THE DORKING FOWL. 187 



Poultry which the Durhams do among cattle. When pro- 

 duced at the table, there is no other breed I have seen equal 

 to them. They are also good layers, producing a good-sized 

 clear-white Egg, and, as sitters and mothers, cannot be sur- 

 passed by any breed of Fowls. 



No sure criterion is found in the appearance of five toes, as 

 has been stated. But where it is not found, I should ap- 

 prehend a "cross." To describe a true Dorking is difficult, 

 although a breeder could at once recognise one. 



Several writers state that they are long in the body. But 

 that is only true while they are young. As they come to ma- 

 turity, the other parts are filled up, and they appear more 

 like the form of a Linnet than any other bird. 



The prominent points are these : a fine head, with brilliant, 

 reddish-tinged eyes by some, termed ferret-eyed; single or 

 double comb, in both sexes; a graceful neck, rather short than 

 long; wide, deep, projecting breast; the body is not only 

 long, but is round, rather than flat or square; and the legs, 

 considering their size, short, and invariably of a silvery white. 



I may add, that when crossed with other breeds, they in- 

 variably improve the form ; and while the quality of the meat 

 is improved, the amount of ofial is much reduced. 



They are a hardy bird, and their young easily reared a 

 fact of great importance in this climate. 



That the Chinese possess a race of Fowls which have the 

 fifth toe, as fully developed as in the Dorking, is proved by 

 the fact, that I have in my possession a pair which were sent 

 from Nankin, (and arrived here in March, 1850,) as choice 

 specimens, having a snow-white plumage and other character- 

 istics of the true Dorking. The plumage, toes, the shape and 

 colour of the Eggs, lead me to believe that the Dorkings 

 originated in that section. 



EBEN WIGHT. 



Dedham, fc?., Dec. 5, 1850. 



