82 OSTRICH-FARMING IN SOUTH AFRICA. 



The blacks and drabs should each be run mto seven 

 different lengths, with a bunch each of broken feathers, 

 and one each of floss. The floss are the soft feathers 

 that should not be plucked, but of which there are 

 always some taken by accident. Care should be taken 

 that any old chicken feathers that may get in amongst 

 them are carefully removed, as these greatly spoil their 

 value. 



The various heaps of blacks and drabs should be tied 

 into bunches, the size being regulated by the number 

 that can be conveniently held in the hand ; they should 

 then be tied three or four together, with the exception 

 of the long blacks and drabs, which are better in small 

 bunches. It will then be found that they will nicely 

 divide into — First, long ; second, medium ; third and 

 fourth, two qualities of shorts; fifth, broken feathers, 

 and the sixth floss. 



The chicken feathers will sort into five qualities : — 

 First, white chickens', which can include any mth a 

 slight colour ; second, light-coloured chickens' ; third, 

 coloured chickens' ; fourth, chickens' tails ; fifth, dark 

 chickens'. 



The sorter, having now got all his feathers tied up, 

 should proceed to arrange his lots as he intends them 

 to be sold. He should then frame a list, and ticket 

 each bunch with his name and the number of the lot 



