6 Barred and White Plymouth Rocks. 



strain has White Birmingham blood in it. Of this we know noth- 

 ing. We know there is a breed in England called White Bristol, but 

 the " Birmingham " is a stranger to us. The same gentleman, also 

 says, that the Plymouth Rocks recently received a Brahma cross, 

 which they needed; it enlarged the eggs, diminished the death rate 

 in the adult fowls, but instead of allowing the cross to improve the 

 breed, many are trying to introduce a new feature, and demand that 

 we acknowledge the breed with a pea comb. * * * * 



Although it is certain that several crosses have been added to 

 the Plymouth Rocks since their incipiency, it is universally admitted 

 that they originated from breeding the old fashioned Dominique 

 cock with Black Java hens. It is also an unquestionable fact that 

 they were bred from selected birds, for it is stated that the strain of 

 Java hens was exceedingly prolific, and the Dominique was univer- 

 sally known as the best all round breed i in the country. We further 

 find that the product from the first cross was a large bird, weigh- 

 ing as much as one of our barred specimens, but recent top cross- 

 ing with the Dominique has reduced the size in some strains, while 

 the addition of Cochin or Brahma blood has kept up the size, and 

 imparted all its good qualities without its principal drawbacks. 



CHARACTERISTICS. 



The Plymouth Rock fowls commend themselves to the lovers of 

 useful breeds. Of all our domestic fowls, perhaps this breed stands 

 the highest for general purposes. They almost vie with the Asiatics 

 in size, the Leghorns in egg production, the Dorkings in quality of 

 flesh, and the Dominiques in hardiness and adaption to climatic 

 changes. They combine more useful qualities than any other breed 

 known to us, and fill the void between the size and weight of the 

 Asiatics and the European fowls. 



Years ago the Plymouth Rocks were comparatively little known 

 outside the New England states. They did not at first attract much 

 attention among fanciers, owing to their sober and plain colors. 

 The Brahma was then in all its popular glory, and who dare bring 

 a successful rival before the public? But experienced breeders, 

 with an eye to utility, saw in this cross-bred fowl a massive frame, 

 robust constitution, well balanced organism, good flesh, splendid 

 laying qualities, prepotent powers, great individuality, noble carriage, 

 sound plumage, invincible color, remarkable hardiness and domestic 

 habits, that required only skillful cultivation to make them the most 

 popular and desirable of breeds. 



