248 



JOURNAL OP HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDBNEE. 



[ September 2 , 1871. 



gEnDCG Class— CocJ- or Cockerel.— 1, T. Eogeis, 'Walsall (Blaci Spanisli). 

 2, K. Ban ett, Stroud (Black Sljamei). lie. Lieut-Col. Tickell (Houdans) ; T. A. 

 Dean (Brahma Pootra); C. BIoodTvortli (EuffCoclun). Hens or Pullets.— 1, 3. 

 S. PlUlips, KeTvport. Mod. (Game Diickmug). 2, L. Dean (Light Brahma). 

 lie, C. LTnne, Chepstow (Dark Brahma) : J. McConnell (Black Spanish) ; T. 

 Eogers. ^ Miscellaneous.— 1, C. Price. Penterry, Chepstow (Dncks). 2, W. R. 

 Holman, Bayshill, Cheltenham (Ducks). 



PIGEONS. 



Baees.— 1 and 2, H. Yardley, Birmingham, c, W. Cook, Swansea (2). 



CAEHrERS.— 1 and 2, H. Yardley. 



Faktails.— 1 and 2, .T. "Walker, Newark, vhc, 3. F. Loversidge, Newark. 

 c, W. Crook; T. A. Dean. 



JicoBiKs.— 1, E. T. Dew, Weston-snper-SIare. 2, H. Yardley. c, F. Waitt, 

 King's Heath, Birmingham. 



Nuxs.— 1, H. Yardley. 2, E. T. Dew. c, E. T. Dew ; L. Dean. 



PouTEKs.—l, W. Crook. 2, E. T. Dew. c,W. Crook; H. Yardley; E.T. Dew. 



TuMELEES (Any Tariety).— 1 and 2, H. Yardley. 



Ant othee VAEiETy.— 1, W. Crook (Yellow Magpies). 2, E. T. Dew. 8, H. 

 Yardley. c, W. Crook (Ice Birds) ; J. H. Watldns. 



ExTEA Stock.— Poultrv or Birth (Any description). — !, L. Dean (Light 

 Brahma). 2, C. Lynne (Dark Brahma), he. T. A. Dean (5). c. L. Dean (Light 

 Brahmal (2); J. Bloodworth (Black Bantam) : L.H. Packets (Light Brahma) (2). 



Priae for the greatest numher of points in all classes, T. A. Dean. 



JtTOGES. — Mr. E. H. Nicliolas, Newport ; Mr. T. L. Brewer, Danny 

 Craig, near Newport ; Mr. T. Davies, "Wellington Park, Eedlands, 

 Bristol. Dr. Cottle, of Cheltenham, judged the Pigeons. 



MIDDLETON POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. 



MiDDLEToy Show has long been noted for the general excellence of 

 its poultiy exhibitions, and this year's Show fully maintained the hi^h 

 character of previous meetings. It will, probably, be in the recollec- 

 tion of most of our readers that both the poultry and Pigeons are ex- 

 hibited at Middleton in the open field, and in past years exceedingly 

 wet weather has proved no common drawbaeik to success. The Com- 

 mittee have, however, wisely resolved to provide for so serious a con- 

 tingency on future occasions. A few new pens of novel construction 

 were erected to test their sufficiency this year, and if they prove equal 

 to the anticipated requirements the same plan will be adopted through- 

 out the collection. The whole of the fronts of these new pens are of 

 thin iron rods, exhibiting the birds to considerable advantage as com- 

 pared to those show pens in ordinary use. The sides and backs are of 

 plain woodwork ; the roof slopes off to the back, and being covered 

 with a waterproof sheeting, sudden rains are amply provided against ; 

 and, we must add, when not in use these pens are so constructed as to 

 fold up into a space few would believe possible. Again, a shutter 

 closing on hinges forms ample protection after nightfall. It hangs 

 down below the pens during the show time, hiding entirely from view 

 the travelling baskets, which, being placed beneath the pens, are quite 

 preserved from heavy rains. No breakage of tails can occur in these 

 pens, but there are two little improvements which at once suggest 

 themselves to the mind of any practical observer, even at first sight. 

