72 THE BIRDS 



prices, hence large profits. The eggs are all brown and of 

 good size. Surplus cockerels can be disposed of as broilers 

 in May and June, or, if desired, can be held over and sold 

 in the fall for tender roasters. These fowls are more in 

 demand than any other type. The general utility breeds are 

 often crossed with Brahmas and Cochins for flesh production. 



GENERAL UTILITY BREEDS 



The common general utility breeds are of American 

 origin, and comprise the Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red, 

 and the Wyandotte. But there are two breeds of EngHsh 

 origin, the Orpington and the Dorking. The Orpington has 

 become quite popular in America. The Dorking occupies 

 in England the same position which the Plymouth Rock 

 and Rhode Island Red fill in America. 



Plymouth Rock. — The Plymouth Rock is America's 

 most popular breed. This fowl was produced by crossing 

 two common American types, the Black Java and the 

 Dominique being the breeds chiefly used to develop them. 

 The Rocks have gone through a gradual transformation 

 until to-day they are one of the most beautiful as well as 

 the most valuable commercial types. In appearance, the 

 Plymouth Rock is rather long-bodied, deep and roimd, with 

 fairly long shanks, and an abundant hackle. Their shape 

 has been likened to that of the common, old-fashioned gravy 

 boat. The most common variety of the Plymouth . Rock 

 is the barred. This breed is probably found on the general 

 farms of America in greater numbers than all other breeds 

 combined. The feathers are crossed by narrow black and 

 white bars, which give the bird, when seen from a distance, 

 a dark grey color. The white and buff varieties are grow- 

 ing in popularity. The Plymouth Rocks are good producers 

 of eggs, and make ideal birds when dressed for market. They 

 are, to-day, the most popular breed, as is evident both from 

 the number of persons raising them, and by the number 

 shown and the attention which they attract at poultry shows. 



