124 BREEDS. 



of an experience of more than twenty years, 

 in breeding the different varieties of Game. I 

 wish (in common with many other exhibitors) 

 there was more uniformity of opinion in judging 

 this breed; only practical breeders should be em- 

 ployed ; the mistakes made are truly ludicrous. 

 For exhibition chickens I prefer those hatched 

 the last week in March or first in April. At 

 that season niae eggs are sufficient for the sitting 

 hen ; earlier, only seven. The mother with her 

 brood must be cooped under a shed, with a dry 

 bottom, composed of three parts road drift and 

 chalk, and one part lime rubbish ; this must be 

 renewed every season: at the end of nine days 

 the coop should be placed on turf, choosing the 

 middle of the day for the shift. Until the grass 

 is thoroughly dry, keep the chickens confined to 

 their coop, feeding them once or twice if neces- 

 sary. Give plenty of fresh water, adding a little 

 of the • restorative' (previously mentioned) every 

 morning before the coops are opened. When the 

 hen leaves the chickens, select the cockerels and 

 put them on a walk with an old cock without 

 hens or pullets. At six months we put them to 



