36 ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL. 
Great exhaustion necessarily ensues upon an exhibition 
lasting from three to eight days, and it is impossible not to reflect 
how trying the ceaseless noise, heated air, glare of gas, and 
cramped position upon an unyielding board, must be to 
creatures whose nature it is to fly for miles at a stretch in the 
breezy expanse, to plunge beneath the refreshing water, and to 
roost upon the sedgy bank, to say nothing of the torments they 
endure from being continually poked up for inspection by the 
sticks, catalogues, and busy fingers of the exhibition-loving 
public. 
On their return from a show the birds should be carefully - 
examined, and if, as is often the case, they are thin, or suffering 
from cold, a roomy warm house should be prepared for them, 
the necessary medicine being immediately administered. 
It is imprudent to throw the small fancy Ducks on 
open water after exhibition, till they have had a good feed and 
a wash in some suitable tub or tank. The plumage is then 
generally very dry, and chills of a serious character often 
follow upon rash exposure after a show of several days’ duration, 
especially in winter. 
