PREPARATION FOR EXHIBITION. 135 



breeders beating the very best country yards ; and the fact 

 proves that care and good system are of even more importance 

 than any mere natural advantages. 



Many exhibitors recommend the giving of linseed for a 

 week before exhibition. Its use is to impart lustre to the 

 plumage, which it does by increasing the secretion of oil. The 

 fowls generally refuse the dry seed, and the best method of 

 administration is to stew some into a sort of jolly, and add it 

 to the ordinary soft food. A preferable plan, however, and one 

 which agrees better with the health of the fowls, is to let the 

 evening repast of grain for the last fortnight consist of buck- 

 wheat and hempseed in equal portions, which will be equally 

 effective, and is greedily devoured by the birds, adding also to 

 the colour of the combs and wattles. 



In regard to that beautiful bright red of the comb and wattles 

 so desirable, this cannot be given to a fowl which is not 

 naturally in high health. But when a bird is healthy, the 

 scrubbing helps to bring it out; and if finally a very little 

 fresh butter is rubbed in, and then wiped as thoroughly off as 

 possible with a damp cloth, about the best is made of it. A 

 greasy-looking comb is disgusting, and soon becomes dull in 

 colour. We have seen the head sponged with strong vinegar, and 

 this does brighten the comb for a while ; but many birds become 

 dark afterwards, and the other is the most certain treatment. 



Much difference of opinion exists as to the best form of ham- 

 per, but general experience approves most of a round shape, of a 

 size to give just ample room to the fowls which have to be shown. 

 Square corners are apt to catch the tails and cause damage. For 

 Spanish or other large-combed breeds it is best to have no 

 cover, simply stitching a strong piece of canvas over the top ; 

 but for most fowls a wicker top is best, as affording more pro- 

 tection. It is of some consequence to committees that these 

 covers should be flat, in order that the baskets may be com- 

 pactly stowed away in the exhibition-halL 



