Treatment on Return. 91 



describe their ages, breed, &c., exactly and accurately, and 

 see yourself to the packing and labelling of their hampers. 



Mr. F. Wragg, the superintendent of the poultry-yard 

 of R. W. Boyle, Esq., whose fowls have a sea voyage from 

 Ireland besides the railway journey, and yet always appear 

 in splendid condition and " bloom," ties on one side of the 

 hamper, " near the top, a fresh-pulled cabbage, and on the 

 other side a good piece of the bottom side of a loaf, of 

 which they will eat away all the soft part. Before starting, 

 I give each bird half a tablespoonful of port wine, which 

 makes them sleep a good part of the journey. Of course, 

 if I go with my birds, as I generally do, I see that they, 

 as well as myself, have ' refreshment ; on the road." * The 

 cabbage will always be a treat, and the loaf and wine may 

 be added for long journeys. 



Birds are frequently overfed at the show, particularly 

 with barley, which cannot be properly digested for want of 

 gravel and exercise ; and therefore, if upon their return 

 their crops are hard and combs look dark, give a table- 

 spoonful of castor oil ; but if they look well do not interfere 

 with them. They should not have any grain, but be fed 

 sparingly on stale bread soaked in warm ale, with two or 

 three mouthful s of tepid water, for liquid is most hurtful if 

 given in quantity. They should not be put into the yard with 

 the other fowls which may treat them, after their absence, 

 as intruders, but be joined with them at night when the 

 others have gone to roost. On the next day give them a 

 moderate allowance of soft food with a moderate supply of 

 water, or stale bread sopped in water, and a sod of grass 

 or half a cabbage leaf each, but no other green food ; and 

 on the following day they may have their usual food. 



When the fowls are brought back, take out the linings, 

 wash them, and put them by to be ready for the next 

 show ; and after the exhibition season, on a fine dry day, 

 wash the hampers, dry them thoroughly, and put them in 

 a dry place. Never use them as quiet berths for sick birds, 

 which are sure to infect them and cause the illness of the 

 next occupants ; or as nesting-places for sitting hens, 

 which may leave insects in the crevices that will be difficult 

 to eradicate. 



