Exhibition Rules. 85 



It will be readily admitted in theory that a breed of fowls 

 becomes more and more valuable as its capacity of pro- 

 ducing eggs is increased, and the quantity and quality of 

 its flesh are improved, with a small amount of bone and 

 offal in proportion. But, if we except the Dorking, which 

 certainly is judged to some extent as a table fowl, all this 

 is totally lost sight of both by breeders and judges, and 

 attention is fixed exclusively upon colour, comb, face, and 

 other equally fancy 'points.' Beauty and utility might 

 be both secured. The .French have taught us a lesson of 

 some value in this respect. Within a comparatively recent 

 period they have produced, by crossing and selection, four 

 new varieties, which, although inferior in some points to 

 others of older standing, are all eminently valuable as table 

 fowls ; and which in one particular are superior to any 

 English variety, not even excepting the Dorking we 

 mean the very small proportion of bone and offal. This is 

 really useful and scientific breeding, brought to bear upon 

 one definite object, and we do trust the result will prove 

 suggestive with regard to others equally valuable. We 

 should be afraid to say how much might be done if English 

 breeders would bring their perseverance and experience to 

 bear in a similar direction. Agricultural Societies in par- 

 ticular might be expected in their exhibitions to show 

 some interest in the improvement of poultry regarded 

 as useful stock, and to them especially we commend the 

 matter." 



The rules and regulations relating to exhibitions vary at 

 different shows, and may be obtained by applying to the 

 secretary. Notices of exhibitions are advertised in the 

 local papers, and in the Field and other London papers of 

 an agricultural character. 



In breeding birds for exhibition the number of hens to one 

 cock should not exceed four or five, but if only two or three 

 hens of the breed are possessed, the proper number of his 

 harem should be made up by the addition of hens of another 

 breed, those being chosen whose eggs are easily known 

 from the others. 



If it is intended to rear the chickens for exhibition at 



