DORKINGS 161 



of table-fowls ever seen have resulted from this cross, though 

 " all round " it is hardly as remunerative as others. The 

 modern long-legged Game fowl is far less valuable as a table- 

 fowl or table cross than the older-fashioned, more squat form 

 of bird ; and so far the change in style is to be regretted. 



On the other hand, both fowls and eggs are rather small, 

 and it need hardly be said that so pugnacious a breed is not 

 adapted for confinement. It will suit some farmers and many 

 country gentlemen, but, on the whole, is not a breed for 

 domestic purposes, or except as a cross for those whose object 

 is to supply the market with table-birds. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



DORKINGS. 



THIS is a pre-eminently English breed of fowls, and is, as it 

 always will be, a general favourite, especially with lady 

 fanciers. The general predilection of the fair sex for Dorkings 

 may be easily accounted for, not only by the great beauty of 

 all the varieties, but even more, perhaps, by their unrivalled 

 qualities as table-birds a point in which ladies may be easily 

 supposed to feel a peculiar interest. 



The varieties of Dorkings usually recognised are the Grey 

 or Coloured, Silver-grey, and White. We believe the White 

 to be the original breed, from which the Coloured varieties 

 were produced by crossing with the old Sussex or some other 

 large-coloured fowl. That such was the case is almost proved 

 by the fact, that some years ago nothing was more un- 

 certain than the appearance of the fifth toe in Coloured 

 chickens, even of the best strains. Such uncertainty in any 

 important point is always an indication of mixed blood ; and 

 that it was so in this case is shown by the result of long and 

 careful breeding, which has now rendered the fifth toe per- 

 manent, and finally established the variety. 



