166 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
" I do not attempt to describe the correct manner of feeding and rearing Dorking chickens. I have read so 
many authorities on this subject, nearly everyone of which differs more or less, that I have now arrived at the 
conclusion that there is no royal road to success in the undertaking. 'When doctors differ who shall decide?' 
Circumstances undoubtedly alter cases, and I think the best success is derived from one's own experience in 
the matter. I don't believe in hard-boiled eggs one so often reads as recommended by experts, plain 
wholesome food is my idea. Dorking chickens feather so fast that they want careful attention for the first 
six weeks, well sheltered from wind and rain. 
" In selecting the stock for breeding purposes, sound, close feathered specimens should be chosen (not 
those that are cushiony or soft). Length, depth, and general squareness of body, with broad and long backs 
will generally be accompanied by length of breast-bone, a great desideratum in this breed. The bird's head 
should be large, but not by any means coarse ; the fourth and fifth toes, that is, those growing at the back of 
the leg, should be low set on and separate. In this variety adult birds should only be bred from, tliat is, birds 
either entering or completing their second year. A bird of the Dorking family being in its prime at from 
two to three years old." 
The following notes are also added on this old and highly esteemed variety by Mr. J. V. Smith, of Linwood 
Grange, Baringhup, Victoria. Mr. Smith writes : "I may state I have had 15 years' experience in the breeding 
and rearing of Dorkings, and I find, amongst their many other good and useful qualities, that they are hardy 
birds, many of my birds roosting out in the trees the whole year through. The main thing I consider to be 
Fig. 69. — Foot, showing ihe five claws or toes, as in the Houdan and Dorking. 
necessary in keeping and rearing these birds successfully, is a mild climate, a dry run (either sand or 
ironstone) and unlimited space ; overcrowding and confinement in small yards being the principal cause of 
failure. On clayey soils this variety do not appear to thrive. 
" The Dorking hen lays fairly well during spring and summer, but not as a rule the remainder of the year. 
The hen is a very good sitter, but being rather heavy the eggs are liable to be broken. As a mother the hen 
cannot be surpassed, often remaining with the chickens until they are four months old. The latter are 
easily reared under favourable conditions, growing quickly — some of my dark pullets at the age of 8 months 
weighing as high as 9 lbs. As birds for the table Dorkings cannot be excelled, and I am a firm believer in 
breeding birds with a long keel ; not like the short bodied birds one so often sees in the present day 
show pens." 
Schedule for Judging Dorkings. 
General Characteristics of the Cock. 
Head and Neck. — Head, rather large, but free from coarseness ; Beak, stout, strong and well propor- 
tioned ; Comb, if single, large, upright, evenly serrated and free from side sprigs, if rose, firmly set and upright, 
wide in front, full of work or spikes, and as even as possible, free from hoUowness, the whole comb narrowing 
to a peak or spike behind ; Wattles, large and pendent ; Ear-lobes, moderate in length ; Neck, rather short, 
well covered with hackle feathers spreading well over the shoulders ; Body, deep, full and square ; Back, 
broad and long ; Saddle, broad, but sloping downwards to the tail ; Tail, carried at almost a right angle to 
the back, full and flowing ; Breast, deep, prominent and full ; Wings, large and broad ; Legs and Feet, 
thighs, large and well developed, but being carried along the body look very short ; Shanks, short, 
