404 
The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 
feathers are invariably reproduced as perfectly black as they were originally. At best it is a cruel 
practice ; the improved appearance is of course only temporary ; and as not unfrequently the space 
laid bare round the crests by the removal of these feathers proves, on careful inspection in the 
hands ot the judge, as wide as the finger, a fearful rack of constitution must ensue to the fowls 
themselves, quite irrespective of the blighted hopes as to prize-taking of the fraudulent owner by 
whom they were exhibited. Another species of deception has also become of frequent occurrence, 
viz., entirely ‘dubbing’ off the combs of Polish cocks whilst cockerels. A practical judge can 
however soon determine, on close examination, where this deception has been resorted to ; and, I 
may add, in really well-bred chickens no such practice is required. 
“ As is the case in Spanish fowls, in fact all dark-legged breeds of poultry, the Black Polands 
become lighter-coloured in the legs and feet as years creep on. They are then not so taking to 
the eye of an arbitrator ; but I consider it myself one of those inevitable results of old age that 
should not be allowed to militate against them when competing with younger specimens. 
“ For the guidance of those who may adopt Black Polands as their future favourites, it will 
not be out of place to throw out a few suggestions that may prevent annoyance and loss to the 
inexperienced. The chickens are apt to dwindle from perfectly robust health, drooping the wings, 
and dropping off, at from five to six weeks old. This is their trying time, and once safely got 
through it, they then become as hardy as most descriptions of fancy poultry. A little extra care as 
this time draws nigh — with the addition of chopped cheese, crushed hemp-seed, and maggots from 
stale flesh, well scoicred for a few days in bran to cleanse them from impurities — I always found 
brought them safely through their difficulties. Another circumstance worth naming arises from the 
naturally timid character of young Polands, when the crests are fully developed and they have not 
been accustomed to be handled. If taken up unexpectedly from behind, I have to my chagrin 
known several cases of them dying instantly, although most tenderly handled ; the head suddenly 
dropped, a slight gurgling in the throat took place, and the most valued specimens became 
‘ worthless altogether.’ This evidently arises from sudden alarm, as they cannot see coming danger 
from the rear when the crests are as fully developed as I have seen them ; and the accident generally 
takes place when the chickens have hitherto been subjected to no restraint on a wild country walk. 
If spoken soothingly to before taking them in hand, this mishap is altogether obviated. 
“ Among full-crested cocks annoyances frequently arise from the hens eating away the centre- 
feathers of the crest while yet immature. This evil practice once acquired is difficult to repress, 
the fact being, the cocks stand perfectly still and allow the young feathers to be eaten away piece- 
meal, as though not susceptible of pain even when the blood is flowing freely. The only course 
appears to be rather by prevention than remedy — viz., to fasten the cocks up separately for a few 
days during the time the crest-feathers are being reproduced, for when matured even the same 
hens rarely continue this vexatious habit. Sometimes when cocks have been thus repeatedly 
plucked by their companions; I have known the crest-feathers reproduced beneath the scalp (being 
unable to force a passage) ; this unnatural growth is frequently attended by severe local 
inflammation, and even death. I had, some years back, two or three cocks thus suffering 
experimented upon by a medical acquaintance, the result being that though he ‘ saved their lives,’ 
they were in every case totally ruined as show-birds. 
“ I will very briefly narrate a circumstance connected with the best hen I ever had (or ever 
saw) of this variety, and which is no less singular than instructive. She came into my possession 
most unexpectedly, being sent among a large quantity of other poultry from Shropshire to a 
Birmingham poultry-dealer. I obtained her for little more than ‘ killing-price.’ One of the toes 
of this hen was deficient of about half its length, on the left foot. Every appearance betokened 
