132 BREEDING AND EXHIBITION OF PRIZE POULTRY. 



a little larger than show-pens to become used to the confinement 

 and get tame. A wild and frightened fowl never shows well. 



For the following observations on preparation for exhibition 

 we are indebted to Mr. F. Wragg, the well-known superinten- 

 dent of the poultry-yard of Lady Gwydyr, who formerly 

 exhibited for Mr. R. W. Boyle. When it is remembered that 

 the fowls of the latter had always to undergo a sea- voyage 

 from Ireland, in addition to the ordinary railway journey, 

 previous to exhibition, the beautiful " bloom " and condition in 

 which they invariably appeared will cause his remarks to be 

 appreciated by amateurs : 



" The system I pursue previous to sending to shows is as 

 follows : About a week beforehand I select the pen I intend 

 to send, seeing, of course, that they match well, and carefully 

 wash their heads and legs. I then have a nice dry room pretty 

 thickly covered with clean straw, in which I put them, scatter- 

 ing a few handfuls of wheat amongst it. They scratch the 

 straw about searching for the grains, and thus clean themselves 

 beautifully without further trouble. The birds being kept up 

 by themselves get so used to each other they never quarrel, 

 either on the journey or in the pen. They have to drink clean 

 water with a little sulphate of iron dissolved, which causes a 

 bright red colour in the ears and comb, and makes them look 

 well and sprightly. 



"They arc fed on oatmeal and Indian meal well boiled to- 

 gether, with a small quantity of salt just to season it ; when 

 properly done it is like a thick jelly. Twice, however, during 

 the week, not more, they have rice, which is prepared by adding 

 1 Ib. to a pint of water, and boiling till the water is absorbed, 

 then adding as much milk as it will take up without getting 

 thin, with a handful of coarse brown sugar ; keep stirring the 

 whole till done, and then put in a bowl to cooL Of this they 

 are very fond, and it keeps them from purging. I also give 

 them plenty of f rcsh green food. 



