326 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



offal rather than any other property. The presence of such 

 produce from any one's stock, goes plainly to show that some 

 foreign cross h'as been incorporated into its constitution, which 

 careful breeding and coupling alone will ultimately eradicate. 

 Such description of fowls is generally noted for an unusual 

 greediness for food, to expend which in an immoderate de- 

 gree, is exceedingly injudicious when mere offal is the princi- 

 pal return. 



The points which ought to distinguish the pure varieties of 

 the Shanghaes are as follows : — 



Their general characteristics are great size, roundness and 

 shortness of body, width of breast and back, with medium 

 height corresponding to their weight, much after the model of 

 the best of the Perley stock of Shanghaes. The pure breeds 

 are close-feathered, generally exceeding the weight the best 

 of ordinary judges would assign to them by mere calculation, 

 after a simple glance. Their flesh is fine in fibre, yellow 

 and juicy, and of delicate flavor. They are prolific layers; 

 and when at maturity furnish large eggs. The best breeders 

 generally have their broods produced early in the season, — not 

 later than the latter part of May. 



All pure varieties, — brown or white, — are hardy, neverthe- 

 less; males generally average from ten to twelve pounds when 

 a year old, and females from eight to nine pounds. In every 

 respect they are a most desirable description of fowl. The 

 best specimens of the Marsh stock were shown by H. H. 

 Williams, West Roxbury, A. White, East Randolph, Charles 

 L. Copeland, Milton, and Francis Alden, Dedham. The best 

 specimens of the Forbes stock were shown by E. P. Stetson, 

 Walpole, and Silas Belcher, Foxborough. The best Fussell 

 stock was shown by John Fussell, Jamaica Plain, John Shorey 

 and C. B. Ward, Dedham. The black Shanghaes, shown by 

 J. S. Belcher and A. White, East Randolph, elicited much 

 praise. The only lot of Perley Shanghaes was contributed by 

 Francis Alden, Dedham. 



The specimens of Cochin Chinas, shown by A. White and 

 J. S. Belcher, were unexceptionable. 



Bolton Grays. — The fowls of this variety on exhibition 



