80 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



to lay again on the 3d Nov., and both hens continue to lay 

 averaging about six eggs per week. About once a week, each 

 hen lays an egg of very large size. I have twelve other hens, 

 of common kinds, from which I have had fifty-three eggs ; 

 while, in the same time, the two Plymouth Rock hens laid 

 seventy-seven. Oct. 12th, I weighed three lots of eggs, as fol- 

 lows, namely : 



Six Plymouth Rock hen's eggs, largest size, nineteen and 

 a half ounces ; six Plymouth Rock hen's eggs, smallest, thirteen 

 and a half ounces ; six common hen's eggs, eleven and a half 

 ounces. 



The Plymouth Rock fowls appear to be very quiet, and 

 of remarkably amiable disposition, and thus far I am much 

 pleased with them. 



Yours, very respectfully, 



JOHN A. HARRIS." 



Mr. John Giles, of Providence, in a letter dated " Sept. 19th, 

 1849," says " The ' Rocks' are a splendid bird, and if their 

 table qualities prove to be good, will make a valuable breed of 

 fowls." Again, in the same letter he says, "On more close 

 examination of the ' Rock' chick, I am more confirmed that 

 they must prove an invaluable breed. Could you not cross so 

 as to have one distinct color of leg and plumage?" 



In conformity with this suggestion, I shall endeavor here- 

 after to produce them with uniform plumage, preferring the 

 dark color, dark legs, and four toes only ; as I consider the fifth 

 toe objectionable, when it can be avoided. 



