16 



JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDEKER. 



[ Jmasjj 2, 18SS. 



Tnbietixid bachelor uncle, the looked-for of nephews and nieces, 

 with bulging pockets that told of treasures distributed but once 

 in the jear; the "irresistible," sporting a sprig of mistletoe 

 in lieu of a flower iu bis button-hole, and looking at the passing 

 beauties as though challenging them to come and kiss him, just 

 as we have heard of happy oountiies, illustrated by George 

 Cruikshank, in our early days, where roasted pigs ran about the 

 Streets decorated, with knife and fork stuck iu their backs, and 

 begging passers-by to eat them ; the poor pale woman carrying 

 a baby and leading a small child, and singing carols, cheered 

 by the continuous shower of copper money that fell from those 

 who wished others should be happy as themselves at the happy 

 time. All together seemed cessation of labour on a day that was 

 meant for joy, and all seemed to point to present happiness 

 and future hope. While we reflected that with many the rest, 

 and even the happiness, would be but for a day, still it was real 

 for the time, and we could but think how good it would be if 

 Christmas-day could last till the advent of the new year, and 

 all begin afresh with hearts and feelings enlarged by happiness, 

 and seeking to promote universal peace and joy. 



We wished that all who read our weekly sheet might receive 

 it at a happy moment ; and we were thankful that in our 

 peaceful career we were not called upon to deal with those 

 questions that produce misery, and generate deadly strife — 

 those things that rank among the great events of nations and 

 men, and that become historical landmarks. 



Having to do with none of these, we meet our friends in this 

 onr first sheet of the new year with thanks for all kindnesses 

 received during the past. They go far to account for the suc- 

 •ess that still attends us, and for which we are thanuful. Our 

 •ourse is still improving and onwards. Our friends increase in 

 numbers. Giving expression to our true feeling, it is — first, 

 thankfulness that we are spared to address them again ; next, 

 gratitude that so many who have supported us during many 

 years remain with us still. 



In reviewing the poultry year, we have little to note save an 

 onward and even progress. Much remains to be done before 

 poultry takes the place it should take as a question of food. 

 Our imports of eggs increase yearly, attaining an enormous 

 total ; the supplies from France and Belgium are very large. 

 The Ostend Eabbits from the latter country realise some- 

 times £5000 per week. We are still dependant upon France 

 for most of our Pigeons, and many Turkeys and Geese. They 

 are, however, of an inferior quality to our own. It is a matter 

 of regret that although many hundreds of tons of poultry 

 «ume from Ireland every year, its low quality, from want of 

 breed, and from bad feeding and packing, makes it of very small 

 value. We have often referred to it in our columns, and have 

 given the necessary instructions to make it sufficiently valuable 

 to double or even treble the returns, but the improvement has 

 not taken place. We do not hesitate to say that the same amount 

 of labour and outlay might easily, being better directed, pro- 

 duce three times the sum it does now. 



While speaking of poultry as food, we may well mention the 

 fact that a salesman iu Leadenhall Market had this year a 

 •onsignment of Geese that averaged upwards of 20 lbs. each 

 in weight. Such a fact would have been deemed impossible 

 years ago, and may fairly be put down among the good that has 

 resulted from poultry shows. 



Very large prices continue to be realised for table poultry in 

 the spring of the year. Last spring 5s. and 6s. each were 

 common prices for a fowl; they lasted almost from the 

 end of April to the beginning of July. Poultry will never be 

 cheap during that period, but from the 1st of March to the end 

 of June it will always be remunerative. It will pay after- 

 wards, but not at an equal rate. In poultry, as in everything 

 else, he who forestalls the market obtains the highest price. 

 It is the period of scarcity as compared with the natural season 

 of plenty. 



Dorkings still supply large classes of almost perfect specimens. 

 If there be any difference the weight increases. New eihibitors 

 have appeared among the prizetakers, running the old ones 

 bard for many of their prizes. These come from all parts of 

 the country, and prove that this valuable breed will do well on 

 all soils, and in any climate. We believe this to be the best 

 of our many breeds. Much regret was felt at the withdrawal 

 of Lady Holmesdale from competition in this and other classes. 

 Her ladyship was deservedly popular. The jjrices realised at 

 the sale of her stock were very high, and may satisfy her that 

 while she was riding a hobby, she was at, the same time doing 

 Bnbstantial good by adding to the merit and increasing the value 

 of a breed already highly estimated. 



