42 The Hen at Work 



Dorkings. As he smoked long, black cigars, I felt 

 sure he must know all about it, and was greatly- 

 surprised when he cleaned them all out the next 

 year in favor of Barred Rocks. 



"They wam't hardy, bub," he replied when I 

 asked why ; I didn't know just what "hardy " meant 

 at that time, but I have learned since what it 

 means in the poultry yard, and have paid well for 

 the lessons. 



It is said the Queen Victoria insisted on having 

 the eggs of White Dorkings for her breakfast, thus 

 showing a patriotic support for the English breeds. 



The Dorkings are found in a variety of colors. 

 The Silver Grays and other colored types are 

 larger than the White Dorkings. This breed has 

 white flesh, like that of the French breed. In 

 many ways they resemble our Rhode Island Reds, 

 being good layers. 



Orpingtons, also, were hailed as the new perfection 

 in the chicken world. They have good size, about 

 that of Plymouth Rocks, are quiet, handsome, good 

 layers, and are said to be very hardy. Indeed, one 

 is led to wonder after reading various booklets 

 about them, that they are not found in every yard ; 

 but a review of contests, and inspection of poultry 



