Janniiry 7, 1889. 1 



JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 



15 



to go into deep questions of science or political economy, but 

 we mnst add, that if half we read of tho difficulty of feeding 

 the increasing population of Europe le true — frum tlio fact 

 the mouths increase while acres remain tho same — then those 

 who have hitherto pooh-poohed poultry, and have treated the 

 whole subject as a " cock and hen question," may look upon 

 it aa a valuable adjunct. 



The subject of breeds has been ventilated, and an amateur 

 may now go to an experienced dealer, and, having stated his 

 Tequiroments and conveniences, may be told at once the breed 

 he requires. Birmingham, the originator of great shows, tried 

 a notable experiment last year, by dividing classes in such a 

 way that an exhibition should not only be the trial ground of 

 amateurs but the resort of purchasers. Such can purchase 

 anything they require. There are classes for single cocks, 

 adults and birds of the year ; of hens or pullets exhibited 

 separately. It has been, like everything that enterprising 

 Council undertakes, a complete success. Should entries 

 increase at this popular place, as they have done lately, either 

 they must be discouraged, or more space must be allotted to 

 poultry. All lovers of the pursuit will be glad to find the 

 County Palatine again before the public. Many who can 

 recollect the perfect exliibitions held in Liverpool some years 

 since, were rejoiced to hear of the great gathering in December, 

 which has been lately noticed in our columns. Manchester 

 had again an excellent show, and it has now become one of the 

 Christmas institutions of the place. In the north and north- 

 western parts of England shows are frequent, often very suc- 

 cessful, and almost always self-supporting. We are sorry we 

 cannot say as much for the south and west of England ; they 

 make but little progress there. There is one cheering feature — 

 poultry has become one of the elements of an agricultural 

 meeting. 



Dorkings have maintained their ground in 186S. We have 

 again to chronicle an increase of weight. lbs. formed the 

 limit for a cock some years since, then cocks of 10 lbs. were 

 heard of and seen, and now we have them over 12 lbs. Hens 

 weighing 8 lbs. are common. 



Cochin-Cbinas have been distinguished for size and beauty 

 throughout the year, and there has been a great increase in the 

 numbers of the Grouse and Partridge-coloured birds of this 

 breed. 



Spanish have decidedly improved, but even now they are 

 not what they were some years ago. In many otherwise 

 grand specimens of the breed, the smooth white face is want- 

 ing, and is but poorly compensated by an uneven, rough, 

 cauliflower face. 



Brahmas now form one of the principal classes at all large 

 shows. Their purity is only questioned by some of those who 

 will not be convinced ; their points are recognised and ad- 

 mitted, and numbers of their admirers can testify to their 

 merits in filling up the list of qualities that constitute a really 

 nsetul fowl. Two years since a new class was introduced for 

 Light birds of this breed, and it is already numerously filled. 

 La one or two instances where an extra prize has been offered 

 for birds irrespective of colour, the Light have succeeded in 

 eclipsing the dark. 



We never know what to say of the Game. They are nearly 

 perfect. The Black and Brown-breasted Beds have the call of 

 all others. The Duckwiugs are not fancied as they were. 

 The White, Piles, and Blacks are disappearing. There has 

 been much discussion about trimming these birds. The 

 advocates and objectors will have time to bring forward their 

 reasons and arguments. Call them as we may, they are 

 fighting birds, and most people hke to see them in fighting 

 trim. 



Polands are decidedly looking up. The quality of those 

 shown of late has been perfect, and they have also increased in 

 numbers. It would be a pity to lose such beautiful birds. 



Hamburghs remain about stationary. We think they were 

 bred more carefully some years since, when some of the points 

 were in discussion. A little opposition is, perhaps, as good 

 for poultry as for other things. We can speak very highly of 

 the Golden-spangled and Pencilled. The Silver-spangled 

 have been good, but the Silver-pencilled have barely held their 

 position. There has been an acLievemontin forming the classes 

 for Black Hamburghs. They have been but a short time in 

 existence, and they are not only very numerous but they are 

 beautiful. 



The success that attends the introduction of new elapses is a 

 most convincing proof of the increasing interest that is taken in 

 the pursuit. The French breeds are an instance of it — Creve- 



Cteurs and Hondans are among the popular favourites, and 

 furnish their quota to a large show. La Fldshe have fallen in 

 public estimation. The former two will rank with tho Spanish 

 among the non-sitters. They not only lay many og^^, but the 

 eggs are large. In the day when eggs are sold by weight they 

 will be appreciated and sought for. 



