QUALITIES OF DORKINGS. 165 



resorted to with the result of producing narrow, long-legged 

 birds, with a tendency to narrow and even single combs. 

 We have also known a cross with White Cochins tried ; but the 

 produce of such almost always loses the true Dorking character, 

 and especially is apt to acquire a thick skin. It deserves 

 remark, however, that when shown in a class with other 

 colours, White Dorkings always appear smaller than they 

 really are, and have repeatedly proved heavier than Silver- 

 greys, which the judge has preferred solely on account of their 

 apparent extra size. 



Cuckoo-coloured Dorkings are sometimes shown, and have 

 even had classes now and then, but are almost always small, 

 and weedy in shape. 



Dorkings degenerate from in-breeding more than most 

 fowls, and therefore require more change in blood. If over-fed, 

 they also suffer more than many from exhibition ; but this 

 fault and its effects are far less common now than formerly. 



These fowls are peculiarly subject to what is called 

 " bumble-foot," a tumour or abscess in the ball of the foot. It 

 appears to be mysteriously connected with the fifth toe, 

 according to a law discovered by Mr. Darwin, that " excess of 

 structure is often accompanied by weakness of function." It 

 can often be removed surgically, and the wound dressed with 

 lunar caustic, without coming again : other cases are more 

 obstinate and seem to resist all treatment We think on the 

 whole it is less general than formerly. 



The great merit of Dorkings has already been hinted at, and 

 consists in their unrivalled excellence as table-fowls. In this 

 respect we never expect to see them surpassed. The meat is 

 not only abundant and of good quality, surpassing any other 

 English breed except Game, but is prc/dticed in greatest quantity 

 in the choicest parts breast, merrythought, and wings. Add 

 to this, that no breed is so easily got into good condition for 

 the table, and enough has been said to justify the popularity 



