VARIETIES OF DOMESTIC FOWL. 79 



culturist ; and I believe that a pair of the specimens shown in 

 the accompanying engraving will weigh, at laying time next 

 spring, full eighteen pounds perhaps more. I deem this 

 ample, for size; and with the other good qualities of these 

 fowls, which I have already tested, for laying, quietness, 

 easy keeping, and general hardiness, J think these must 

 cause them to rank among the very best in our country, event- 

 ually. 



The plumage of the roosters is dark red hackles, on neck 

 and rump ; the legs are bright yellow, slightly feathered ; the 

 body, dark red and green, relieved with stray feathers of a 

 golden tint ; and the under portion of the body and breast is a 

 rich, deep, glossy blue-black partaking of the plumage of the 

 Wild Indian fowl, the original cross. The tail-plumes on the 

 above crower are not grown out, as yet, of course, nor does 

 he yet show any spur ; but he is pictured exactly as he is at 

 this time, after his first moult. When in full plumage, the tail- 

 feathers are heavy, and give the male bird not only a much 

 larger proportionate appearance, but very greatly improve his 

 form." 



In the Massachusetts Ploughman, also, there is a communica- 

 tion from Mr. John A. Harris, of South Boston, concerning 

 the laying of this breed, which is here subjoined. 



"South Boston, Nov. 27th, 1849. 



Dear Sir : In answer to your inquiry respecting the 

 Plymouth Rock fowls, I will make the following statement : 

 Sept. 7th, I received of Dr. Bennett two hens, one year old, and 

 one cockerel, four months old. One of the hens laid, -the next 

 day ; and in five weeks laid thirty eggs. She then stopped 

 laying till Nov. 18th, when she commenced again. The 

 other hen began to lay Sept. 22d, and in twenty-four days laid 

 twenty eggs. She then (Oct. 15) stopped laying, but began 



