0 1- F- COLOURS AND MARKINGS. 
All the crosses we have given for breeding Whites have been adopted with success ; and we 
have known even Blacks crossed to produce Whites in three generations. It is thus the best 
Whites are bred, and it is simply because the colour is so very easily obtained that we put it last. 
But it has its difficulties, arising chiefly from its tendency to delicacy of form. This always tends 
to diminish the limb ultimately ; and a cross now and then, as we have described, not only 
improves the size, but also the fault in setting-on and carriage of the legs which we have alluded to. 
A cross also causes the offspring to be more easily reared, the crossing giving more strength and 
igour, according to the usual and well-understood rule. 
Of what are called “ off” colours and markings we need not say much, having already spoken 
of the proper use of Mealies and Chequers, &c., and described the proper markings of the standard 
Pouter. We are inclined to think that it would advance the cause of Pouter-breeding were there 
at most leading shows a special class for Mealies and Chequers, as we believe such a class would 
often encourage men of small means to enter the fancy, by showing them that birds possessing all 
the essential properties of the Pouter could be obtained for a comparatively small sum. It would 
also in many cases provide a market for what older fanciers are very willing to part with. Really 
line specimens in all points are so scarce and valuable that no man of small means can start 
breeding with them ; nor, on the other hand, can such often afford the time to visit the studs of 
eminent breeders ; but a show where such off-coloured specimens are to be seen would offer the 
opportunity desired. The question of “mis-marked” birds is a more difficult one, because it is by 
no means easy to define the term. There is no doubt whatever that it is not Pouters strictly 
correct in marking which, when bred together, most frequently produce the best show birds ; yet 
so far as any bird departs from the show standard, it is so far “ mis-marked.” Often have we put 
into the hands of amateurs such birds, at a comparatively trifling price, and had to pay at a very 
different figure for the produce of them ; so that we are aware from actual experience that it is 
quite possible for fanciers of little means to acquire birds at prices within their reach which shall 
amply repay them for breeding. Nay, it is continually found that when a good Pouter is produced 
from a Splash or other mis-marked bird, it is so fine in size and form as to make it the envy of all 
other fanciers ; from which facts, and especially the fact that many humble fanciers, if they are to 
purchase at all, must purchase from such a stock, we do think a class for even these has its place, 
and would do much to assist the Pouter. We say assist the Pouter itself, because the more 
breeders and stocks there are, the wider and better material is there for even the high-class breeder 
to work upon. But, on the other hand, it is to be remembered that when such extra-good size 
and form as we have spoken of are obtained by breeding from a mis-marked or off-coloured bird, 
or when a breeder uses one in hopes to obtain such a result, it is not because the bird is mis-marked 
or off-coloured, but simply because there is in the faulty bird such properties of limb or feather, or 
size, or such vigour of constitution and “ change of blood,” as the breeder needs, but cannot get in 
any standard bird at his command. Were there plenty of standard birds, and those good enough 
in what he wants, he would prefer them to the mis-marked or off-coloured ones most certainly. 
Such considerations will help to keep these undoubtedly valuable birds in their proper place, 
neither to be discarded, nor recklessly bred from and encouraged, but used judiciously in 
the present state of the fancy, in hopes of the time, should it ever arrive, when breeders may have 
such ample crosses of the standard colours at their command as not to need the foreign element. 
Only where birds are expressly shown for form, limb, and feather, or for such special reasons, 
do we think such birds should be allowed to compete on anything like equal terms with 
the standard colours. 
Of course, mis-marked birds especially tend to perpetuate their own faults. This is not to be 
