BREEDS AND CROSSES. 35 



a number of winners exceptionally good in this 

 respect, and hope that breeders will keep the point 

 in view. 



Sussex Fowls. At one time the fowls chiefly found 

 in the Surrey and Sussex districts were much more 

 even in type than is now the case. They were not, 

 however, piu'e Dorkings, though there was a close 

 affinity between the two, both having white legs and 

 skin, and at once early layers and sitters, the chickens 

 maturing rapidly. These are qualities that must give 

 any breed a striking advantage over others, and for 

 that reason a strong preference is still declared for 

 the older type. Often have fatteners lamented their 

 inability to secure these fowls. To that end a brief 

 description of the Sussex breed may be of service, 

 written some years ago by Mr. Harrison Weir : " The 

 Surrey or Sussex fowl was generally of a grey colour, 

 often a sandy -brown, and brown, like a Black Eed 

 Game. I have put the colours in the order in which 

 they were most admired, and in which size was 

 generally to be found. They were large, strong-made, 

 sprightly, good flyers, and excellent foragers, fair 

 layers, with large white eggs ; their legs and feet were 

 of a clear soft-looking pinky white, breast more broad 

 than very deep, with much flesh, and also good on the 

 thighs, &c. They were very close in feather, thereby 

 not looking nearly the size they actually were. Some 

 of the breeds were bearded, but these were somewhat 

 smaller. I never remember seeing any with topknots. 

 The combs were single, and the ear-lobe a pinky- white, 

 like the true Dorking." 



Indian Game. The Indian Game might with greater 