 One is that the ironwork at the fronts should be somewhat closer for 

 the 3 inches on each side of the pen to prevent the cocks from fight- 

 ing ; the other is of equal, if not greater importance, as the present 

 C ^instruction of the doors rather aids than defeats the attempts at 

 theft that unfortunately have of late been by far too general. The 

 doors, fs at present constructed, simply open sideways, the full height 

 oE the front, beins fastened by an iron "nut" fixed inside on the 

 bottom bar, the hinge being accomplished by the door turning on one 

 of the bars that run from top to bottom. To this arrangement there 

 are at least two evident objections : first, that the door opening en- 

 tirely from top to bottom gives Game fowls, Hamburghs, and some of 

 the most active poultiy, abundant opportunity of escape whilst beiag 

 penned, repacked, or inspected by the Judges, whilst theft would be 

 more easily accomplished, if attempted, during the time of the Show 

 being open to visitors. "We suggest that if the doors slid up, with part 

 of the top bar affixed, not only would the birds prove more difficult of 

 access to the dishonestly disposed, but also the sudden rising of the 

 top above the heads of bystanders would certainly be apt to attract 

 attention, and thus, to a certain extent, obviate robbery. 



About five hundred pens of really first-class chickens competed, and 

 a more worthy display was never exhibited in this district. Although 

 the Game fowls were quite equal to expectation, Brown Keds and 

 Piles showed in best condition, the last-named variety taking the Game 

 cup. The Spanish were uniformly good, but the Brahmas comprised 

 show birds of the best individual excellence that have been seen for 

 some years past at this season of the year. The cock shown by Lady 

 Gwydyr was a very grand specimen, but looking in not quite so good 

 show trim as when last exhibited, as continued exhibition inevitably 

 tells hardly even on the best- con stitutioned poultry. Mrs. Ark^mght's 

 Brahma pullets were also worthy of particular remark. Cochins were 

 "Onusually good, and the Bamhurghs equally so. Silver-pencilled (a 

 rare occurrence) took the Hamburgh cup. The Creve-Cceurs were far 

 the best of the French fowls, and the Waterfowls never mastered at 

 Middleton more perfect as to general quality. 



In Pigeons, Almonds were first-class, and though some of the Car- 

 riers sadly lacked condition, they were excellent birds, moulting time 

 being the only cause of their shortcoming. Turbits and Fantails were 

 really good, and the class for Dragoons was one equally good as to 

 numbers and also quality. In Nuns, Mr, Yardley's pen, so much 

 noticed of late in the discussion as to trimming, stood again first, 

 whilst a pen of another exhibitor was disqualified for trimming by 

 scissors. The Variety class was not bo good as that of last year. 



The weather on the whole was favourable, and we are told the Show 

 was as usual a financial success. 



The Piobhits were not so good as we are accustomed to see at this 

 large Show ; they were not so carefully penned. Half-bred short- 

 eared specimens should not be mixed with Lops, and Lops with An- 

 goras. Surely it cannot be that Middleton is losing Its high character 

 for Rabbits. I hope this friendly hint will be sufficient, and that a 

 better aiTangement will be made for the Rabbits, which now form at 

 all shows no inconsiderable portion of the entries. 



There were at Middleton forty-six entries — of Lops, eight ; Angoras-r 

 eight ; Himalayan, eight ; Silver-Greys, four ; Any other variety,, 

 seven ; and in the Selling class, eleven. In some of the classes were 

 good specimens. The Lop buck which carried oS the first prize was 

 well entitled to it; ears 21f by 5 inches; and the second prize was 

 awarded to a Yellow and White under seven months old, which gives 

 promise of a good Eabbit, and worthy of exhibition ; ears 21f by 

 4| Inches. 



The Angoras, as a class, were not quite equal to others we have seen 

 recently, either in size or fineness of wool, yet all seemed to have had 

 that care bestowed upon them so essential to their showy appearance. 

