Form of Hampers for Fowls Travelling. 



153 



in about two hours ; but we cannot pretend to give the precise details of such management, which 

 can only be successfully practised after great experience has been attained. As an example of 

 what may be done by an adept, however, we may relate as within our own knowledge that the 

 writer of the preceding remarks on a certain occasion received back his birds at about ten 

 o'clock in the morning, fed them, washed them, returned them to the hampers all wet as they 

 were, and got off with them by rail for another show at twelve ; taking them out and drying them 

 at the fire in a junction waiting-rooni on his way to the exhibition, where he again carried off the 

 first prize ! 



The best hamper in which to send fowls to exhibitions is that shown in Fig. 50, or one made 

 of skeleton wicker, in a circular form, with a cover hinged in the middle. This is to be lined with 



Fig. 50. 



coarse linen, canvas, or some other cheap material, and the cover may be secured with a small 

 strap and buckle, or simply tied down with string. For Brahma, Cochin, or Dorking cocks, the 

 proper size is about twenty-two inches diameter and twenty-six inches high ; and for pairs of 

 pullets about eighteen inches each way. For otlier breeds the size will vary ; but it is good 

 economy to have them rather too large than too small, for fear of damage to the plumage. Geese 

 and turke}-s are generally sent in oval baskets, the size of which must depend on the judgment 

 of the exhibitor. Some use baskets made of close wicker ; but these are both heavier and more 

 costly, and the general preference for the skeleton pattern, properly lined, is conclusive testimony 

 to its being almost universally considered the best for such journeys as are necessary to any 

 British show. For the longer distances of the American continent the same pattern will suffice, if an 

 attendant accompany the fowls ; and even when this is impracticable will answer well (provided 

 the journey does not exceed thirty-six hours) if a good fresh cabbage be tied to the inside of the 

 hamper near the top, and half a loaf on the opposite side. This is best done by passing through 

 20 



