PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 229 



up and by proper posing to show off his fine shape to 

 advantage. The trainer may use a light stick about one- 

 half inch in diameter and two feet in length to touch up 

 the bird and make him pose correctly. After a few 

 lessons he should prose promptly on the approach of the 

 trainer or any other person. 



If a comb or wattle is not quite correct it may often 

 be worked into proper shape by daily manipulating 

 with the thumb and fingers. Slightly defective wings 

 and tails may be improved in like manner. 



If the exhibitor knows what feed is to be given 

 the fowls at the show he may use such feed for their 

 rations during two or three days previous to showing 

 and thus accustom them to exhibition diet. 



The birds should be clean when they go to the show. 

 The combs, wattles, ear-lobes, shanks and toes should be 

 sponged with warm water and soap that is not harsh. 



If dirt has collected under the leg and toe-scales it 

 is readily removed after sponging or soaking by the use 

 of a wooden tooth-pick. 



The parts cleaned by sponging with warm soapy 

 water should be again sponged with clean cold water 

 and may later be gently rubbed with vaseline then 

 wiped with a soft, dry cloth. This treatment may be 

 repeated at the show if necessary. 



Birds of white plumage may require washing to 

 make their appearance attractive. 



Place the bird in a tub or large bucket filled with 

 warm water which has been brought to a lather by us- 

 ing white wool soap or a soap containing no resin or 

 harsh alkali. The bird is immersed except the head 

 and the soapy lather worked through the feathers to the 

 skin. Next place the bird in a tub of clear lukewarm 

 water and sponge out the dirty soapy water thoroughly. 

 Do not rub against the grain of the feathers. Finally 

 place the specimen in a tub of clear, cool water to 

 which may be added a little laundry blueing to help le- 

 move any yellowishness of the plumage. Thorough 

 rinsing is followed by removal of the bird to a com- 



