POULTRY. 191 



acclimated to warrant us in giving an opinion as to their profit 

 for the farmer. There are many breeds of great beauty which 

 are desirable only for the poultry-fancier. The raising of poultry 

 can be made as profitable, under a judicious system, as any 

 other branch of husbandry. 



Edmund Rodman, Chairman. 



BAENSTABLE. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



The varieties of barnyard fowl are so numerous, and so many 

 kinds have their advocates, that it is almost impossible to gather 

 from the various owners facts sufficient, when well authenti- 

 cated, to be able to lay down any directions as to the best kind 

 and how they should be cared for. Among those kinds of fowl 

 which, on the whole, seem to bear best the test of close scru- 

 tiny, we will mention the Dorkings, the Bolton Grays, and the 

 Black Spanish. 



The Dorkings are a very favorite variety in England. A few 

 of these were imported from England, where the town of Dork- 

 ing is situated, in 1839. Since that time a considerable number 

 have been brought over, so that they are quite readily to be 

 found at the present time. Most of these fowl can be known 

 by the fact of their having Jive claws on each foot. The color 

 is usually white or light speckled, and the flesh fine and of 

 excellent flavor. This breed feed well, fat well, and lay well. 

 One of the best breeders in the country says : " In regard to 

 the Dorkings, I am still strongly prepossessed in their favor ; as 

 layers they are certainly very prolific. As an instance, one of 

 my neighbors had a pullet that was hatched in May. In the 

 same year the pullet began her litter of eggs, and hatched out 

 her chickens before the first of the December ensuing." 

 Another breeder says : " The Dorking fowl stand first in the 

 estimate of those who have raised them with other varieties." 

 Another large breeder says : " Although in the depth of winter, 

 with over a foot of snow on the ground, the hens lay daily, 

 running out in the severest cold." 



The Black Spanish is another very popular variety. These 

 are a variety of the Poland or crested fowl. Tliey lay large 

 eggs and their flesh is highly esteemed. A farmer who has 



