202 Ca.var/es axd Cage-Birds. 



Here it will be seen we liave, for tlie first time, made separate provision for tlie sexes — an 

 arrangement not adopted witli our English varieties, which, being shown for the beauty of their 

 plumage or some property found in excess in the male bird, as, for instance, size in the Coppy, are 

 not so provided for, very few hens finding their way to the show-stage ; the only specimens havinsj; 

 any chance of competing successfully with their more showy mates being exceptional examples of 

 Evenly-marked Norwich, Cinnamon, or Yorkshire, or the Crested Norwich, in which a special 

 feature shown in high perfection gives its fortunate possessor a special chance. To these we might 

 add an unusually good Lizard or London Fancy hen, which, however, would require to be good to 

 hold its ground in a competition in which the weaker vessel usually gives way with becoming 

 modesty. In this and in other most material points, as we shall presently show, the Continental 

 exhibitions differ from ours, which contain a considerable infusion of the element of spectacular 

 display almost inseparable from the homage paid to plumage. From a breeder's point of view, the 

 addition of classes for hens throughout our varieties would be a matter for congratulation ; but as 

 they do not, with the exception of the examples quoted, possess in a prominent manner the 

 qualities demanded in a show-bird, they remain at home. With the bird of Position it is an 

 entirely different matter. Shape and position are not materially affected by sex, the chief difference 

 in the cock-bird consisting in size and a general masculine bearing, which, with some more refined 

 distinctions, afford a satisfactory basis on which to ground the separation of the sexes for show 

 purposes irrespective of the value of the arrangement in its relation to breeding, which is the 

 principal object of a Continental exhibition. At present we cannot regard this bird in any other 

 light than a comparative stranger struggling hard in the hands of a few enthusiastic fanciers to 

 assert its claims to popular notice. It is a sore point with its admirers that our prize-schedules are 

 so circumscribed in their provisions ; but it should be borne in mind that the promoters of most of 

 our shows are not men of means, and must cut their coat according to their cloth, a defaulting bird- 

 show being a thing unknown. It is for -managers of large gatherings claiming to be national in 

 their character to issue model prize-lists, and so gradually extend this fancy to its proper limits. 

 For such a purpose the foregoing classification is fully adapted, but under ordinary circumstances 

 classes {a) and ((5) are united, as are also {c) and {d) ; occasionally the Variegated section is similarly 

 treated, but, more frequently, condensed into one, or, more frequently still, altogether omitted. 



It will also be observed that we have made no provision for " Evenly-marked " birds. We 

 have followed this course advisedly, because we maintain that up to the present time such do not 

 exist as a variety either here or in Belgium, and to offer premiums for them in the present state of 

 the Belgian fancy in England would be detrimental to the interests of shape and posi.tion. This 

 may appear to be rather arbitrary, but we write in the interest of the bird; and when we say we 

 have known an exhibitor grumble sadly because a nondescript specimen, possessing little else but 

 marking, failed to score in good Belgian company, and afterwards grumble still more because the 

 same bird failed to catch the judge's eye in a Yorkshire class, we think we have said enough to 

 show the evil of dabbling with this element before English breeders have first learned the alphabet 

 of form and position. 



One reason why the merits and capabilities of this extraordinary bird are so little known is 

 that at our exhibitions, where it ought to be seen at its best, adequate provision is scarcely ever 

 made for the purpose. Take the Crystal Palace, for instance, where the cages will be found duly 

 marked ist, 2nd, 3rd, &c. ; but there is no opportunity for examination, and unless any bird shoukl 

 spontaneously make a display of his true form, the admirer of the variety has no chance of gratify- 

 ing his taste nor the learner of being instructed. If the bird is ever to occupy a high position 

 among us, it must be shown under conditions in liarmony with its peculiarities. 



