Colours of Antwf.rps. 
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of any greenish tinge thereon ; across the lower extremity of wing should be two distinct, well- 
defined brown bars ; the beak should be dark, nails to match ; the eye of a rich, orange-red ; 
and the shafts of feathers of a whitey-brown colour. Depth and richness of neck-colour and 
bars are most desirable. Faint bars, and grey or grizzly rieck, most objectionable. 
“ Red Chequers are of two kinds — dark and light ; viz., that upon which the red prevails, and 
the other upon which the lighter, or ‘ mealy,’ shade predominates. Both are very pretty ; but for 
my own taste, I rather prefer the darker ones, so far only as colour is concerned. The dark 
ones have a rich-coloured red head, with brilliant and deeply-bronzed rich coppery lustre upon 
the neck, and with deep, rich ‘ dapplings,’ or ‘ chequerings,’ upon back and sides of wings. This 
chequering upon the darker kind frequently extends down the back to the rump (in the lighter ones 
it never does). The tail and flights are of a clear whitish aspect, the latter being tinted with red 
colour seen from within, but not externally, unless the wing is opened. The breast, and down 
to thighs, is of a distinctly dappled cast, assuming more of an ashen hue towards the nether 
extremities. Depth and purity of colour and regularity of chequering are the chief colour points. 
Purple-red, smeared, or irregular chequering, are ordinary defects. 
“ Light Red Chequers are, as a rule, nicely marked on sides and across back, the head 
being of a much lighter colour, and assuming a still lighter tone to a line beneath the lower jaw. 
This is the principal difference of the two sorts ; it is quite a matter of choice which is the 
better kind. Beak and nails are of a lightish brown colour ; eye bright orange-red. The 
common defect in these lighter kinds is unevenness of markings, the majority being too light in 
centre of pinion. 
“ Blue Chequers , like the Reds, are of two sorts, viz., dark and light. In the former the black 
predominates, in the latter the blue colour prevails. It is quite a matter of individual choice which 
is preferred. In the darker sort the back and rump are chequered, upon the breast, too, is evident 
strong indications of markings. In the majority of the lighter kind the sides of wings and saddle 
only are chequered ; but although not so entirely marked as the darker sort, still the chequering 
which is apparent is of the brightest and most distinct character, the blue being of a pale yet 
attractive tone, and the chequering of more intense blackness, thus displaying a far more agreeable 
and distinct contrast. The head of the lighter kind is blue to a line in a similar manner as Silver 
Duns, but of course not so conspicuous ; breast, thigh, back, rump, and tail are blue, the latter 
member being of a darker hue, with a black band near to its extremity. The lighter kind I con- 
sider far more attractive and pretty, but they are apt to breed white-backed progeny, and this 
detracts from their value as exhibition birds. But as I have found that the white and light- 
rumped ones invariably beat the darker ones in head-properties, I regard them of great value, and 
would, therefore, not insist too rigidly upon the blue or chequered back simply on that account. 
Uniformity of colour and markings must be had, of course, but head and beak points should come 
first. Beak and nails, very dark ; eye, bright orange-red. 
“ Blues should be of a uniform colour throughout. The lighter blue is, I think, the more 
attractive, and upon which the black bar stands out in bold relief, also the darker and brilliantly- 
coloured neck, dark flights, and tail-band, are far more conspicuous and beautiful. White back or 
thigh is very objectionable. Beak and nails, very dark ; eye, bright orange-red. 
“ ‘ Silvers ’ are of a most delicate chalky-white tint throughout entire body ; the bars across 
primary coverts are of a deep tone, merging upon black ; the head, neck, breast, under parts, and 
tail, of a deeper ashy colour, the flights being still a little deeper at their outer extremities ; the 
neck is coloured, but to a far less degree, and only shows up in semitones ; the general appearance 
of this kind is refined and pleasing. At or near the extremity of tail is a band of dark colour, in 
