250 EXHIBITION. 



traces of the soap. Immediately after washing, 

 and drying with soft towels, put the birds into 

 hampers with straw, and keep them under cover 

 lill quite dry. I always wash the feet of Dork- 

 ings carefully before putting them into their 

 exhibition-hampers, because the white leg and 

 foot are " points " of excellence ; and it freshens 

 up all birds to have their legs, combs, and faces 

 washed and made tidy before leaving home, to be 

 admired of hundreds, and to undergo the scrutiny 

 of keen, quick-sighted judges. It is often so 

 difficult to decide between two cocks of appar- 

 ently equal merits, that I always pen them up in 

 a row, and select the one that shows himself ofT 

 to the best advantage. A drooping, dull bird is 

 seldom successful; sprightliness is a sign of 

 health, and boldness of mien indicative of vigour 

 and courage, two essentials in male birds. When 

 all is ready, with the help of many willing assist- 

 ants (for a poultry-show is a great event, and 

 speculation is rife upon the merits of the differ- 

 ent birds), I put my beauties into their hampers, 

 and despatch them to their destination. Their 

 breakfast preparatory to their journey is entirely 



