NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 



49 



DORKING COCK. 



This beautiful engraving is taken from a daguerreo- 

 type likeness of one of Dr. Wight's fowls, which are 

 regarded as among the finest in the country. He 

 has long paid great attention to poultry, importing 

 from various countries distinct and pure breeds. His 

 white Dorkings are much admired for their beauty 

 and genuineness. Dr. Wight, by his importations, 

 correct observation in various experiments, and ready 

 communication of valuable information, has done 

 much to promote correct knowledge in regard to this 

 important branch of rural economy. 



The following is a copy of Dr. Wight's remarks on 

 the Dorking breed of fowls, as communicated to the 

 author of the American Fowl-Breeder : — 



" As you have expressed a wish to have me report 

 my experience in regard to the Dorking breed of 

 fowls, I readily comply with 3'our request. 



" After an experience of ten or twelve years, (hav- 

 ing been, in that time, the owner of many birds of 

 ditfercut breeds,) I do not hesitate to give the Dork- 

 ings the preference. 



" They have large and plump bodies, with a broad, 

 full chest, like the partridge, and in this peculiarity, 

 hold the rank among poultry which the Durhams do 

 among cattle. When produced at the table, tliere 

 is no other breed I have yet seen equal to them. 

 They are also good layers, producing a good-sized, 

 clear, white egg, and, as sitters and mothers, cannot 

 be surpassed by any breed of fowls. To obtain the 

 pure breed is difficult. Any one who has ever im- 

 ported them will attest to this fsict. No sure criterion 

 is found in the appearance of live toes, as has been 

 stated. But where it is not found, I should appre- 

 hend a ' cross.' To describe a true Dorking is diffi- 

 cult, although a breeder could at once recognize one. 

 Many writers state that they are long in the body. 

 But this is only true when they are yoking. As they 

 come to maturity, the other parts are filled up, and 

 they appear more like the form of the linnet than any 

 other bird. The prominent points are these : A fine 

 head, with brilliant, reddish-tinged eyes ; single or 

 double combs, in both sexes ; a graceful neck, rather 

 short than long ; wide, deep, projecting breast ; the 

 body is not only long, but is round, rather than flat 

 or square ; and the legs, considering their large size, 



short, and invariably of a silvery white. Tliey move 

 with an approach to the majestic. Their colors are 

 (those I have imported at various times) both white 

 and speckled ; but I preferred to retain the white, 

 and have bred from them. My stock is now entirely 

 white. 



♦' I may add, that, when crossed with larger breeds, 

 they invariably improve the form ; and while the 

 quality of the meat is also improved, the amount of 

 offal is much reduced. 



" They are a very hardy bird, and their young are 

 easily reared — a fact of great importance in this 

 climate." 



PLANTING CHESTNUTS. 



At a late farmers' meeting, in New York, Mr. Rico, 

 speaking of planting chestnut timber, remarked, that 

 he ploughed up a tract of unproductive hill side, 

 several years ago, and planted it with chestnuts, in 

 rows four feet apart every way. The first sprouts 

 coming up rather crooked and scrubby, he went over 

 the field and cut them down close to the ground, which 

 caused new shoots to spring up straight and vigorous. 

 The trees are very thrifty, conii)lctely shade tho 

 ground, and grow more and more rapidly as the soil 

 becomes strengthened by the annual deposit of leaves. 

 80 well satisfied is he with the experiment, that he 

 is now placing other worthless lands in a similar 

 course of improvement. 



AGRICULTURAL PAPERS. 



Every farmer can well afford to take a good agri- 

 cultural j)aper, to assist him in tho erection of suita- 

 ble buildings and fences ; tho making and saving 

 manure ; the selection of agricultural implements ; 

 the best kinds of stock and fruit ; the feeding and 

 fattening of cattle ; and management of his land and 

 crops : thus obtaining the united wisdom and expe- 

 rience of the best practical farmers, not only of our 

 own country, but of the civilized world. I have 

 known farmers to lay out, through mismanagement, 

 within the short period of a year, enough to pay for 

 one hiindrrd copies of any agricultural paper pub- 

 lished in the land. — North Am, Farmer. 



