PLYMOUTH ROCKS. 
The Plymouth Rocks for many years have continued as America's 
most popular fowl. They belong to those classed as "general purpose 
fowls," breeds that have proven value as market-poultry and as layers. 
The pioneer variety was the Barred Plymouth Rock, which was first ex- 
hibited in March, 1869, at Worcester, Mass. In size the Plymouth Rock 
is intermediate between the Asiatic and Mediterranean breeds. The 
most typical and useful specimens are those which are bred nearest to 
Standard weights. They mature rapidly and have much merit to com- 
mend them to those growing poultry for market, as well as those desiring 
good egg production, as they are producers of large, brown eggs in goodly 
numbers. To one who is familiar with the extremes in fowls as regards 
length of the various sections, the Plymouth Rock will be recognized as 
medium, or rather long and rather deep in all sections. The six varieties — 
the Barred, White, Buff, Silver Penciled, Partridge and Columbian — 
are identical, except in color. The color of the Barred variety is exceed- 
ingly difficult to describe; in fact, the true and exact shades can be learned 
only by observation. The colors should be modified black and white in 
all sections, the bars narrow, regular and running parallel across the 
feathers, the over-lapping of the feathers producing a bluish tinge when 
viewed under certain light-reflections. The perfect colored Barred Ply- 
mouth Rock should show the same shade of color in all sections and be 
barred to the skin. The White variety of this breed is clear white, as the 
name indicates. It should be free from brassiness, creaminess and straw 
color in all sections of the plumage. The combination of clear white 
plumage, with bright red comb, wattles, ear-lobes, face and eyes, and 
yellow legs and beak, is both desirable and obtainable. The shade of 
color in the plumage of the Buff variety is a rich golden buff. What are 
termed cinnamon and lemon buff are the two extremes that should be 
avoided. A harmonious blending of buff in all sections is most desirable, 
i.e., the same shade of color should prevail throughout the specimen. 
The contrast of black and white in males, and finely penciled steel-gray 
in females will attract many to the Silver Penciled variety. 
STANDARD W'EIGHTS. 
Cock 9jlbs. Hen 1\ lbs. 
Cockerel 8 lbs. Pullet 6 lbs. 
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