September 12, 1878. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 
213 
Beyond the archery ground is another pretty field, which from 
being a steep hillside bas been formed with infinite Jabour into a 
row of tennis courts with broad grass terrace above for spectators. 
But we haye by no means done with the poultry runs. We must 
start again from the chickens’ runs under the apple trees ; these, as 
we said, run downwards from the model houses, but they do not take 
up all the orchard. We pass on to some farm buildings and 
piggeries, and come to more orchard runs backed like the others 
by the wall and sloping down from their houses; in one are a 
troop of growing Brahma chickens, in another a grand cock of the 
now scattered Wright strain, a noble bird of the true Brahma as 
distinguished from the Cochin type. At the end is a hedge such 
as alone one sees in or near Devonshire, and another divided house 
gives exit either to the orchard or the ground beyond. So many 
were the runs we saw, so intricate their geography, that we must 
~ be pardoned if we do not describe them graphically and in order. 
Next we passed through a kitchen garden, at one end of which 
Dark Brahma cockerels were running under the gooseberry trees, 
thence through another double house, the further part of which 
opens out into a downy field, we fancy not long enclosed, and some- 
what like moorland. On the left were more nice sloping yards 
planted with conifers to give shelter from the winds ; we specially 
remember that one was tenanted by adult moulting Dark Dorkings, 
another by fine Brahma hens, another by a Brahma cock, showing 
high breeding in his smail head, but more Cochin-like in form 
than the one we had before seen. Far on in the field we came toa 
perfect thicket of bracken and low-growing trees, deep among 
which was a moveable house where young chickens roost and roam 
at complete liberty. 
Returning from the field we were greatly amused with one house 
on the higher ground, where the slope was so rapid that its 
occupants have to reach it by steps and sleep on the first floor. 
Hence through a kitchen garden we regained the top of the 
pleasure ground. Even now we had not seen all, but kept coming 
upon favoured little families, now some late chickens cooped under 
spreading trees ; now a pen of Black Bantams, the cock of which 
was remarkable for his round pure white lobes, with a snug abode 
in a corner of the shrubbery. 
We fear we have done but scant justice to yards which, from 
their position are unique and difficult of description. The 
feathered tribe are not the only high-class stock; Colley dogs 
abound, we are afraid to say how many. One might from all this 
fancy that the recreations of life were the chief things thought of 
at Combe St. Nicholas, but it is far otherwise, and much more 
there is to see and to remember—a fine church in complete order, 
a large and well-filled school systematically worked on modern 
principles. Here we were kindly allowed to pass an interesting 
hour or two, and to test the thoroughness with which the children 
are educated up to the high standards of that exacting body the 
Council of Education. Later a visit to a famed neighbouring 
poultry yard came into our pleasant visit, but we must not fore- 
stall some notes on it in a future article. There is a strange 
consolation to many people in hearing of others’ misfortunes which 
resemble their own. Those who have found this season a bad one 
for early chickens may be interested to hear that Mr. Hamilton 
has found it the same, hence we do not expect to see many of his 
young stock in the prize pens of the earlier shows, though we 
prophesy the highest honours for them at the great winter 
meetings. No money or trouble has been spared to form fine 
strains with the best blood procurable ; success is sure in time to | 
reward such labour and expenditure.—C. 
BATH POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. 
Ir is with the greatest pleasure that I have this year nothing 
but good words to say on behalf of the Bath Show. Manage- 
ment good, and nothing, as formerly, vexing or exorbitant in the 
way of entrance charges. No one could grudge a shilling to see 
the best fruit and flower show in the West of England (I put pur- 
posely fruit first, as it isa West of England speciality), and Bath 
draws upon Wells, Somerset, and even far Devon. But if to see 
such a show for ls., it was not unreasonable to be charged only 
6d. extra to see what is now also the best poultry, Pigeon, and 
cage-bird Show in the West of England now that, alas! Bristol 
Show is no more. [had also a capital catalogue handed to me 
for 3d.! Hark to that, ye committees who charge 6d. and up- 
wards for your not better printed nor arranged catalogues. 
The Show contained hard upon twelve hundred entries, and the 
arrangements were as before—poultry in the centre of what I 
believe is the playground of the Sidney College boys, cage birds 
in sort of permanent sheds around, and Rabbits also around. I 
must notice that the numbering of the pens was much better than 
in former years. 
The Bath Committee had, as beginners, much to learn, and they 
have learnt it. Dorkings——The Judge;seems to have been ruled 
by the size of the birds principally. This was particularly shown 
in regard to the pullets, which indeed were very superior to the 
cockerels, though the cup cockerel (Taylor’s) was a noble bird. 
‘The Any other variety Dorkings showed very plainly that Silver- 
Greys, the prettiest of all Dorkings, are again coming into favour, 
and all the prizes went to them. Cochins.—Cinnamon, Buff, Part- 
ridge, all shown together. The last-named, as to cockerels, were 
very poor, excepting Lady Gwydyvr’s prize bird, which is very 
good in leg feathering. The third-prize Partridge pullet was par- 
ticularly well pencilled on the breast. With these exceptions 
the Buffs were far ahead. Among Any other coloured Cochin 
cockerels Mrs. Lang was first with capital White, beating Lady 
Gwydyr’s Black, which, good in colour, is bad in form ; third-prize 
a White, and good in form, In Dark Brahmas the classes were 
heavy and the pullets very superior ; first pullet (Kendrick) was 
exquisite in colour. But among the Light Brahmas was not only 
the best Brahma, but the gem of the whole Show—I mean the 
cup pullet (Mr. Percival’s). Such a bird is rare indeed to see, so 
perfect in form and feather. The Game showed their sinewy legs 
and splendid symmetry under the disadvantage of warm weather, 
for a Game fowl is the bird for winter. The cup cock (Lyons) a 
Black Red of great merit. The Hamburghs were few indeed. 
