GENERAL SHOW AT PERTH IN 1887. 165 



numbers, to the exclusion of those breeds that are more numer- 

 ous, is to a great extent the cause, while the addition of a few 

 sectional specials also would serve in a great degree to induce 

 entries from across the border. In no part of the United 

 Kingdom can such a display of that grand original variety of 

 the Dorking (the silver greys) be found, and it is cheering to 

 find that, as in this, so all through the Show the most useful 

 and productive varieties were present in the greatest numbers. 

 Some of the most perfect birds it has ever been our lot to see 

 were present in this* case, although in some cases "birds of the 

 most prepossessing appearance proved crooked-breasted on hand- 

 ling, a defect that points to a weakly or defective constitution, 

 and one to be avoided by breeders. The young stock were 

 quite equal, if not superior to, the old. The coloured Dorkings 

 were also good, but not equal to the silver. Some good Cochin 

 Chinas were on exhibition in old birds, but many, otherwise best, 

 were very much out of feather. The Bramahpootras were very 

 good in all classes. The Scotch Greys were but moderate, 

 while the Hamburgs, Spanish, and Bantams were little better 

 than failures. In the variety class some excellent Plymouth 

 Rocks turned up, this being a breed of the most beneficial kind 

 on a farm at once very hardy, capital layers, and excellent table 

 fowls ; we would strongly recommend them. The aquatic sec- 

 tion was almost the best in the Show, the Rouen and Aylesbury 

 ducks being especially large and good, though many were deep 

 in moult. The geese were so good that extra prizes were re- 

 commended to the consideration of the Council. Turkeys were 

 another capital section, the exhibits being equal to those of any 

 of the best English Shows, and in much greater numbers for a 

 summer Show. The arrangements, j)rotection, feeding, and 

 attention to the exhibits were about perfect, and ought to 

 command the greatest confidence on the part of Exhibitors and 

 Judge. 



Butter. 



The day was very warm, and every precaution was taken to 

 protect the numerous exhibits of butter from injurious effects. 

 The butter on the ground comprised three classes — fresh, 

 powdered, and cured. Many of the exhibitors had taken advan- 

 tage of using ice, so that their samples came forward in fine cool 

 and firm condition ; but whilst this method has the effect of 

 firming, it cannot be said that it assists in judging, for it causes 

 the flavour of the butter to present rather a negative character. 

 The finest samples of full-cream well-wrought powdered butter 

 were those free of ice or its effects. The cured butter shown 

 was very poor, and dairy farmers in this country have much to 

 learn yet in this respect. All the curing in the world will never 



