March 7, 1872. ] 



JOUEXAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAKDEXEE. 



225 



the bottom are four more pens about 25 feet wide and 20 feet 

 long. Only the backs of the sheds are shown in our engraring. 

 On the other side are three lai'ge pens. At the top, in a large 

 iron cage, we noticed a big, shaggy, ferocious-looking dog; al- 

 though he is kept in this iron cage it is considered advisable to 

 chain him. We were told he was " a rum customer." His looks 

 certainly did not behe him. The bottoms of all the ruus are 

 covered several inches deep with sand, and every morning a 

 fine rake is drawn over this, removing anything that may have 

 accumulated during the previous day. It keeps the pens clean, 

 and gives them a neat and tidy appearance. In one corner, 

 and under cover, is a dust bath, composed of old mortar and 

 rubbish ; quantities of this are eaten by the birds. Growing 

 round the front and over the tops of these pens, which are only 



wire and open to all kinds of weather, are honeysuckles, roses, 

 jasmines, and many other chmbiug plants, thus protecting 

 the bu'ds from the cold winds and the heat of the sun. The 

 centre, measuring about 100 feet by 80, is covered with grass; 

 and hardy evergreen shrubs are planted in different places, 

 affortling shelter. The whole of this space is one large run, 

 and the poultiy in the houses round the sides get their run in 

 rotation. Amongst the roots of these shrubs in the soft, sandy 

 soil, the birds at the tune of our visit were indulging to their 

 heart's content in a bath, every one the pictui'e of perfect 

 health and enjoyment. 



The grass runs, cleanhness, good food, regular and system- 

 atic feeding, and the attention which the birds enjoy, are seen 

 in the splendid condition of every bird on the premises, all tlis 



stoke Park— The Show Yard. 



cai'e contributing in no small degree to the immense success 

 which Lady Gwydyr's birds have achieved at almost every 

 show throughout the kingdom. No matter how well anyone's 

 stock may be bred, unless these matters are attended to, the 

 birds will be sure to sicken and die. 



Vases are also distributed over, the grounds and filled with 

 geraniums and other tlowering plants, and these, together with 



the many magnificent bu'ds in their bright fresh plumage and 

 graceful motions, make a very pretty and attractive picture, 

 such a one as must often deUght and gratify her ladyship and 

 her visitors on inspecting the show yard. 



In our next we intend describing some of the buildings and 

 their uses, also the egg-room, and giving a few hints we received 

 as to the management. 



OUR LETTEE BOX. 



Fowls Catahrhzd (F. D. Q.).—Yoxxr fowls are probably sufiei-lng from 

 cold, the result of continual wet, also from want of condition owing to ths : 

 sloppy and cold state of the earth. Such ailments generally end in roup, and 

 the appearances you mention are suspicious. Sunshine and dry weather will 

 do more than anything else for the recovery of the patients. Give them bread 

 and ale freely, let every sick fowl have a pill of camphor the size of a garden 

 pea, morning and evening. If this will not cure them, use Baily's pills. It 

 used to be considered very catching, and was very fatal, but of late it has lost 

 its intensity, and is not so much dreaded. 



Game Hen not Lating (Nine-yean SHhtcriber).—Vre shaU be very glad 

 to hear the result of vour trials. Admitting that the hen is healthy, it would 

 seem to us a.s impossible that she should live twelve months without laying, 

 as that she should live the same time without food. It may be she has an in- 

 ternal injury, such as a fissure in the egg-organs. If such be the case she will 

 never lay, biit will become a hen cock, and the first stage of that transforma- 

 ion gives to a hen a brightness of colour, and appearance of condition, and a 

 straight uprijUt comb, that aje never suspected till she is caught in the act of 

 crowing. 