 The doe taking the fGrst prize was justly placed on the list of honours. 

 The second-prize buck was a well-formed young Rabbit, seven months 

 old, and will, I doubt not, be found in an enviable position at faturo 

 shows. 



The Himalayans were rather small, yet one that stood at the top ot 

 the class was well marked, and had no very near approach in point of 

 excellence. In this class some well-marked, but small, Rabbits were 

 found, and the Judge was probably influenced in his opinion by size 

 rather than other points fanciers like in this variety. 



The first-prize Silver-Greys were fine specimens of what this variety 

 should be, being large and well silvered ; and the second prizetakers- 

 were by no means Imperfect. I much prefer the general silvering of 

 this variety to the darker and at times irregular patches of shade one 

 used to see. 



The Any other variety class contained the opposites in size. Mr.. 

 S. G. Hudson's Belgian Hare was a fine specimen, contrasting with. 

 this gentleman's Black and White Dutch as second prize. May I not 

 ask if the latter variety should not have four white feet instead of two 

 to be worthy of any honourable position ? 



The Selling class contained the usual miscellaneous collection, and 

 the Yellow and "White Lop doe of Mr. J. Boyle, and an Angora, were 

 both worthy their* position. 



I regret to have to conclude my remarks respecting this Show by 

 saying that some specimens had to be disqualified by reason of sundry 

 tamperings, and I trust this is the last occasion I shall have to record 

 such practices. I hope in future to have to record more numerous- 

 entries, and certainly would suggest that at this late season of the 

 year the Rabbits should be under canvas, and "that will not be more 

 than requisite for theii* safety from cold, especially when coming from 

 such a temperature as that of their hutches. — Charles Eatso??. 



Game (Black-breasted and otiier 'ReAo).— Chickens.— \, C. Chaloner. Whitwell, 

 Chesterfield. 2, T. Statter, jnn.. Whitefieid. 3, E. Brongh, Eallhaye Park, Leek. 

 Cockerel.— Q^-^, A. Milnes. Rochdale. 2. E. Slann, Walifield, Stand, Pilkin^on- 

 he, J. Fletcher, Stonecloafrh, Manchester; J. Spencer, Clayton, Bradford; E. 

 Mann ; E. Aykroyd, EccleshiU, Leeds, c, C. Chaloner. 



GA3IE (Any other variety).— C/ucfcens.—l and Cup, T. P. Lyon, Knotty Ash. 

 2 Barker & Charnock, IllmoTvorth. 3, C. Chaloner. he, S. Matthew, c, J, 

 Fletcher. Cockerel— \, J. Pickles, BanUs, Mytholmroyd. 2, T. P. Lyon. 3, C- 

 Chaloner. Pulleta.—l and Cup, W. H. L. Clare, Twycross, Athetstone. 2, C. 

 Chaloner. 3, J. Fletcher. 4, T. P. Lyon. 



Svi^is^.- Chickens. — \, J. Walker, Standiford. Wolverhampton. 2, Mrs. 

 AJlsopp, Hindlip Hall, Worcester. 3, Mrs. Hyde. Bedminster. /ic. Clews and 

 Adkins, Walsall, c, W. & F. Pickard, Thomer. Cockerel.— 1 and Cup. Mrs. 

 Allsopp. 2, C. W. Brierlev, Middleton. e, H. Dale, Northallerton. Fullets.— 



1, J. Walker, Standiford, Wolverhampton. 2, H. Dale. 



Dorkings. — Chickens. — 1 and Cup, Mrs. Arkwi-ight, Sutton Scarsdale. 

