328 NORFOLK SOCIETY. 



markings assigned to the Dorkings by the best judges and 

 ablest writers, were present in the specimens shown. There 

 is a peculiarity about this, and other fowls, which may be 

 mentioned here. 



When bred in aiid in for a length of time, the comb, — al- 

 ways single in the carefully bred fowl originally, — becomes 

 double, which some recognize as a mark denoting degenera- 

 tion, while the uninitiated set greater value on those having a 

 double or rose comb. Whether this may arise from physical 

 disability or not, your committee will not undertake, at this 

 time, to decide ; certain it is, that the introduction of fresh 

 blood into stocks demonstrating such features of degeneracy, 

 (admitting them to be such,) is a certain means to counteract 

 its progress. 



Aylesbury Ducks. — Your committee would recommend at- 

 tention to the advantages arising from the breeding of this 

 variety of the duck tribe. 



The principal one is, the greater weight to which they attain 

 at the commencement of the winter season than any of the 

 more common varieties ; but they are also beyond comparison 

 with the common sorts, in point of easy management and 

 productive qualities ; they are the earliest layers and setters of 

 any of the varieties. 



In the latter respect, none are easier to propagate. They 

 are beautifully ornamental, — have fine white, downy feathers, 

 pure colored skin, and white, delicate and savory flesh, which, 

 associated with their large size, render them the most marketa- 

 ble fowls of their kind, — the most profitable in every respect. 

 At seven to eight months old, they attain to the weight of ten 

 to twelve pounds per pair. 



China (or Tchin-Tchu) Goose. — Some of the contributors 

 entered them under the name of Mountain Goose, which was 

 not correct ; for the Mountain Goose,* — a misnomer with us, — 

 is a judicious cross between the Tchin-Tchu and Bremen or 

 Embden Goose. The former variety, in its purity, attains at 



* Mountain Goose, — Anas picta, — is larger than the tame goose, and has the head, 

 neck and quill feathers of the wings of a very beautiful glossy green. It frequents the val- 

 ley of Waitreriy or Roode-sand, and is sometimes seen at the Cape of Good Hope. 



