CHARACTERISTICS OF BREEDS 219 
CocuiNns 
At one time the Cochin fowl was the talk of England, and its 
appearance gave an immense impetus to poultry-keeping. No 
single bird has advertised itself so much, partly because of its 
massive size and partly because of its great feathered legs. When 
first exhibited in Birmingham they set all England talking and 
changed all poultry values. Even Punch called attention to the 
Cochin by pen and pencil, and thousands who knew nothing of 
fowls began to cultivate the Cochin. While the fowl was a China- 
man it was not known at Cochin China, a fancy name given to the 
fowl by its admirers. Had it been cultivated for its utility as 
much as it was for its fancy qualities the Cochin would probably 
have held its place at the top of the fowl kingdom to this day; 
instead it became the foundation of much of the absurd artificial 
standards of the poultry fancy, and while it may have become more 
pleasing to the eye, its reproductive qualities were allowed to 
languish. They share with Brahmas a passion for broodiness, 
and, like the latter, they weigh from 7 to 12 Ib. The Black, White 
and Buff Cochins are suitable for urban poultry-keepers, but care 
should be taken to get a good laying strain, of which few are left. 
DOoRKINGS 
A real old English breed that probably came over with the ear'y 
Roman host. It appears to have changed very little since it 
arrived in these islands. It appears that the old Britons did not 
eat fowls, and it is quite certain that the Romans did and brought 
their fowls along with them. If they had done nothing else, we 
ought to have welcomed them. The Dorking is a great table bird 
with a breast packed with delicious white flesh. As an egg-layer 
it is not a success, but it is hardy and will do well almost anywhere. 
It is bred in five different colours—Dark, White, Silver-Grey, 
Red and Cuckoo. Full-grown males weigh anything up to 14 lb., 
and the pullets some 3 Ib. less. The Dark Dorking is often the 
finest specimen of the type. The eggs are white, and the hen makes 
