Milford chronicle., 1914-08-21

Possibly one of the most popular of
what is known as the general purpose
fowls is the Orpington. The Orpington
was originated in England by William
Cook, who resided at Orpington. a little
village in Kent. The new variety Origi-
mated by Mr.. Cook was named from this
little village where he made his home.
Looking for a new breed that would
combine the qualities of several breeds.
this now noted man in pOultrydOm con-
ceived the idea of creating a general
purpose fowl that would meet the fancy
of many breeders in the year of 1876.
Working consistently for ten years. it
was in 1886 that Mr.. Cook succeeded in
producing specimens of Black Orping-
tons that he considered good enough to
introduce to the public. These fowls
were evolved in the following ways
Black Minorca cocks were mated to
Black Rock hens, and the pullets from
this mating were in turn mated to Black
Langshan cocks. 1t might be well to
mention here, however, that the Black
Rock hens were what is known as
sports" from the Barred Plymouth
Rocks, and incidently were better layers
than their parent stock.
]
| Langshans was that the progeny were
vested with the feathered legs, and to
Obliterate this undesirable feature Mr..
Cook worked arduously for nearly nine
years. Also endeayoring to do away
with the light body of the MinOrca and
the white ear lobes, large combs and
the yellow legs of the Rocks. This was
at last accomplished, and the result was
that the new creation in poultrydOm bred
more true than that of any other breed.
The Orpington was first introduced to
the poultry loving public in 1886 and
they Immediately went to the front as
one of the greatest utility fowls. 1t is
more than possible that they shall al
ways hold an enviable position among
fowls.
The Black Orpington, or such as it is
called, is not in reality black, but on the
other hand is a Green Orpington, being
a bright beetle green. 1t IS larger than
any other of the 0rpingtOn family and
at the shows generally attracts more
attention than any other.
The Orpington is very popular bird
in this country because they are great
money makers, both from the standpoint
of utility and fancy. The plumage Of
the black variety is not affected by the
weather conditions as are those of white
or buff colored birds.
When first Matched, Black Orpington
chicks are black mixed with white but
the white is gradually lost in growing
until all has disappeared, being sup
planted by that gorgeous green lustre
/ so beautiful to the eye. The Orplngton
lays large brown egg which IS Just as
desirable in most markets as are the
white ones. Not showing dirt, as DO
white plumage birds, the Orpington IS
more desirable to raise on a city lot or
a small suburban place than most other
! breeds.
Before introducing the Black Orping-
ton TO the public, however, Mr.. Cook
/ had started to make another variety OF
the same tvpe. In 1889, after having
| labored for nine years, he brought out
the White Orpington. Ihey We're hlaue
after several experiments as to the best
WAYS to make a white bird tnat Woulu
have the same qualities as dld his hrsI
creation. White Leghorn cocks We're
mated to Black Hamburg pullets. MosI
of the pullets from this mating came
very white, and these were IN turn mated
/ to White DOrking cocks. Inc oIIspiihg
from these matings for the most part
came blue and barred. 1t took quite a
few wears to get the perfect white toWl
and at the same time do away with the
five toes of the Dorking, white ear lobes
of the Hamburgs and light body, large
comb and yellow legs Of the LegnlorIl.
Having at last accomplished the Ieat'
the White Orpington now breeds gener-
allv true and has the same good cnarac-
teristics as the Blacks. For those liking
a white bird. there are few better thah
the White OrpngtOn as utility Dlru'
Not content with the two already
beautiful and useful breeds that ne nau
made Mr.. Cook then devoted his time
and talents to a Buff cOlored bird IN or
der to complete his family OF Orpngtons.
The making of the Buff Orplngton
was started bv Mr.. Cook in 1886 Dy
mating Gold Spangled Hamburg COCKS
to colored Dorking hens. Many pulIIetis i
from these matings came a reuQish
brown color. and these were mated 10
Rnff Cochin cocks. Hamburgs were Sc
Iected because of their perfect shape
tbe Dorking was used to get the iengIH
of breast bone and the fine qualty oI
meat. The COchins were used Ior lllGii
Size and their good winter laying quail
In evolving the Buff Orpingtons one one
rarely thinks what had to be done any any
can hardly appreciate the patience anu am
\ perseverance that must have been en- en-
| dured by Mr.. Cook in order to give H. =
the public such beautiful ana h91ie 9le
bird as is the Buff Orpiingtoh. .has ne
~ 1.,..o-, I,,d nl11a laps white ear lODes
and and HACK tails. The Dorking had
black bI1 tail and five toes on either foot. 9 t.
feathers. sl,t and yet the perfect Butt Butt Or Or
pingtons as produced by Mr.. Cook ma. ma.
EniIe faatbers son an the toes or legs and 6uti
color throughout. These birds were .e, nPS' ,IS
shown to the public in 1894 IN Engianu
A FEW TIPS.