dorking and Spanish 

 breed, also to be found in and around Wokingham. It is a large bird with black plum- 

 age, white and delicate flesh, the largest eggs of any British variety, and well adapted for 

 capons. 



