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SECTION I . 

 CHAPTER I. 



PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 



PLYMOUTH ROCKS are classified as "general purpose 

 fowls." The pioneer variety, the Barred Plymouth Rock, 

 then called Plymouth Rock, was first exhibited in 1869 at 

 Worcester, Mass. They are a composite of several different 

 blood lines, the first and most prominent of which were the 

 Black Cochin and Dominique. 



In size the Plymouth Rock is intermediate between the 

 Asiatic and Mediterranean breeds, the most typical and useful 

 specimens being those which are nearest to Standard weights. 



The six varieties are identical except in color. The color 

 of the Barred variety is exceedingly difficult to describe; in 

 fact, the true and exact shade can be learned only by ob- 

 servation ; the colors should be modified black and white in all 

 sections, each feather crossed by regular, narrow, parallel, 

 sharply defined dark bars that stop short of positive black; 

 the overlapping of the feathers producing a bluish tinge when 

 viewed under certain light reflections. 



The White variety plumage pure white, as the name indi- 

 cates should be free from creaminess and brassiness. The 

 combination of pure white plumage with bright red comb, face, 

 wattles and ear-lobes, and yellow legs and beak is both desirable 

 and obtainable. 



The color of plumage of the Buff variety should be a rich 

 golden-buff, free from shafting or mealy appearance, while ex- 

 tremes of light and dark shades should be avoided, and a har- 

 monious blending of buff in all sections is most desired. 



The contrast of black with white in males and with steel- 

 gray in females will attract many to the Silver Penciled variety. 

 The exquisite penciling with the rich plumage and mahogany 

 surface of the Partridge female and the brilliant red and green- 

 ish-black plumage of the male, give the breeders of this variety 

 an opportunity of testing their skill in mating that is equaled in 

 but few varieties of Standard fowls. The Columbians with 

 their white breasts, backs and wing bows sharply contrasting 

 with the black markings of necks and tails, present also an at- 

 tractive color scheme. 



