ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 35 
and fed with some favourite dainty, in order to accustom and 
reconcile them to their unnatural position. It is a good pre- 
caution to stretch a piece of baize or stout canvas simulating 
an Indian ceiling, three or four inches lower than the top of 
the pen, in the case of newly-arrived birds, a precaution which 
will save many severe injuries to the head. Duck and Drake 
unacquainted with each other should not be penned together for 
exhibition, many males, both of the Goose and Duck tribe, being 
extremely spiteful and capable of injuring or killing the female, 
either in the exhibition basket or the show-pen. No soft food 
of any kind should be placed in the hamper of birds proceeding 
to a show, as with it they will smear and disfigure themselves 
most completely; but if the journey be a long one, some 
boiled grain may be put into the hamper, or half a loaf of stale 
bread soaked in water may be fastened by a string to the side 
of the basket. 
The best shape of hamper is undoubtedly the ordinary 
round one, which should be lined with canvas and well 
furnished with straw, some fanciers preferring a sacking top 
to the usual lined lid. 
If opportunity occurs, the exhibitor will do well to attend 
the show, and ascertain for himself that his birds are well fed 
and watered, that his Japanese Teal and Mandarins are not 
being crammed with oats, that his Carolina Duck is not being 
murdered by her mate, and that the water tins are not placed 
at such a height that the thirsty birds are unable to reach 
them. 
Should the show last several days, it is well worth while, 
in the case of valuable specimens, that some chopped green 
food be supplied to the Geese and Ducks, whose natural craving 
for it is proved by the avidity with which they will snatch and 
bolt the tender lettuce or handful of grass, offered for their 
acceptance. 
