REARING PRIZE STOCK. 155 



first to last ; the same applying to adult moulting fowls. 

 In America it is believed that the copious feeding of cut -up 

 clover also assists the colour of buff breeds. 



As to the actual effect of such expedients, opinion differs 

 somewhat. We believe that it has been at least grossly 

 exaggerated, for the very simple reason that we can trace 

 no marked advance in the colour of buff Cochins since the 

 days when no one pretends such things were used. The 

 more tightly -feathered buff Leghorns, etc., do appear to 

 show a richer colour, and we can understand that such 

 tight plumage might prove more amenable to feeding, just 

 as some canaries do ; on the other hand, such plumage 

 in itself would appear a better buff. On the whole, it is 

 probable that a shade or two may be thus gained in fowls 

 amenable to it, for all do not behave alike. But that such 

 difference can be made by food alone as some aver, we 

 have at present no reliable evidence whatever. The matter 

 is, however, now quite open and above-board, and any 

 reader can either try the materials here mentioned, or any 

 of the u colour-feeds " advertised, using them according to 

 directions. 



In regard to the colour of shanks, deep yellow maize is 

 certainly very good for this, but in white varieties inadmis- 

 sible. Ferruginous soil in grass is the best ; and lime 

 rubbish as a covering for small runs must be avoided where 

 yellow-legged breeds are kept. Sponging the legs with 

 tepid water at night tends to keep the colour. No other 

 means should be used with chickens of the year, and 

 yellow-legged breeds are better not attempted on chalky 

 soil, unless ample grass run be at command. 



5. Rigorous selection and sorting are required, taking 

 out all which are not manifestly up to the mark, that the 

 rest may have more attention. This is' a point in which 

 all beginners fail, without exception. They do weed out 



