^32 Tjie Illustrated Book of Poultry. 



DOMINIOUES. — This is perhaps the oldest of the distinctive American breeds, being 

 mentioned in the earliest poultry-books as an indigenous and valued variety. In general 

 characteristics it closely resembles a rose-combed Cuckoo Dorking with four toes, or rather the 

 Scotch Grey, but with brilliant yellow legs, which the Americans seem to admire in all their 

 fowls. The comb should be a neat rose, resembling that of the Hamburghs ; face, wattles, and 

 deaf-ears red ; legs bright yellow ; and the plumage what English fanciers call cuckoo-colour, which 

 is composed of a light bluish-grey ground, crossed with bands of a darker grey or blue. The shape 

 is Dorking, and the size medium, averaging perhaps seven to eight pounds in adult cocks and six 

 pounds in hens. 



Figs. 93 and 94 represent the feathers of Dominique cock and hen, taken from the stock 

 from which our plate is drawn. The shade of colour varies, the darker bands in some specimens 

 being nearly black ; but a medium colour is preferable. Whatever the shade, however, the hackles 

 and shoulders of the cocks should partake of the same character, and be free from reddish or 

 golden feathers, which are blemishes very apt to occur, but which may be guarded against by 

 careful breeding. These remarks, the drawings of the feathers, and the description of the plumage 

 will apply to a large class of poultry, called by the French, as by ourselves, Coiicoit, from its 

 resemblance to the plumage on the breast of that bird. Cuckoo Dorkings, Cuckoo Cochins, 

 Anconas or Cuckoo Spanish, Cuckoo Polish, Gueldres or Cuckoo Bredas, Scotch Greys, &c., all 

 have this plumage ; which differs from that of Pencilled Hamburghs, to which it bears some 

 resemblance in the transverse character of the markings, in that the pencillings or bars are much 

 larger or coarser; and more essentially (since mere size of marking could soon be modified by 

 breeding) in the bands being in this case shaded gradually dark into light, instead of presenting 

 the sharp contrast of marking and ground shown by what are called Pencilled birds. 



The Dominique is an excellent layer, very hardy, and good for table. It grows fast and 

 feathers quickly, while its plain homespun suit makes it very suitable for countless localities where 

 more showy or " valuable-looking " fowls would be imprudent or out of place. The general 

 appearance will be sufficiently gathered from our plate, the originals of which are birds of the 

 second and third generation bred from imported stock by Mr. T. D. Galpin, of Putney Heath. So 

 far as we know, the progenitors of these birds were the second importation which has taken place, 

 the first being a pen sent to the Birmingham Show of 1870, where they were quickly claimed. We 

 have been unable to trace these first specimens. 



The Dominique is superior to the Scotch Grey in laying qualities, and to the Cuckoo Dorking 

 in both this point and hardiness as well. The yellow legs are against it as a market fowl; 

 but we have reason to believe the prejudice in favour of white legs is to some extent wearing off 

 even in London poultry markets. However this may be, we have no hesitation in recommending 

 the Dominique as one of the most generally useful " all round" fowls we know. It is to be 

 regretted that in its " native home " it has been of late comparatively neglected, owing to the 

 preference for " imported " stock of all kinds ; and we hear from all our many American cor- 

 respondents that it would have been far easier to procure first-class specimens ten years ago than 

 now, many of the old strains having been allowed to become crossed and tainted in blood. The 

 birds sent to Mr. Galpin gave evident proof of this careless breeding, many of the first generation 

 of chickens being quite black in colour, and several having single combs ; but all fully bore 

 out their character as good and useful fowls. We have heard similar accounts as to the uncertain 

 type of many American yards ; but a year or two of even moderately careful breeding will speedily 

 banish all such irregularities, this colour being bred with comparative ease. The best mode of 

 breeding it is to select hens of a pleasing medium shade, such as that desired, and to put with 



