80 EXHIBITION. 



scientifically. I unhesitatingly leave my poultry 

 to their verdict, and do not complain (if 1 think 

 they have fulfilled their duty in accordance with 

 such principles), though not awarded first or 

 second honours. Theirs is a position I do not 

 envy : all thanks to those who, so kindly, fill it. 

 There being, however, no rule without an excep- 

 tion, I must confess to more than one altercation 

 with some who, I thought, had not studied the 

 points of exhibition fowls, as distinctly laid down. 

 I particularly allude to the decision of the ruling 

 judge, English, at a recent show in the west of 

 Scotland, (where there were separate classes for 

 Grey and Silver-grey Dorkings, as at Birming- 

 ham, Liverpool, and other leading shows), founded 

 on the notion that the classes were synonymous, 

 or (as he expressed it), "a distinction without 

 a difierence." I can imagine one diffident in ex- 

 pressing an opinion, though competent to form 

 one ; but no such scruple troubled this worthy* — 



" Thus fools rush, in where angels fear to tread." 



* A poultry club has now been established, by whose autho- 

 rity a book of "rules for judging" has been issued. The 

 club also appoints judges from its members, who are bound 

 to adhere to the rules laid down, and it is to be hoped we 

 shall hear fewer complaints of bad judging. 



