No. 199.] Ill 



DORKING FOWLS. 



The Dorking fowls which I exhibited at the late Fair of the Ame- 

 rican Institute, and for which premiums were awarded, were from the 

 stock imported from England by Mr. A. B. Allen. These fowls are 

 large, but yet, there are other breeds which are larger, at the same 

 time, however, much coarser in their flesh, and only larger in their 

 long necks, large thighs and broad rumps. The shape of pure Dork- 

 ings is as perfect as could be wished, short necks, broad, projecting 

 breasts, short legs, and peculiarly narrow in their posterior parts. 

 When grown, they resemble very much the partridge, and when only 

 one-third grown, the quail. The flesh is very delicate, and on that 

 account, and also from their shape, aptitude to fatten, and size, are 

 highly esteemed abroad as a Capon fowl. From the success I have 

 had this year, 1 think them as good layers and as hardy as any other 

 breed. There is one peculiarity about these fowls, they are disposed 

 to have five toes on each foot. This is not a positive evidence of 

 their purity, for I have seen one imported directly from Dorking, 

 which had only four toes, and many of my best fowls have only that 

 number. I have observed, also, that when this is crossed with com- 

 mon breeds, that the progeny are even more inclined to have five toes, 

 and the fifth toe is often very prominent. It is only necessary to 

 mention this fact, because those who wish to possess this breed, are 

 often imposed upon by those who sell any fowl with five toes as a 

 Dorking. One well acquainted with this breed, would not look par- 

 ticularly at the toes, but select Dorkings from their general style and 

 appearance. Another peculiarity is their white skin, and fat, and 

 white legs. This with some would be considered an objection, as they 

 do not look so yellow when dressed ; but no poultry browns nicer, or 

 appears better when boiled; indeed, I am informed that it is esteem- 

 ed as a valuable quality in England. As I never had as many of 

 these fowls as I needed to stock my farm, I have been subjected to 

 much trouble to preserve the breed. I kept only Dorkmg cocks, but 

 it was inconvenient to watch the nests of the hens to get the Dorking 

 eggs. I have visited many poultry yards where different breeds were 

 raised, for the purpose of learning the best mode of separating fowl^, 

 but I never saw any that I could sufficiently approve of to adopt. 



