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On the other hand, it must be confessed that these Spanish 

 dames are not good mothers or nurses, even when they do sit, 

 "which," as Dixon remarks, " they will not often condescend 

 to do." This last trait of character will prove a recommend- 

 ation rather than otherwise with those who care for eggs 

 rather than chickens. When the latter are wanted, it is better 

 to place the eggs under a hen of another and more motherly 

 breed a Dorking, for instance. 



The Spanish fowls bear confinement very well; are not 

 large eaters ; grow rapidly ; mature early ; and are only excel- 

 led for the table by the Game fowl and the Dorking. The aver- 

 age weight of the mature birds is about six pounds for the male 

 and five for the female. 



It is important, but somewhat difficult at present, to procure 

 the true, unmixed, white-faced Black Spanish breed. 



There is another breed called the Gray or Speckled Spanish, 

 but, however excellent they may be (and they are highly 

 spoken of), they are probably a mixed breed. 



2. The Dorlcing Fowl. The Dorking takes its name from 

 a town in Surrey County, England, where it is supposed to 

 have originated. 



The Dorkings are divided into the Colored and the White 

 varieties; the former including the Gray, Speckled, Spangled, 

 Japanned, etc. These are not permanent varieties, however, 

 as they can not be bred true to color. The Gray and Spangled 

 comprise the more common forms in which the Colored Dork- 

 ing family is presented to us. 



The White Dorking is a smaller-framed bird than the Gray, 

 and should be perfectly white in plumage, bill, and legs. They 

 should have rose-combs. They are less hardy than the colored 

 variety, and not well adapted to a northern climate. 



The Dorking is a fowl of rare beauty, large in size, symmet- 

 rical in form, and often gorgeous in plumage. Its flesh is 

 white, firm, and of excellent flavor ; and for the general pur- 

 poses of the table it is inferior to none, although, as regards 

 flavor alone, the Game fowl would perhaps take precedence. 



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