Povuutry. 121 
On the other hand, it must be confessed that these Spanish 
dames are not good mothers or nurses, even when they do sit, 
“which,” as Dixon remarks, “they will not often condescend 
to do.” This last trait of character will prove a recommend- 
ation rather than otherwise with those who care for eggs 
rather than chickens, When the latter are wanted, it is better 
to place the eggs under a hen of another and more motherly 
breed—a Dorking, for instance. ; 
The Spanish fowls bear confinement very well; are not 
large eaters; grow rapidly; mature early; and are only excel- 
led for the table by the Game fowl and the Dorking. The aver- 
age weight of the mature birds is about six pounds for the male 
and five for the female, 
It is important, but somewhat difficult at present, to procure 
the true, unmixed, white-faced Black Spanish breed. 
* There is another breed called the Gray or Speckled Spanish, 
but, however excellent they may be (and they are highly 
spoken of), they are probably a mixed breed. 
2. The Dorking Fowl—The Dorking takes its name from 
a town in Surrey County, England, where it is supposed to 
have originated. 
The Dorkings are divided into the Colored and the White 
varieties; the former including the Gray, Speckled, Spangled, 
Japanned, etc. These are not permanent varieties, however, 
as they can not be bred true to color. The Gray and Spangled 
comprise the more’ common forms in which the Colored Dork- 
ing family is presented to us. 
The White Dorking is a smaller-framed bird than the Gray, 
and should be perfectly white in plumage, bill, and legs. They 
should have rose-combs. They are less hardy than the colored 
variety, and not well adapted to a northern climate. 
The Dorking is a fowl of rare beauty, large in size, symmet- 
rical in form, and often gorgeous in plumage. Its flesh is 
white, firm, and of excellent flavor; and for the general pur- 
poses of the table it is inferior to none, although, as regards 
flavor alone, the Game fowl would perhaps take precedence. 
