40 



PARTRIDGE IVYANDOTTES. 



It is seldom that we find a featlier even from our best 

 specimens tiiat shows more than three distinct lacings. 

 There are exceptions to the rule, however, and occasionally 

 we find a feather, or, in fact, a single specimen, with a 

 number of feathers with three or four distinct lacings, and 

 when such specimens are found they are invariably the 

 handsomest birds in the class, and while no preference, ac- 

 cording to the Standard description, could be given them, 

 we believe the breeders favor them, and, other things be- 

 ing equal, in awarding prizes should give them preference 

 over the double or triple laced, as the case may be. 



The Standard is not as plain on the point of color a's 

 it should be, but it is always well to lean in the direction 

 of wliat seems to be improvement, providing it can be pro- 

 duced. In giving preference to additional lacing it is nec- 

 essary to take into consideration that this lacing must con- 

 form to the shape of the feather, as this is vastly im- 

 portant. 



and I am satisfied the breeders of Partridge color, no mat- 

 ter what the breed, are willing to accept this as ideal. 



In No. 1 we find a feather that is somewhat broken in 

 color and the lacing falls at the end. A neck showlns; 

 hackle feathers like this should be discounted Vi point. 



Feather No. 2 is defective on one side of shaft only, 

 with the same blunt pofnt, and should be discounted 1 

 point. 



Feather No. 3 has fewer defects Inside, but has more 

 black at point and should be discounted 1 point. 



Feather No. 4 is good in lacing, but shows entirely 

 too much white in center, and this white or golden color Is 

 in such proportion and scattered in such manner over the 

 feather as to make it a serious defect from either an ex- 

 hibition or breeding standpoint, and should be discounted 

 1 point. 



Fig. 45. 



The ground color of the Partridge Wyandctte female 

 should be mahogany-red or reddish-brown. The same 

 Standard description follows in back, breast, body and wing 

 bows, and to get the lacing with the correct shade of color 

 is no small task. The Partridge Wyandotte females aver- 

 age fairly good in this respect, especially so considering 

 the short time they have been bred, and in our illustration 

 of Standard Partridge Wyandotte female is shown our 

 idea of surface color, together with the draping of feathers 

 selected from what we believe to be the best Partridge 

 Wyandotte female shown to date. 



In head the Standard describes Partridge Wyandottes 

 — Plumage, "redding-brown." This is perhaps as good de- 

 scription as could be given it, and, as a rule, it Is a trifle 

 lighter shade — more of an orange color in this section than 

 we find in neck and back. 



Neck is described as : "Red, with black stripe through 

 each feather, taperifig to a point near extremity of feather. 



Back. 



In Fig. 46 is shown a collection of feathers illustrating 

 several of the defects that are found in the backs of our 

 Partridge Wyandotte females. 



No. 1 is a perfectly laced feather, and, aside from hav- 

 ing more than the usual number of markings, could be 

 classed as ideal. 



Feather No. 2 in this collection, while good, dees not 

 show as distinct lacing, neither does it go deep enough 

 in the web portion of the feather. A back showing feathers 

 like this should be discounted % point. 



In feather No. 3 we find a defect, the lacing on it be- 

 ing zig-zag, or uneven, and does not meet at point of cen- 

 ter, as they should, but run past the shaft, lower mark- 

 ings being to one side. A back showing feathers like No. 

 3 should be discounted 1% points. 



Fig. 46, 



the red edging to be free from black; penciling In central 

 portion of feathers allowable; under color, dark slate." 



In Fig. 45 is shown a group of feathers that illustrate 

 some of the defects as found in the necks of this variety. 

 Feather No. 5 is what we believe the Standard calls for. 



In feather No. 4 Is shown a detect that is slightly 

 overdrawn, but one that is often met with in poorly bred 

 specimens. There is no distinct lacing, black and red 

 mixed together, giving the back a smutty appearance. A 

 showing feathers like this should be discounted 2% points. 



In feather No. 5 we have a defect which, while not 



