On the Rearing and Management of Poultry. 175 



class ; the eggs are small, but in flavour thej are not to be sur- 

 passed. 



The Dorking Fowl. — The Dorking breed of fowls derives its 

 name from a town in Surrey of the same appellation. From the 



True Dorking. 



excellence of its flesh, from its plumpness and great weight, 

 it has derived a celebrity for the table unrivalled by any other 

 breed. It may be justly said that " its qualities surpass its 

 charms." The hens are not to be equalled as sitters ; hence the 

 breed is peculiarly adapted for districts where table-birds are in 

 request at remunerative prices. The hens are very good layers. 

 Some say that those which are white are the only pure breed ; 

 this is a matter of opinion. The most prevailing colours are 

 spotted or spangled, in various shades. The fowls of this breed 

 have five toes on each foot ; a peculiarity, if absent, denoting im- 

 purity of blood. From protuberances in the feet, these fowls are 

 very much predisposed to lameness. 



This breed degenerates when removed from its native place. 

 Situation will undoubtedly have great influence, but I attribute 

 this degeneracy more to a want of " fresh blood " and mismanage- 