Cochins have held their own well. They deserve to do so, 

 having qualities that may be sought in vain in other breeds. 

 They first solved the question of being able to keep poultry 

 profitably in the small back yard of a densely populated 

 town. Brahmas have increased in numbers, and have main- 

 tained a good position among the most important of the 

 classes at our large shows. They, too, deserve all the popu- 

 larity they enjoy. Game come nearer to perfection than any 

 other breed, and at most exhibitions form a show of their own. 

 This breed seems to have a charm for the English people. We 

 do not wonder at it ; none can see without admiring them. 

 The various Hamburghs have, as a whole, been well represented 

 during the year. If there has been a fallingofj in any, it has 

 been in the Silver-spangled and pencilled. The love of these 

 breeds seems confined to certain districts, principaUy the north 

 and north-west of England. 



Spanish have decidedly improved, and have taken a step 

 towards returning to what they once were. They have also 

 increased iu numbers. We can also note progress in Polanda. 

 Silvers have become numerous, and all classes have improved. 



We now approach some of onr few novelties — the French 

 breeds, Houdans. Crgve-Coiurs, La Flt-che. The fact of their 

 all being non-sitters will always prevent them from being 

 generally popular in England. We most unhesitatingly give 

 the preference to the Houdan ; we place the Creve-Coeur next, 

 and the La Flecbe last. The first are never sick nor sorry ; 

 they are excellent layers, and easily reared. The second are 

 often sick, but they recover. The hens of the third are 

 tolerably hardy, but the cocks die as fast as they can be im- 

 ported. They appear to have no constitution. Malays are 

 still where they were ; there is no increase of numbers. The 

 Sebright Bantams are becoming less numerous ; they want 

 help sadly. Game show by their entries how popular they are. 

 The Blacks aud Whites make large classes, and the varieties 

 bid fair to rival their larger brethren. Japan has been placed 

 under contribution. We shall look next year for importa- 

 tions from Abyssinia. 



The star of the Aylesbury Ducks pales before that of the 

 Eouen. They are beaten in numbers and weight. The Rouen 

 have mastered the 10 lb. each, which seemed for a long time 

 to be the desideratum of the Aylesbury. The classes for fancy 

 Ducks hid fair to become most attractive and interesting. 



Geese are still heavy and make progress, but they seem 

 to have reached their limit. The increase now is made-up of 

 all the birds in the class, rather than in two or three prize- 

 taking pens. This is right, as it shows practical good. Turkeys 

 do not advance much, and we think the American are not 

 shown so numerously or so good as they were formerly. 



Poultry shows are still very numerous, but it is certainly true 

 they thrive more in the north than in the south. Entries are 

 well supported, and shows are well attended. The Poultry 

 Club has dissolved itself. It was never needed. 



We have no more to say of poultry. We have a few words 

 to say of ourselves. It is seldom a man can speak justly of 

 himself. It is seldom a subject on which a man is eloquent. 

 It is that part which a man. would omit. But our task is easy 

 — it is one of returning thanks. 



We have told you we are prosperous and prospering. Good 

 and increasingly numerous friends, we thank you for if. We 

 feel in the midst of our labours that we are strengthened, and 

 they are lightened by the thought we have to do only with 

 friends. We have only to repeat our old professions, onr 

 earnest desire for the success of the subject of which we treat, 

 our sorrow if one word we have written has caused pain, our 

 disclaimer of any wish to cause it, and onr unflinching care, 

 so far as is possible, to be guided only by truth and strict 

 impartiality. We meet, then, all our friends in this, the first 

 number of the new year, with hearty thanks for the past. Full 

 of hope for the future, we believe we are wishing them only 

 what they wish us, when we would say to one and all 

 A HArrv New Year. 



SEPARATE PRIZES FOR LIGHT AND DARK 



BRAHMA POOTRAS. 

 Will you allow me, as one who has stood by the Light 

 Brahmas through good report and evil, to thank Mr. Worth- 

 ington for his unanswerable letter in your number of Decem- 

 ber Iflth ? in which, writing as a breeder and exhibitor of both 

 varieties, he calls upon judges and secretaries of shows to do 

 equal justice to Light and Dark. I well remember, when first 



