CHAPTER XVI. 
AMERICAN BREEDS 
PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 
The breed known as the Plymouth Rock is generally 
acknowledged the best for useful purposes that has ever 
been bred in this country, and as especially adapted to 
our American climate, markets, and uses. As fowls for 
the farmer and raiser of market poultry, they are su- 
perior to other birds in many respects. They fill the 
requirements of the farm, while maintaining their purity 
asa breed. They are good layers, sitters, and mothers. 
They are excellent foragers, and, being at the same time 
under easy control, will bear close confinement without 
injury. They have the desirable characteristic of being 
self-reliant when roaming at will and dependent upon 
their own exertions, and contented and happy when re- 
strained in close quarters. 
For general purposes we know of no better fowl. 
They are hardy, and easily raised, and for a breed that is 
so large they are wonderfully active and industrious, quick 
and sprightly in their movements. With a good yard 
of Plymouth Rocks, the farmer or market-poultry raiser 
has a breed that fills all requirements; the farmer’s 
object being not so much to gratify taste or a love of 
the beautiful and ornamental, as to keep fowls that will 
give a good supply of eggs through a great part of the 
year, and furnish in the fall and winter large-sized, com- 
pact birds, possessing a presentable color for the table. 
The Plymouth Rocks were first brought to notice 
when the Brahmas and Cochins were leading the fashion, 
and did not attract particular attention; but on the score 
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