238 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



It is a little remarkable that while Americans are 

 generally admitted to have scarcely equalled English 

 breeders in the precision of exhibition points, they have 

 far surpassed them in the skill with which they have pro- 

 duced new and valuable breeds, with really difficult points, 

 out of complicated crosses. It is almost as remarkable to 

 observe how, by breeding consistently to a close-feathered 

 type, known to be connected with table quality and fertility, 

 they have thus produced, like the French, excellent table- 

 fowls and surpassing layers out of Asiatic materials. 



CHAPTER XXL 



MISCELLANEOUS BREEDS. 



UNDER this chapter we may collect several breeds which 

 rarely have a class of their own, but usually compete 

 together in a mixed class provided for such waifs and 

 strays ; or which, like Orpingtons, though filling good 

 classes, are less distinctive in character. Sultans usually 

 compete in the "Variety" class, but have already been 

 described under Polish fowls. 



SCOTCH GREYS. This breed is rarely provided for in 

 England, but in Scotland often fills large and good classes. 

 It might be called the Scotch Dorking. It is of the cuckoo 

 or Dominique colour, has single upright combs, and red 

 faces and ear-lobes. The legs vary a little, from bluish to 

 mottled blue and white like the Houdan, and nearly white ; 

 and there have been advocates of all. The size is about 

 that of the White Dorking, and the shape and carriage are 

 more sprightly than that of English Dorkings, somewhat 

 resembling the free and agile style of the Game fowl. The 

 flesh is good, and the bird hardy and a good layer, usually 



