Evils of Over-showing. 
J 55 
thorough and careful examination before each time of sending olf, to see that they are really fit to 
go, and are not suffering from the strain. If they do appear to be sinking in any degree, it will be 
far better to miss the chance of another cup in order not to risk the bird, to say nothing of such a 
small thing (to many people) as mere humanity. We have been often sickened and disgusted — 
plain words are just as well — to see noble birds make their appearance at show after show, all the 
time steadily sinking, until at last the once magnificent cock cannot stand in his pen. People who 
act thus are generally the reckless buyers we have already spoken of ; who buy their fowls, not 
because they care for them, but merely to win: and it is, perhaps, alike difficult and needless to 
conceal our contempt for any one who can thus consider a living creature simply as a machine for 
ministering to his purse-proud vanity. This is a very different spirit to that which impels another 
man, who acquires, or still rather breeds, the best birds possible, because he really appreciates them ; 
and who feels a just pride in showing these triumphs of the breeder’s art, because success is felt to 
be deserved. Such a one will care first of all for his birds ; he will treat them, and use them, and 
show them, fairly ; and he will be able to give a just and hearty congratulation to any friend who 
can show a better pen than his own. We well remember once hearing a poultry-man, who had 
sold his favourite cockerel for a great sum, bitterly regret it on seeing the poor bird almost hope- 
lessly broken down at the end of the season, and indignantly affirming that “ had he known how 
he would have been knocked about,” he would rather have given him away to a “ real fancier ” 
than have sold him to the actual purchaser for double the amount. To encourage the one spirit 
rather than the other is one object we have in writing these pages. 
