The Illustrated Book or Poultry. 
45o 
chat have been paid by English fanciers to them having been enormous. I have done what is 
unusual with poultry-breeders : always made known how I have made the breed. They must 
commend themselves to anyone who has studied the qualities of the various breeds. The Minorcas 
are noted for their excellent spring and summer laying ; but if they have good attention and are 
well sheltered from the cold winds, they will frequently surpass the other so-called hardier breeds 
when the snow is on the ground. Their combs are large, and occasionally get frost-bitten. The 
ROSE-COMBED ORPINGTON COCK. 
Plymouth Rocks are good fowls, especially the black ones, although these should not be used to 
produce the Grey Rock ; if so, it brings them a smutty colour, although they are usually the best 
layers. Then there are the Langshans. These have such a splendid gloss upon their plumage, 
and they are extraordinary layers, especially in autumn and winter. They will often lay while 
going through their moult, which is unusual for any birds to do. 
“ It is always much easier to breed good pullets than cockerels in any new breed ; but being 
black in colour, Orpingtons are easy to breed. They are very hardy as chickens, feather well, and 
grow fast ; they can be reared in confined spaces, and do well in an open run ; they answer every 
purpose. If kept for show purposes, they will pay well, as they are such good winter layers; or 
if required for table purposes, they are very satisfactory, being of an excellent flavour, and the 
breast-meat white. The eggs are brown and tinted, not large, but a good average size — eggs 
saleable in town or country. The birds fatten up very quickly for table when young. 
