Dorkings. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



DORKINGS. 



THIS is one of the finest breeds, and especially English. 

 A pure Dorking is distinguished by an additional or fifth 

 toe. There are several varieties, which are all comprised 

 in two distinct classes the White and the Coloured. The 

 rose-combed white breed is the Dorking of the old fanciers, 

 and most probably the original breed, from which the 

 coloured varieties were produced by crossing it with the 

 old Sussex, or some other large coloured fowl. " That such 

 was the case," says Mr. Wright, " is almost proved by the 

 fact that only a few years ago nothing was more uncertain 

 than the appearance of the fifth toe in coloured chickens, 

 even of the best strains. Such uncertainty in any impor- 

 tant 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 

 permanent, and finally established the variety." Mr. Brent 

 says : " The old Dorking, the pure Dorking, the only Dor- 

 king, is the White Dorking. It is of good size, compact 

 and plump form, with short neck, short white legs, five 

 toes, a full rose-comb, a large breast, and a plumage of 

 spotless white. The practice of crossing with a Game cock 

 was much in vogue with the old breeders, to improve a 

 worn-out stock (which, however, would have been better 

 accomplished by procuring a fresh bird of the same kind, 

 but not related). This cross shows itself in single combs, 

 loss of a claw, or an occasional red feather, but what is 

 still more objectionable, in pale-yellow legs and a yellow 

 circle about the beak, which also indicates a yellowish 

 skin. These, then, are faults to be avoided. As regards 

 size, the White Dorking is generally inferior to the Sussex 

 fowl (or ' coloured Dorking '), but in this respect it only 



