164 THE PRACTICAL POULTRY KEEPER. 



best counteracted by a rather spare diet. Water should be 

 given in tins, and only in limited quantity not left ad 

 libitum till the birds have had time to slake their first 

 thirst after the journey. Barley ought also to be used 

 sparingly, as it is too hard to be properly digested in a 

 show-pen. Grit is now usually provided. 



Fowls fed as here recommended will generally be re- 

 turned in as good condition as they were sent, and require 

 no attention at all beyond seeing that they do not get too 

 much water and green food at first. But if the system on 

 which they have been fed is unknown, or, in any case, it 

 they appear either feverish or "overdone," give each a rather 

 scanty meal of biscuit-meal mixed with warm brandy and 

 water ; let them have two or three sips only of rather tepid 

 water ; and then administer a third of a tea-spoonful of 

 Epsom salts to each bird. This will probably be at night. 

 Next morning feed them on meal only in moderation, see 

 that they cannot drink to excess, and give them some 

 chopped lettuce, or a large sod of grass, but no other green 

 food until it is seen what effect this has upon them ; after- 

 wards, if all seems well, let them return to their usual diet. 

 It is in all cases safest not to let them have much grain, 

 and to put them on an allowance of water, for the day after 

 their return. 



As a rule, there will be little injury from exhibition, and 

 the same birds may be shown to a fair extent without 

 suffering. They want care and attentive examination after 

 each competition to see that they are not losing health ; 

 if it appears so, whatever other engagements may have 

 been made, let them have rest till completely recovered ; 

 otherwise, property worth scores of pounds may be sacrificed 

 for "just one more cup," to the owner's lasting regret. In 

 any case, there should be sufficient rest and recuperation 

 before exhibition specimens are put up for breeding. 



