192 Mr WiV EXPERIENCE. 



career by purchasing, in " Merrie England," a 

 splendid pen of Dorkings, whict carried all 

 before it, at my first and second exhibition, in 

 Scotland ; so I began well, and though, of course, 

 I buy, every year, for change of blood, I now 

 breed my own exhibition fowls, — ay, and sell 

 to others for that purpose ; and have even been 

 beaten by my own birds shown against me. 



To breed successfully, one must part with the 

 good as well as the indifferent, when too nearly 

 allied, and, though loath to lose them, go they 

 must, either privately or by public sale, which 

 latter is always more satisfactory, both to feeling 

 and purse ; if good, the birds fetch high prices, 

 and there can be no after-reproach ; the public 

 fixes its own rate, and relieves you from that 

 responsibility, which is no small one. 



It is always extremely difiicult to know how 

 much an intending purchaser will give ; you fear 

 to lose a customer, and also to ask too little ; it is 

 inherent in human nature to love a good bargain. 



From year to year, I have added to my hen- 

 houses and yards, till I have arrived at the grand 

 total of forty-two separate runs ; many of a very 



