Poultry at the Norwich Show. 
71b 
of more than 700 fowls — a by no means small collection for the 
time of year, but one which, with the liberal prize-hst given, 
ought to have been largely increased. 
Takins: the section first named above — that to which I have 
given the term " generally useful fowls " — we find that the Rrah- 
mas came first. Of these there were sixteen pens entered, one 
of which was absent. The old birds were a good lot, especially 
the Darks ; but the chickens were backward, much more so than 
is usually the case at this season of the year. Mr. C. D. Jones's 
lot of Dark chickens and Mr. R. Butterfield's lot of Light 
chickens were really wonderful ; and their size and condition 
reflect great credit on the breeders. The Brahma is almost too 
well known to need any description, but it may be helpful to 
some if 1 say that of the two colours the Lights are the better 
for practical purposes ; and when any kind is to be selected for 
crossing, this ought to be taken for preference. The Brahma is 
a large heavy fowl and a good winter layer, and though by no 
means equal to many other varieties as a table fowl, it has good 
flesh. It is a non-flyer, and will not wander very far. Those 
Avho wish to use Brahmas for crossing, or even pure, as an 
economic fowl, should .«elect birds without the heavy hocks 
and foot-feathering which is necessary to success in the Show- 
pen. Some time ago a leading breeder of Brahmas told me 
that since heavy hocks and foot-feathering became common, he 
had found that the laying of the birds had sensibly decreased. 
Cochins were a capital lot for quality, as three of the best 
breeders were represented ; Mr. G. H. Proctor, by Buffs ; 
Mr. A. E. Darby, by Whites ; and Mrs. Goodall, by Partridge ; 
but this breed is only admitted out of courtesy, for though one 
of the most beautiful of our breeds, and one which has had 
expended upon it the greatest amount of skill, it cannot be 
recommended from an economic point of view. It is, how- 
ever, the most determined of all the sitting varieties, and 
where sitters are required, it can be crossed to give this 
quality. 
The entry of Langshans was a disappointing one, there being 
only nine entries, of which two were absent. The quality, also, 
was but moderate, and with the dispute as to the true type in 
this variety, there was by no means a uniformity of character. 
This breed is found by those who have tried it one of the best 
that the farmer or cottager can select. It is a capital layer, 
reliable testimony showing that in some instances it averages 
I about 180 eggs per annum ; a splendid fowl on the table, with 
the meat on the breast, not on the thighs, as is generally the 
case with Asiatic fowls ; and a rapid grower. Langshans are 
[owls which deserve to be encouraged for practical purposes, and 
3 A 2 
