No. 8. 



The Doi'h'ng and Poland Fovls. 



249 



DORKING FOWLS. 



POLAND FOWLS. 



The Dorking is a valuable and favourite 

 variety in England, and takes its name from 

 a town in the county of Surrey, where the 

 breed is supposed to have originated, and 

 where, and in its vicinity, they are still said 

 to be found in great plenty and perfection. 

 They have been but little known and scarce, 

 in this country until within a few years. 



In size, Mowbray- says, they rank in the 

 third degree, in the largest of our fowls y 

 well shaped, having a long capacious body; 

 and shortish legs, and should have five claws, 



on each foot. This is a distinctive mark, 

 but of no advantage, but probably tracing 

 their origin to the Poland ; as it is said a 

 Poland cock v;ith a common white hen, will 

 occasionally produce a similar bird. The 

 absence ot a fifth claw is not, hov.'ever, con- 

 Isidered a proof of a spurious breed. The 

 'genuine colour is of an ivory white; the 

 flesh is good flavoured, of a yellow or ivory 

 shade, and highly esteemed. 

 I From the specimens we have seen, we 

 have no reason to believe that colour is any 



