EXHIBITION. 81 



Let not the novice think his, or her, pen a cer- 

 tain "first." There is much to be encountered ; 

 size, colour, comb, tail, feet, hackles, all must be 

 perfect ; and, in addition, a good constitution be 

 apparent. 



Be careful how you enter your stock for exhi- 

 bition. Describe the ages and varieties exactly, 

 and see, yourself, that the labels are securely fas- 

 tened to their respective hampers. Mistakes con- 

 stantly occur in this : be equally watchful that the 

 right birds are put in their right places. I have 

 seen grey geese placed in the hamper intended for 

 white, which most provoking occurrence cast the 

 pen. Many such incidents take place at every 

 show. 



On the day previous to exhibition, remove all 

 private marks, and wash the feet and bodies of 

 white fowls. This is best done with tepid water, 

 and white soap, rubbed on flannel, care being 

 taken to wash the feathers downwards, so as not 

 to break or ruffle them. The fowls should be 

 gently dried with soft towels, shut up in their 

 houses with an abundance of clean straw, and 

 there fed on soft food alone. Hard grain is apt 



