WORCESTER SOCIETY. 113 



Bement says of the Dorking fowl from Mowbrays, " they rank in 

 the third degree in the largest of our fowls, well-shaped, having 

 a long, capacious body and short legs, and should have five 

 claws on each foot, and are the most valuable variety for the 

 table." Main says, " This breed is of pure white, and highly es- 

 teemed for whiteness and delicacy of flesh, when served upon 

 the table. Since imported to this country, their color, in some 

 degree, has changed, as many now appear to be hawk-colored, 

 and some speckled. This breed makes an excellent stock for the 

 farm or market. They fatten well, lay well, and rear well." 



The next variety, undoubtedly the most useful, is the black 

 Poland Topknot fowl. Mowbray says, " ThePolanders are not 

 only kept as ornamental, but they are of the most useful varie- 

 ties, particularly on account of the abundance of eggs they 

 lay, being least inclined to sit of any other breed, whence they 

 are sometimes called '• everlasting layers,' and it is usual to set 

 their eggs under other hens. They fatten as quickly as any 

 other breed, and are in quality similar to the Dorking, their 

 flesh more juicy, and of a richer flavor." 



The editor of the Yankee Farmer says, "We have received 

 six Booby hen's eggs. These hens are considered as the great- 

 est layers, as four laid thirty-six eggs in ten days, and showed 

 no disposition to sit." Their other good or bad qualities are not 

 described. 



The committee could extend to great length the various spec- 

 ulations now abroad upon the different varieties, the modes of 

 feeding, &e. They have arrived at the conclusion, that the 

 native yellow-leg, plump-breast, rich and juicy meat fowl, for 

 layers, good nurses, and early chickens for the gridiron, are 

 not surpassed by any fowl of foreign breed. 



The first premium of $2 was awarded to David R. Gates, of 

 Worcester, for 9 turkeys, only from the fact that they were from 

 a flock of 80. 



The next premium of $2, to John H. Hersey, of Worcester, 

 for 8 ducks. 



The next premium of $3, to Ebenezer Lincoln, of Grafton, 

 for the best specimen of the barn-yard fowl, mixed breed. 



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