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in the dark recesses of a hamper or box, without water, before he emerges

into the glare of the show-room. He is exposed to serious risks from

sudden changes of temperature and from vitiated atmosphere, as well as

from unaccustomed, and perhaps unsuitable, food.


Exhibitors are apt to regard their birds simply as instruments for

winning prizes and cease to care for the birds themselves. A too keen

feeling of rivalry is often aroused, acrimonious disputes arise, and the

“ birdy ” papers ring for weeks with the cries of disappointed competitors.

Some exhibitors degenerate into mere pot-hunters, and turn what ought to

be a hobb}' into a serious business. Worse than this, it is beyond dispute

that “faking,” in plain English, cheating, is widely prevalent, although

there is much less of this with those species of birds which come within the

province of our Society, than there is with poultry, pigeons and canaries.


These things make many aviculturists hate shows.


Yet it must be admitted that shows encourage aviculture. They

enable the young student of birds to make acquaintance with many species

he has never seen before, and they place before us all a certain number of

rare specimens which would otherwise be hidden in private collections from

all but a favoured few. Birds do not suffer so much in health from being

sent to shows as would be supposed by the inexperienced in such matters.

The change of air and scene often seems to brighten them up, and must be

set off against the risks from draught and improper food. The successful

exhibitor is pleased with his prizes, the unsuccessful at least has the barren

honour of seeing his birds become a centre of attraction, and those who

have the management of the show extract a great deal of pleasure from the

preparations and from the excitement of the event itself.


Those who oppose shows say that it is selfish to expose one’s birds to

risk and discomfort for the chance of winning a trifling prize. Exhibitors

may retort that it is more selfish to keep one’s birds entirely to one’s self in

the aviary or bird-room for fear of losing them, than it is to send them to a

show where they may give pleasure to others.


Fortunately we have not to decide the question, every aviculturist

must settle it for himself.


Personalty, I was never an enthusiastic exhibitor. I always despatched

my birds to the show in fear of their lives-, and rejoiced greatly over them on

their return. Now I have resolved to exhibit no more, and am fully

persuaded that 1113^ resolution is a right and wise one.



III.


By W. H. Betts.


Having been asked to state my views as to the good or evil influence

of Cage Bird Shows, I think it outy fair to those subscribers to the

Avicnltu?-al Magazine, whose convictions nia}- not coincide with mine, to

candidly confess, in introduction, that 1113- knowledge of the subject is but

slight, and practicalty limited to Crystal Palace Shows and the annual com¬

petitions of the T. & P. O. S. at the Aquarium ; occasional^’, I may from

time to time have visited some other Shows, but still the fact should be

remembered that I have never been a prominent Exhibitor, so my readers

must accept this contribution as from one who gives them his opinion with

the greatest diffidence.


It seems to me that were our leading Clubs to discontinue holding

exhibitions, they would find their 3’ounger members deprived of that

ambition which we know to be a great incentive to the intelligent and

scientific treatment and breeding of birds. Deep down within the heart of

every novice there should be the firm conviction that the honour of being a

champion exhibitor can be obtained b3 r skill and perseverence, and when

he sees exhibited a first prize bird, in all its glory of health and perfect

plumage, he should find in such a sight, not outy pleasure that his comrade



