196 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



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. 

 The meat is not only abundant and of good quality, sur- 

 passing any other English breed except Game, but is produced 

 in greatest quantity in choice 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 of this beautiful English fowl. It 

 should also be noted that the hen is a most exemplary 

 sitter and mother ; and, remaining longer with the chickens 

 than most other varieties, is peculiarly suitable for hatching 

 early broods. 



The Dorking is not, however, a good layer, except when 

 very young. The chickens are also of delicate constitution 

 when bred in confinement, and a few weeks of cold wet 

 weather will sometimes carry off nearly a whole brood. 

 But when allowed unlimited range the breed appears hardy, 

 and as easy to rear as any other, if not hatched too soon. 

 At Linton Park the chickens were all left with the hens at 

 night, under coops entirely open in the front, and grew up 

 in perfect health, whilst the old birds frequently roosted in 

 the trees. It is in confinement or on wet soils that they 

 suffer ; and the only way of keeping them successfully in 

 such circumstances is to pay the strictest attention to clean- 

 liness and drainage,, and to give them some fresh tutf every 



