66 



THE PEOPLE'S PRACTICAL POULTRY BOOK. 



THE DOMINIQUE. 



In speaking of these fowls, Mr. BEMENT says " they are distinguished as 

 Dominique by their markings and their color, which is generally considered 

 an indication of hardiness and fecundity. They are by some called ' Hawk- 

 colored fowls ' from their resemblance to the birds of that name. We sel- 

 dom see bad hens of this variety, and, take them, all in all, we do not hesi- 

 tate in pronouncing them one of the best and most profitable breed of fowls, 

 being hardy, good layers, careful nurses, and affording excellent eggs and 

 first quality flesh." Dr. BENNETT, in his description of the Dominique, 



DOMINIQUE COCK. 



sa y g: "The prevailing and true color of the Dominique fowl is a light 

 ground, undulated and softly shaded with a slaty blue all over the body, (as 

 indicated in the portrait of the cock herewith given,) forming bands of 

 various widths ; the comb of the cock is variable, some being single, while 

 others are double most, however, are single ; the iris, bright orange ; feet 

 and legs are bright yellow or buff color ; bill the same color as the legs." 

 Browne's Poultry Yard remarks that they are not only good layers, sitters 

 and nurses, but that " their beautiful appearance, when in full plumage, is 

 quite an acquisition to the farm-yard or lawn." Taken all in all we consider 

 them one of our very best breeds of native fowls, and one that alters little by 

 in-and-in breeding. 



