The Modern Crested Norwich. 315 



where they judged, and some going so far as to tell the 

 fanciers that it was "a step in the right direction." Being 

 thus encouraged, the breeders have gone on, step by step, 

 introducing the Coppy from one generation to another, until 

 some of the birds of the present day are so fully impreg- 

 nated with that blood, that if it were not for the body 

 markings and dark crests which Coppies never possess and 

 the cayenne feeding it would be a difficult matter to dis- 

 tinguish some of these birds from genuine Coppies. I have 

 seen specimens, yea, and successful prize winners too, that 

 in conformation of body ajid crest bore no resemblance what- 

 ever to the real, true type, the original. Crested Norwich 

 birds and the last-mentioned variety, however good they may 

 be in all points, have no chance whatever of taking prizes 

 when competing against this modern variety. The breeders 

 in Norwich, however, have no just cause of complaint against 

 this comparatively recent innovation, as they themselves were 

 among the first to impart this foreign admixture into the 

 old breed, and some, if not the very best specimens of this 

 new variety have been produced in that town, although not 

 necessarily exhibited by Norwich men. I have been behind 

 the scenes, and know where most of the best birds came 

 from that have been exhibited by different fanciers since 

 their first introduction to the public. I am free to admit 

 that I consider the cross an immense and beneficial improve- 

 ment in many respects, but I certainly would like to see 

 them distinguished by a more appropriate and fitting 

 title, and I imagine that ere long they will come under the 

 more apt and truthful designation of Marked or Variegated 

 Coppies, or Lancashire and Norwich Union Crest, and it would 

 doubtless be to the advantage of fanciers themselves if this 

 were so, as no restraint would then be felt by either breeders 

 or judges, and a still further improvement would doubtless 

 be effected in their appearance and general contour. No one 

 who is acquainted with the different varieties of these birds 

 can doubt that the present appellation is entirely anomalous 

 and utterly misleading. 



