386 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Bolton Grays, Creoles, &c. The Hamburgs are divided into 

 Silver-spangled .Hamburgs and Gold-spangled Hamburgs, and 

 these two classes are again subdivided into Silver-pencilled 

 Hamburgs, Golden-pencilled Hamburgs, &c. To avoid confu- 

 sion, it is proper that our amateurs should conform to this 

 classification. 



The foregoing remarks in reference to the misnomers of 

 fowls it is hoped, may tend to correct the misunderstanding 

 which has prevailed on the subject in this vicinity. Other mat- 

 ters in reference to poultry have lately been so thoroughly 

 discussed through the medium of periodicals, poultry books, &c., 

 as to require no further notice at this time. 



ESSEX. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



By far the largest portion of the exhibition was composed of 

 Chittagong, Shanghae, and other large breeds of fowls, which 

 we are well aware sometimes command enormous prices from 

 dealers and amateurs. We are of opinion, however, that their 

 real value to the farmer is very much overestimated; their 

 superiority in size being counterbalanced by their inferiority 

 as layers, and the coarseness of their flesh. Dorking, Black 

 Spanish, or some similar breed, will, we think, be found of 

 more advantage to all persons who rear them for their legiti- 

 mate end. 



A. L. PiEESON, Chairman. 



MIDDLESEX. 



Statement of James A. Barrett. 



These fowls I offer as a specimen of a flock of about ninety, 

 which 1 kept through the last winter, and the most of the spring. 

 Since then I have reduced them so that at the present time I 

 have about thirty-five old hens on hand. Since the first of last 

 January, they have laid six hundred dozen of eggs. And I have 

 raised about one hundred chickens. I have kept them mostly 



