CHAPTER XXXI 



THE AMERICAN CLASS 



In this class are included all the rocks, buff, white, barred, silver 

 penciled, partridge and Columbian. All the Wyandottes, silver, golden, 

 white, buff, black, partridge, silver penciled and Columbian, Javas, 

 black and mottled. Rhode Island Reds, and Rhode Island White and 

 Buckeyes. 



In size the Plymouth Rock family are medium: the standard 

 weight for a cock being 9% pounds and for hens 1Vi. This is the 

 same, no matter what the color. But a great many Rocks make heav- 

 ier fowls than that. The Barred Rock is a difficult bird to breed as an 

 exhibition bird, many fanciers after being successful with other var- 

 ieties fail on this. In the class of a utility bird or general purpose 

 fowl it is one of the best for a farm,, quiet in disposition, easily kept 

 in bounds by a four-foot fence, it makes a good layer of rather dark 

 colored eggs, and when ready for market, tickles the palate of an 

 epicure. 



The fancier has something to try his genius in the Barred Rock, 

 and if he fails his birds are still worth all the time he has given to 

 them as general purpose fowls. The legs and skin of all varieties of 

 Rocks are of that color so beloved by the colored preacher, who calls 

 for a yaller-Iegged chicken. Yellow legs and skin are no longer a 

 fetish in California, however, as we have learned that the color of 

 skin in just "skin deep" and neither flavor of flesh or quantity of same 

 is dependent on color. 



The White Rock. — This bird has all the good qualities of the Bar- 

 red Rock and a few more. Being white and solid colored it is easier 

 to breed as an exhibition bird and this State can show some wonderful 

 specimens, that could no doubt win at large eastern shows. Then, 

 too, as a utility bird it scores, for many claim it is a 'better layer than 

 the Barred variety. But the laying qualities are greatly dependent 

 on the strain and no reliance can be placed on anything but personal 

 knowledge. Anyway, the White Rock is a good general purpose fowl, 

 hardy and quiet in disposition. The hens of both these varieties are 

 good mothers and layers. They are at their best at two years old, 

 and for profit should not be kept over that period, unless for the 

 fancier. 



Buff Plymouth Rock. — This bird has all the characteristics of the 

 Rock family and a few others that have been bred in by color. The 



