12 WHITE DORKINGS. 



as an experienced importer and breeder of fowls. It is said that 

 white Dorkings are nearly extinct in England, and that the 

 colored varieties are highly esteemed. It is quite probable that 

 this is true not from the alleged fact, that the colored varieties 

 are better, but from the positive fact that people are generally so 

 careless, that they cannot, or will not keep any breed long in its 

 purity. 



Richardson, an English author, says : 



"The color of the Dorking is generally pure white, spotted or 

 spangled with black ; these colors will sometimes merge into a grey 

 or grizzel. The hens weigh from seven to nine pounds ; stand low on 

 their legs; and round, plump, and short in the body; wide on the 

 breast, with abundance of white, juicy flesh. The hens are generally 

 good layers, and their eggs, though smaller than the eggs of the Span- 

 ish and Polish breeds, are of good size, and well flavored. The price 

 of pure speckled Dorkings is about 20s. the pair, ($4.44.) These birds 

 have been long prized, and it is now many years since their superiori- 

 ty over our ordinary domestic varieties was originally discovered and 

 appreciated. In this, and all other varieties of fowl, fresh blood should 

 be introduced from time to time, or the breed degenerates." 



Mr. D. P. Newell, of Rochester, writes as follows : 



" Dear Sir, In complying with your request, I would say, that I 

 have bred some of the choicest kinds of fowls, and have come to the 

 conclusion that the pure white Dorking is the best breed we have. 

 They have more good qualities than any other fowl. They are easily 

 kept, hardy and easy to rear, have little waste of offal, mature young, 

 and commence laying when from four to five months old. For the 

 table, I believe, it is conceded by all discriminating epicures that 

 they have not an equal. I have one white Dorking hen imported by 

 Mr. Scott, of Victor, which has layed for nine months past. She com- 

 menced when four months old and is laying now. I believe it would 

 be safe to say that she has laid at least one hundred and fifty eggs, and 

 has not offered to set. I have kept during the last season, five differ- 

 ent breeds, among which are the black and golden Polands; but my 

 pure white Dorkings have laid better than any breed. The fawn- 

 colored Dorking is doubtless a cross between the white Dorking and 

 Malay. I have raised the speckled and fawn-colored Dorkings this 

 season from the above crosses. The speckled Dorking is also a cross 

 between the golden Poland, and the white Dorking. My chickens 

 have the fifth toe, and other usual marks of the Dorking fowl. I have 

 Dr. Eben Wight's and Mr. Scott's importations, and shall breed them 

 with great care, selecting a cock from one importation, and a hen 

 from the other ; and I have yet to be convinced that the world can 

 produce any thing superior to the White Surrey Dorkings" 



Maine, a foreign writer, says : 



" The most valuable variety for the table at present is the Dorking 

 breed. This is pure white ; and highly esteemed for whiteness and 



