ii6 



The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 



a class for the largest and finest cross-breeds for the table might yield good results ; and in one 

 particular breed — the Dorking — the disqualification of all birds which showed a yellow skin would 

 be a very useful reformation. Prizes for dead poultry might also, in our opinion, be given a much 

 more prominent place at all our shows than they now have, with marked effect upon the quality 

 and size of the fowls sent to market. This is the really weak point in English shows ; and as it 

 is the exhibitions of fat poultry which have had so great a share in the improvement of French 

 table-fowl, so we believe the recognition of this practically new element would produce in time 

 an immense effect upon English market-stock likewise. Let people see at everj^ poultry-show 

 really first-rate and large fowls as dressed for the table, and they will soon begin to be more 

 fastidious about those they buy for themselves. At present this stimulus does not exist, and the 

 providing it may and should 'be pressed in every possible way upon show committees 





=^,-?r-i/ "/f- 