The " Variety class " has produced nothing very new, except 

 a pair of birds with a hard name at Birmingham. Wo are 

 sorry to note a decline in our old pets, the Sebright Bantams, 

 but they are losing ground in numbers, and hardly hold their 

 own in quality. Game Bantams make amends, and now form 

 one of the largest and most attractive classes at all shows. It 

 is no wonder. They are bred perfectly, and are models o£ 

 beauty. The Blacks and Whites hardly hold their ground. 

 At Birmingham we again saw some Cochin Bantams which 

 we admired as much as ever. 



Geese go on increasing, but the honours at many large shows 

 have been awarded to the White as the best, where colour has 

 been optional. Where will they stop ? Geese of 30 lbs. 

 weight. The Toulouse hold their own as the heaviest birds, 

 if an average be taken, of any of the tribe. 



Another change within the last few years — the Rouen Ducks 

 are now not only more numerous, but they are heavier than 

 the Aylesburys ; a drake weighs 10 lbs., formerly an average- 

 Goose only weighed 9 lbs. The beautiful and delicious Labra 

 dor, or Buenos Ayrean Ducks are shown numerously. They 

 are all that can be desired — small, symmetrical, and brilliant 

 in metallic lustre. 



One more word about weight and we have done. Cock 

 Turkeys of 30 lbs., hens of 17 lbs., are no longer marvels. They 

 weer commonly met with in 18(58. 



We have a sad duty to perform in alluding to the loss of one 

 of our oldest and ablest .Judges ; one who assisted at the com- 

 mencement of the pursuit, and whose worth was entirely 

 known only to those who knew him thoroughly — we mean the 

 Rev. Kobert PuUeine. Universally and deservedly respected, 

 his death has caused a gap that cannot be easily filled. 



We draw to a close. It is a great blessing that we are so 

 wisely and happily constituted that we can always look to the 

 future with hope. Where clouds and darkness have prevailed, 

 we may look for brighter days and times. Where all has been 

 clear and placid, we can look for a continuance. The year 

 18C8 has been marked by no poultry convulsions. There have 

 been no absorbing questions. There is now and then a slight 

 difference ; some amateur, " ill at ease," ventilates a 

 grievance ; but it is done quietly, and generally publicity 

 decides the question. We congratulate our correspondents on 

 the tone of their letters. We thank all who assist us in any 

 way in our pursuit, and we assure them it is no mere empty 

 form, no mere repetition of unmeaning words, when to all we 

 right heartily wish 



A Happy New Teak. 



MISDOINGS AT POULTRY SHOWS. 

 I DO not keep poultry of any kind, and therefore can have no 

 self-interest in the following observations. I have read what 

 has been said by " Nemo " and others on the subject of unde- 

 sirable practices, which is a less offensive term than fraudulent 

 practices, and more hkely to gain friends to the good cause 

 " Nemo " has taken in hand. Moreover, if prizes have been 

 given for years by societies on the adjudication of first-rate 

 judges (there being no rule to guide them), I cannot see how 

 the practices can be called fraudulent, though they are unde- 

 sirable. Also, I cannot perceive why trimming the faces of 

 Spanish fowls, and dubbing Game cocks and Game Bantams" 

 should be permitted, while plucking vulture-hocks is thought 

 so heinous. Is it not desirable to forbid all mutilations and 

 additions whatsoever? People will understand this; and I 

 think if the word fraudulent were withdrawn, and a year's 

 grace allowed, that in the year 1870 reasonable men would con« 

 sent to such a rule. It is plain that tbo charge of fraud by 

 connivance must reach the judges as well as the exhibitors ; 

 for one cannot suppose that first-rate judges did not perceive 

 these things. As many have dubbed their cocks, allow a year's 

 grace, and in 1870 use all your influence to stop all mutilations 

 and additions. The last time that I helped to judge the roses 

 at Kensington, I disqualified three boxes, and wrote my name 

 at full length under the disagreeable word "disqualified." I 

 did not look at the names. I found in one box three of Cloth 

 of Gold tied up with bast for a single trass ! As soon as I was 



