16 WHITE DORKINGS. 



sachusetts, of whom I obtained part of my Dorkings, remarks that they 

 are a hardy bird, and their young easily reared a fact of great im- 

 portance in this climate. The partridge should be the standard for the 

 shape of fowls. It will be found in general, that the nearer this form 

 is approached, the better will be the flesh, and the greater the quanti- 

 ty in proportion to the bone. 



"The Dorking comes nearer to' this standard than any other variety. 

 I have two diiferent importations of the pure Surrey white Dorkings ; 

 consequently, my fowls are not related, as they never should be, if 

 you wish for strong, healthy and vigorous chickens. When well bred, 

 I know not a better fowl. In truth, I might say of them, as the pious 

 ISAAC WALTON was wont to say of the trout, his favorite fish: 'God 

 might have made a better fish, but he did not ;' so of the pure, unadul- 

 terated Dorking." 



During the present season, (1852,) the white Dorkings have 

 shown the want of an infusion of fresh blood very much ; and 

 they have in many cases manifested a delicacy and tendency to 

 deterioration that will soon ruin this breed, unless remedied by 

 sending for fresh stock from England, or procuring stock from 

 different importations into this country. Dr. Eben Wight, and 

 Mr. Scott of Victor, are the only gentlemen who have made 

 importations of this breed, to my knowledge. Dr. Wight has, 

 I believe, made several recent importations for the purpose 

 of remedying the above evil. The white Dorkings that I 

 have raised are from Dr. Wight's celebrated stock, yet I cannot 

 recommend them, nor indeed any stock of this breed, until an 

 improvement shall have been made by avoiding the ruinous 

 practice of a close in-and-in breeding. I have made arrange- 

 ments for procuring fresh blood. 



As I have no interest to subserve, save the embodiment of 

 reliable facts in this work, I shall present such information, as 

 shall come into my possession, either from my own experience, 

 or otherwise, that will give a truthful description of all the 

 various breeds, and varieties of fowls among us, so far as I am 

 capable of doing, however much it may clash with the opinions 

 of other writers. That all white Dorkings have degenerated, 

 I am not prepared to say; but my own have, and I have learned 

 of numerous instances that sufficiently corroborate my state- 

 ments, to satisfy me that I may safely say, that this breed has 

 generally become so delicate in this country, from the causes 

 before mentioned, that they are not a desirable breed to rear for 

 profit, either as a market or table fowl. That the quality of 

 the flesh of the white Dorking is of the most tender, juicy and 

 fine flavor, there is no doubt, neither is there any doubt as to 



