118 BREEDING AND EXHIBITION OF "PRIZB POULTRY. 



fine fowl It does not need pointing out which is the sensible 

 plan. 



The many shows of dead poultry also tend to keep up table 

 quality in France. Of late, classes for trussed fowls have begun 

 to appear at English shows ; and if they increase and good prizes 

 are offered, it may be hoped this will have some effect. Agri- 

 cultural societies, in particular, might be expected in their 

 exhibitions to promote the improvement of poultry regarded 

 as useful stock; and we would commend this view of the 

 matter to them especially. 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE PRACTICAL SELECTION AND CARE OF BREEDING STOCK, AND 

 THE REARING OF CHICKENS FOR EXHIBITION. 



WE have in the last chapter treated of the more theoretical 

 principles which the breeder may employ in the accomplishment 

 of any desired end ; we have now to consider those practical 

 points which the poultry-keeper must keep in mind if he desires 

 to attain success in competition. 



It is quite certain that there is nothing so unprofitable as to 

 commence " poultry-fancying " with inferior fowls ; and as there 

 are always numbers of unscrupulous individuals who endeavour 

 to impose upon the unwary, special caution is needed in the 

 purchase of the original stock. If the reader be inexperienced, 

 he should, if it be possible, secure the assistance of some friend 

 upon whose judgment he can thoroughly rely ; failing this, he 

 should endeavour, not only by studying the descriptions, but by 

 frequenting good shows, and seeing and comparing the live 

 birds themselves, to become acquainted with at least the main 

 points of the breed to which his preference inclines. To buy of 

 unknown advertisers is always a great risk, and it will generally 

 be found more economical in the long run to apply, in the first 

 place, to known and eminent exhibitors, whose character stands 



