I NTRODUCTION. 
The subject treated in this work is now fast becoming a question of national importance, nnd one possible of 
great extension. Happily situated, as we are, in this Southern Hemisphere, blessed with such favourable 
climatic surroundings, Poultry, in its varied forms, should do exceedingly well ; and feeling that the 
public required more up-to-date information on the general management and breeding of Poultry, 
applicable to Australia, than that procurable from available Poultry literature, is the excuse offered for the 
appearance of these pages. With this object in view, it is certain that the subject matter contained in the 
Australasian Book of Poultry will give its readers useful, practical, and reliable information, which 
should act as an incentive to the furtherance of a much neglected industry in Australia. 
The highest and best authorities in the Australasian Colonies on Poultry — experts, specialist breeders, 
and exhibitors — have contributed their knowledge and experience of the various breeds, and this is confidently 
placed before the general body of embryo Fanciers, and those -interested in matters appertaining to Poultry, 
which should be of incalculable aid to beginners. 
The illustrations, in many instances, are representations of actual living Australian specimens, and 
should do much to encourage and stimulate the increasing interest now displayed on all sides concerning 
pure-bred Poultry. 
The schedules and standards for judging here given are of the most recent date, the different Specialist 
Clubs' standards and descriptions being availed of, so that on the best and most adequate authority, they can 
be accepted without doubt, and made the real, sound, and solid basis for judging show specimens. 
In committing the Australasian Book of Poultry to lovers of this section of the feathered tribes, the 
author feels confident the information contained will be of practical use to the thousands interested outside 
of actual Poultry Fanciers ; and, while conscious that it does not contain a complete answer to each and 
every question that might and could be asked on the subject, he still ventures to hope that it will prove a 
useful, reliable, and welcome addition to Australasian Poultry literature, and then his success will have been 
complete indeed. 
