Washing Fowls. 89 



on beauties the latter are always prominent enough. The 

 pen of which we speak should be a moveable one for con- 

 venience' sake, and it is well to leave the fowls in it for a time 

 that they may become accustomed to each other, and also 

 to an exhibition pen." Birds that are strangers should 

 never be put into the same hamper, for not only the cocks 

 but even the hens will fight with and disfigure each 

 other. 



Some give linseed for a few days before the exhibition to 

 impart lustre to the plumage, by increasing the secretion 

 of oil. A small quantity of the meal should be mixed 

 Avith their usual soft food, as fowls generally refuse the 

 whole grain. But buckwheat and hempseed, mixed in 

 equal proportions, if given for the evening meal during 

 the last ten or twelve days, is healthier for the bird, 

 much liked, and will not only impart equal lustre to the 

 plumage, but also improve the appearance of the comb and 

 wattles. 



Spanish fowls should be kept in confinement for some 

 days before the show, with just enough light to enable them 

 to feed and perch, and the place should be littered with 

 clean straw. This greatly improves their condition ; why 

 we know not, but it is an established fact. Game fowls 

 should be kept in for a few days, and fed on meal, barley, 

 and bread, with a few peas, which tend to make the 

 plumage hard, but will make them too fat if given freely. 

 Dark and golden birds should be allowed to run about till 

 they have to be sent off. Remove all scurf or dead skin 

 from the comb, dry dirt from the beak, and stains from the 

 plumage, and wash their legs clean. White and light 

 fowls that have a good grass run and plenty of clean straw 

 in their houses and yards to scratch in, will seldom require 

 washing, but town birds, and country ones if not perfectly 

 clean, should be washed the day before the show with tepid 

 water and mild white soap rubbed on flannel, care being 

 taken to wash the feathers downwards, so as not to break 

 or ruffle them ; afterwards wiped with a piece of flannel 

 that has been thoroughly soaked in clean water, and gently 

 dried with soft towels before the fire ; or the bird may be 



