THE POULTRY BOOK. 
V 
97 
This chapter would not bo complete without a description of a variety of Coloured 
Dorkings that was formerly deservedly celebrated for its good qualities in an econo- 
mical point of view : we allude to the Cuckoo or Blue-mottled Dorking, so called 
from the resemblance of the bluish grey markings on its feathers to the transverse 
bars on the breast of the cuckoo. These birds are remarkable from having nearly 
similar markings in both sexes, allowance being made for the difference in the 
texture and form of the feathers. To Mr. Elgar, of Eeigate, one of the most ardent 
admirers of this variety, we are indebted for the following account of their 
merits: — 
‘‘ There is also another variety of the Dorking which has of late years become 
scarce — the Blue-mottled, or, as called by some. Blue Shell, and by the fanciers 
Cuckoo Dorking, although this last name is not much known in this neighbourhood. 
These are larger than the White, and, in my opinion, can challenge any variety of 
table fowl for quality of flesh. I have heard it remarked by many old country- 
women, who have fattened fowls many years for market, both farmers’ Vives and 
cottagers’, that the Blue pullets are the best and earliest to fatten of all the coop. 
Some may object to this variety on account of the birds not reaching the great 
weights attained by those of the Dark Grey breed ; but in my opinion they quite 
compensate for this by their superior quality and beauty. These birds I consider 
to be one of the oldest breeds ; with care and moderate feeding they prove one of 
the most profitable varieties of the Dorking fowl, as they are not delicate in con- 
stitution, nor liable to disease, like the Dark Grey variety, when very large. The 
Blue-mottled or Cuckoo Dorkings are both double and single combed ; the single 
are rather the largest. There are a few double-combed Blues kept in the neigh- 
bourhood of Dorking ; but they are small, not any larger than the White variety, and 
are very frequently imperfect in the claws, either four on one foot and five on the 
other, or only four on each foot. Some of the Blue variety have yellow hackles, 
especially the cocks when old birds ; but I do not consider a good cock, even if old, 
should have any other than bluish grey hackle and wing feathers. Most of the 
Dorkings being reared for market, but few persons have hitherto paid much regard 
to colour, as they frequently have a black-breasted cock with grey hens, and, indeed, 
with every variety of colour.” 
Of the cross breeds of Dorkings, those with the Cochin and Malay have already 
been described ; it remains only to notice those produced by union with other 
varieties. Of these the Brahma cross is perhaps the most important. Many 
persons who desire to keep Dorkings for supplying their own table with first-class 
poultry object to the breed on account of the delicacy of the chicken and the 
difficulty of rearing them in large numbers. On such occasions it will be found very 
advisable to cross the Dorkings with the Brahmas. If a few heavy short-legged 
dark Brahma hens are allowed to run with the Dorkings, and their eggs hatched, 
they will be found to produce very hardy quick-growing chickens of great weight 
and unexceptionable quality as table fowl. It is hardly necessary to say that the 
cockerels should be killed off as soon as ready, but we should recommend a few of the 
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