 Chesterfield. 2, J. Martin, Claines, Worcester. 3, J. J. Waller, Kendal. ftc,T., 

 E. Kell, Wetherhy; J. White, Warlahv, Northallerton; E. W. Eichardson, 

 Beverley. Cockerel— \, J. Martin. 2, Mrs. Arkwright. he, W. H. King. Koch- 

 dale. Piii^efs.— 1, T. E.Kell. 2, Mrs. Arkwright. c, T. Statter, jun.; E. Leech, 

 Rochdale ; J. H. Wilson, St. Eeea. ^ 



ER4HMA Pootra.— C/iictc?is.-l. W. Hargreaves, Hullock Top, Bacup. 2, W* 

 A. Taylor, Manchester. 3, Horace Lingwood, Creeting, Needham Market. 

 he, T. F. Ansdell. Cowley Mount. St. Helens ; Dr. Holmes, Whitecotea. Chester- 

 field ; J. Ashwoi-th, Rochdale ; J. Long, Plymouth. Coekerel.—l unC Cup, Lady 

 Gwydyr,!Stoke Park, Ips^vich. 2. J. Ashworth, Rochdale, he, Hon. Mrs. A. B. 

 Hamilto^i, Woburn ; T.F. Ansdell; J. Ashworth. Pullets.— 1, Mrs. Arkwright. 



2, Horace Lingwood. he, Hon. Mrs. A. B. Hamilton (2); M. Leno, Markyate 

 Street, Dlimstable ; Lady Gwvdyr. c, W. Hargreaves ; R. Hargreaves, Ridding 

 Water, Delph ; T. A. Dean, Moreton-ou-Lugg ; J. Ashworth ; W- H. Butler. 



CocHiNi.-HiNA (Buff and Cinnamon).— Chickens. — 1, Cnp, and 3. A. Taylor. 



3, C. Sidgwicfc. Rvddlesden Hall, Keighley. he. E. Leech. Cockerel— 1. Lady 

 Gwydyr. 2, W. A. Taylor, he, T. M. Derry. Gedney, Wisbeach. Pullets.— 



1, C. Sidgwick.; 2, Mrs. Allsopp. he, W. A. Taylor; J. Sichel, Timperley; J. 

 Hey, Honlev, Huddersfield. ^ 



Cochik-Chisa (Any other variety).— C/i)c/ccn5.—l and 2, C. Sidgwick. S,.Horace 

 Lingwood. c, W. A. Taylor. Cockerel.— I, Horace Lingwood. 2, J. K. Fowler, 

 Aylesbury, c, G. Sidawick; E. Leech. Pttii^t?.— l,C.Sidgwick. 2, W. A. Taylor, 



Hambukghs (\Gold-pencilIed)— C^ucfcen^.— 1. J. Wrigley, Tonge Hall, Middle- 

 ton. 2, H. Beldlon. Goitstock, Eingley. 3, Sliss M. E. Wrigley, Tonge Hall, 

 Middleton. he, H. Pickles, jun., Earbv, Skipton. Cockerel.— 1, H. Pickles, jun. 



2. J. Wriglev. lie, W. E. Walker, Heaton Park, Middleton ; Miss Wrigley, 

 Ton'^e Hall," Middleton; 3. Smith, Northowram. Halifax. Pulh-ts-l. W. fi. 

 Tiekner. Ipswicht. 2, H. Pickles, jun. he. J. Wrigley : J. Webster, Whitby. 



Hamburghs (Slllver-pencilled).- C/iJcfccns.— 1 and Cup, H. M. Mann. Kendal. 

 2,H. Beldon. CAckerel—l, H. Pickles, jun. 2, H. Beldon. Pullets.— 1, H. 

 Beldon. 2, W. M^Mann. ^ , , ^ „. , ^, 



Hamburghs fGdld-spangled).— C/iicfccH-S.— 1, T. Scholes, Holhnwood, Man- 

 chester. 2, N. Marllor, Denton. 3, T. Boulton, Hanford, Stoke on-Trcnt. he, T, 

 Scholes; J. Stattet, New Brighton, Cheshire. Cockerel.— \. H. Pickles, jun. 

 2, J. Ogden, ChaddeWi^- Manchester, he, E, Brierlev. Heywood; J. Buckley, 

 A8hton-mider-LTOe.\ Pullets.— 1 and 2, J. Chaddorton, Hollinwood, Manchestei". 

 he, T. May, WoiverhSampton, 



