230 PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 



forta'ble place where he can shake himself free of excess 

 of water. Then with a dry towel most of the moisture 

 is absorbed from the feathers. The bird is placed in a 

 coop fronting an open fire, over a warm register or in 

 any suitable comfortable, warm place to completely dry 

 out. 



If the bathing has been properly done the plumage 

 becomes bright, fluffy and very white, giving the bird a 

 most attractive appearance. 



To help keep the plumage white and clean, fine, dry, 

 laundry starch may be sifted among the feathers. 



SHIPPING TO THE SHOW. 



Exhibition fowl are usually forwarded to the show 

 by rail in charge of an express company. The journey 

 may include a drive in an open wagon, a wait upon an 

 exposed rail-road platform, a ride in a hot box car, 

 storage for a while in a closed express office or in a wind 

 swept shed, another wagon trip and perhaps a delay at 

 the door of the show room and all under vicissitudes of 

 weather which may not be fore-told. 



Light, strong shipping coops are now manufactured 

 which are well suited to the purpose. If the poultry- 

 man must furnish exhibition coops for his fowls at the 

 show he may ship them in combination shipping and 

 exhibition coops. These are also manufactured in 

 quantities and sold by poultry supply houses. 



In either case or in any case it is well to cover 

 the top, back and sides with cloth and provide a curtain 

 for the front of the coop. Strong canvas cloth is best 

 for this purpose but common cotton cloth can be used. 

 During the shipment the curtain in front is closely fas- 

 tened down. The cloth protects the birds from winds, 

 yet admits plenty of fresh air. If the top of the coop is 

 made of thin boards the birds, during transportation, 

 will be comparatively safe also from rain or snow. 



If convenient the shipper may well take the same 

 train to the show that carries his coops of exhibition 

 fowls. He can then see how his birds fare before and 



