32 WYANDOTTES. 



all details of the organization, no matter how close the relationship 

 or how striking the resemblance; and in connection with this, it has 

 been observed that instances occur in which individuals present an 

 assemblage of characters quite different from those that characterize 

 the parents. These have been explained on the supposition that 

 there must be a law of " spontaneity," which is antagonistic to 

 heredity, or that the law of heredity is not constant in its action, 

 but limited by numerous exceptions. 



JUDGING. 



The Standard demands that all varieties of the Wyandotte 

 breed be of one shape, and that all must conform to the type of the 

 Silvers, on account of priority; it being admitted to the Standard 

 and judged by its present type, therefore, it should have the prefer- 

 ence in regulating the form of all subsequent varieties. 



SYMMETRY Is a mooted question among judges, therefore we 

 will not discuss its value and usefulness in judging fowls; but no 

 other word can express so concisely, intelligently and correctly its 

 meaning. In considering symmetry, as it is generally understood, 

 the male is judged more critically and severely than the female, and 

 every defect punished more rigorously than the same in the female. 

 This severity is due to the fact, that it is expected of the male to 

 transmit external points in a greater degree, and therefore, every 

 defect in symmetry is punished'more severely in the male. Symme- 

 try is the harmony of parts taken as a whole, and must be typical of 

 the breed represented. 



A male with a large head, long neck, long legs and long, bony 

 body, would not be considered symmetrical for a Wyandotte, because 

 each section is defective and cannot represent the type of the breed. 

 For instance, if the comb be too large or badly shaped, it is cut 

 from one-half to a point; if the neck be long and not well arched, 

 it is cut a point; if the back be not flat, or if too long and out of 

 proportion, it is cut a point; if the breast is narrow, wedge shaped 

 or cut away in fullness and roundness, it is cut a point; if the fluff 

 be scant and the bird narrow behind the legs, it is cut one-half to a 

 point; and if the tail be drooping, it is cut one-half to a point. 

 These faults make symmetry defective. 



WEIGHT. This is judged by the scales; in all breeds having 

 weight clauses, except Bantams, two points are deducted for any 

 deficit from the standard weights, or in that proportion for any 

 fractional part of a pound. 



