CHAPTER XV 



PREPARING BIRDS FOR EXHIBITION 



OBJECT AND VALUE OF EXHIBITING POULTRY 

 Since the first exclusive poultry exhibit . was held in 

 Boston in 1849 poultry shows as a class have played a most 

 important part in the development of the industry. A 

 poultry show properly conducted is the final court in deter- 

 mining the merits of a fowl, and in determining the abihty 

 of a breeder to produce standard-bred stock. Then, too, 

 "Poultry shows or exhibitions play a most important part 

 in improving the various breeds and varieties. Not only 

 do they serve to foster competition, and create rivalry, 

 thereby increasing interest in breeding, but they also make 

 it possible to compare results. In this way the individual 

 breeders have an opportunity to see what other breeders 

 have accomplished, and to observe where their birds are 

 strong or weak in comparison. Thus they learn where they 

 must seek to improve, if they expect to work their way to 

 the top or if they expect to stay there, when once they 

 have arrived." * 



In addition to these advantages the exhibition of fowls 

 provides additional features which should not be overlooked. 

 The best individuals in each class or variety are awarded 

 premiums and ribbons, designating their place as prize 

 winners. While the money prizes in most instances are not 

 of great amounts, at the same time the honor and distinc- 

 tion of winning can not be measured in terms of dollars and 

 cents. The advertising value of such winners is of great 

 importance, and plays a significant part in the affairs of 

 one who produces and has for sale breeding stock and eggs 

 for hatching. 



♦The Mating and Breeding of Poultry by Harry M. La,mon and Rob R. 

 Slocum, publisiied by Orange Judd & Company, 



258 



