76 THE BIRDS 



below the spur. The Dorking will never attain much com- 

 mercial importance in the United States, for there are too 

 many other breeds, whose characteristics better meet the 

 American demand. 



LABORATORY EXERCISE 

 Exercise No. 11. — Secure representative birds of the 

 general purpose group. Individuals of the Plymouth Rock, 

 Rhode Island Red, and Wyandotte breeds should be in- 

 cluded. Devote at least one whole period to a demonstra- 

 tion study of these birds, following the general scheme as 

 outlined for exercise No. 9, page 56. 



THOUGHT QUESTIONS 



1. What, does the term "general purpose" mean? 



2. Enumerate a few of the general characteristics of the so-called 



"general purpose" breeds. 



3. How do the general purpose breeds compare in size with the egg 



and meat group? 



4. Describe their general appearance. 



5. Discuss the disposition of the general purpose breeds. 



6. How long does it take the general purpose breeds to mature? 



7. Do the general purpose breeds make good mothers? 



8. Are the general purpose breeds protected from cold temperatures? 



If so, how? 



9. Are the breeds of this group heavy eaters? 



10. What type of egg does this group produce? 



11. Can the general purpose breeds be used commercially for the pro- 



duction of meat? 



12. Enumerate a few of the leading general purpose breeds. 



13. Give a brief description of the characteristics possessed by the 



Plymouth Rocks. 



14. Discuss the popularity of the Barred Plymouth Rock. 



15. Tell what you can of the ancestry and popularity of the Rhode 



Island Reds. 



16. Give a brief description of the external characteristics of the Rhode 



Island Red. 



17. What is the characteristic body shape of the Wyandotte? 



18. Do the Wyandottes have a single or rose comb? 



19. What is the leading distinguishing feature possessed by the Orping- 



tons? 



20. Where were the Orpingtons originated? 



21. Where were the Dorkings originated? 



22. What is meant by the fifth toe? 



23. What is the most popular member of the general purpose group 



in your locality? 



Reference. — Consult "American Standard of Perfection." 



