Plymouth Rocks 63 



are maintained. The fact that comparatively 

 easy tasks are more likely to be accomplished than 

 are very difficult ones may possibly explain why 

 the easier task of creating a new variety has become 

 more popular than the more difficult one of improv- 

 ing the useful qualities of a well-established breed. 

 The recognized varieties of this breed are the 

 following: 



Barred Silver-penciled 



White Partridge 



Buff Columbian 



All varieties have the same weight cock 9J/, 

 hen 7J^, cockerel 8, and pullet 6 pounds. 



BARRED PLYMOUTH ROCKS 



This variety probably originated in Massa- 

 chusetts about the middle of the last century. 

 It is said to have sprung from the cross of a Domi- 

 nique cock and a Black Java hen. The Barred 

 Plymouth Rocks combine largely the qualities of 

 both these breeds. They more nearly approach 

 the Java in size, but retain many of the good qual- 

 ities of the Dominique. While they do not have 

 the color of either parent, yet they more nearly 

 approach that of the Dominique. These fowls 

 approach the Asiatics in size, the Leghorns in egg 

 production, and constitute one of the most useful 

 varieties. They also produce flesh of an excellent 