Pencilled classes poor; Spangled better, especially the Silvers ; 
Blacks, though few, were very good. First cockerel excellent, 
as was the first pullet, she a very great little beauty. Spanish 
must wait a few months. The White Leghorns, shown cockerel 
and pullet, made a good and numerous entry, while the Brown 
were worthless, and only one prize given—a second ; others with- 
held and properly. The French classes singularly numerous, 
Houdans vastly predominating. Si/kies an even but not large lot. 
Any other variety brought to the pleased gaze of the visitor a 
capital lot of variously feathered birds. A good Malay, quite big 
and ugly enough to be satisfactory; good Andalusians, and 
pleasant Black Polands were the prize birds in order as named 
among the cockerels, the pullets quite equal and even better. 
Game Bantams in advance, while Mr. Tearle’s Silver Sebrights are 
among the best ever shown. 
Aylesbury Ducks fine, Rouens finer. Waterfowl of various 
kinds pleasing. N.B.—I did not see one black Duck. 
The Local classes revealed a good deal of local merit. These 
are classes which I wholly approve as suited to beginners, and 
very likely to encourage them to “go in and win” in the open 
classes presently. 
Pigeons.—These began with classes of Carriers of extraordinary 
merit, the cup cock (Chandler’s), a Black of good head and shape, 
even beating Mr. Baker’s birds. Pouters, formeriy so few at 
English shows, were strong. First a White cock (Byford’s) of 
good length of feather and limb, with, for a White, a good crop, 
followed by another good White (Lang’s), and third Blue (Mrs. 
Holmes). “As to hens, a beautiful Blue (Baker’s) took the cup, 
well followed by many meritorious birds. The Barbs.—First and 
cup (Baker) a young and capital bird in beautiful feather ; second 
the same name and yery good. Short-faced Tumblers.—First 
Agate, second Almond, third Almond—all Baker's. Long-faced 
Tumblers.—I think I saw that the Judge was determined that 
only proper long-faced birds should win, and not crosses with their 
shorter-faced brethren. First a capital Red Bald, clean-legged 
and clean-cut ; second a Muffed Tumbler, third a Red Mottle. 
601A (Chandler) a good Red Mottle that only had a “ commended ” 
to its pen. Dragoons—Blue and Silver choice and clean. Other 
varieties.—First a good Grizzle, second a Yellow, third a Chequer. 
The Dragoons were wonderfully well judged. Antwerps, fancy 
and useful, heavy entries of both varieties. Owls (English).—First 
Silver, and very good. Turbits—now very fashionable, and no 
wonder, for they are among the truly beautiful Pigeons—had 
capital classes. I particularly admired No. 711, second prize, an 
intense black. The Fantails were not considered, except as to 
first prize, quite up to their mark. Jacobins, Red or Yellow.— 
First a good close-hooded Red (Swallow), second (Lang) a solid- 
coloured good Buff, third (Andrews) a Red. Any other coloured 
Jacobins.—First an exceedingly neat good Black, far beyond the 
second and third-prize birds. Magpies a strong class, a good Red 
first. Among the Any other variety an African Owl, good, but 
not overclean, first. How seldom we now see the little Africans, 
and yet at one time they were to have driven the now numerous 
English Owls quite to the wall. The Local classes showed Bath 
to be getting strong in fanciers. 
The Cage Birds always in Bath numerous and good. The pretty 
arbours in which these are shown began, I saw, to be thickly 
tenanted by ladies before I left, which was early. 
Rabbits, beloyed of schoolboys, had about a hundred entries. 
Bath Show goes on and prospers and gives pleasure ; long may its 
career be.—WILTSHIRE RECTOR. 
POULTRY.—DORKINGS.—Coloured.—Cockerels—Cup, J. Taylor. 2, H.Ling- 
wood. 3,F.Parlett. Pullets—i, B. Smith. 2and 3,1. C. Burnell. Any other 
varieiy.— Cockerels—1, T. C. Burnell. 2, Miss Pasley. 3, O. B. Cresswell. 
Pullets—1, W. Biddle. 2, Mrs. Wacher. 3, T. C. Burnell. COCHINS.—Cinna- 
mon, Buff, and Partridge—Cockerels—Cup and 2, Lady Gwydyr. 3, R. R. 
Fowler & Co. Pullets—1 and 2, Lady Gwydyr. 3, C.& E. Taylor. Any other 
wariely—Cockerels—l, Mrs. Lang. 2, Lady Gwydyr. 3, R. R. Fowler & Co. 
Pulleis.—1, Mrs. Thompson. 2, P. H. Chase. 3, C. Sidgwick. BRAHMAS.— 
Dark.—Cockerels—I and 2, R. A. Baker. 3,E. Lloyd. Pullets—1, E. Kendrick 
jun. 2,H.J. Storer. 3, J. Gilbert. Light.—Cockerels—1, H. Lingwood. 2, G. 
B.C. Breeze. 3,P. Haines. Pullets—Cup, R. P. Percival. 2,G. B. C, Breeze. 
3, A.Ive. GAME—Cockerels—Cup,T.P.Lyons. 2,J.Colegrove. 3, W.Adams, 
Pullets—1, Hon. and Rey. F. Dutton. 2, J. Colegrove. 3, G. Bell. HAMBURGHS, 
—Gold and Silver-pencilled.—Cockerels—1, J.T. K. Castell. 2, J. Carr. 3, H, 
Pickles. Pullets—l, J. Caleutt. 2, H. Pickles. 3, J..Carr. Gold and Silver- 
spangled.—Cockerels.—Cup, S. W. Hallam. 2,J. Jackson. 3,T.Pope. Pullets. 
B 
