THE POULTRY BOOK. 
177 
appliances with which I am acquainted. There is little doubt in my mind that 
this is greatly induced by the large quantity of moisture the top-knots will retain 
during drizzling hazy weather. The feathers of the crests are placed in a 
position rather to hold than repel damp ; and from retaining it for some hours, the 
cold and moisture combined of course superinduce disease — more particularly as 
regards colds in the eyes, and in the head generally. For this reason, Polish of 
all kinds require shelter that is always available in cases of sudden rains, even 
more particularly than other breeds of poultry. If, however, w^ell provided with 
this accommodation, and likewise enjoying a dry warm Vv^alk, there is not any 
variety that I think more remunerative, so far as the production of a large number 
of eggs is considered ; it is worthy of especial note, also, that the eggs produced 
are of a superior quality for the table. As it may possibly prevent the like 
misfortune to some others, who are now commencing their, poultry career as 
amateurs, I will briefly mention a circumstance that cost me some loss at the 
onset of my fancy for Polish. In those cases where the crests are fully developed, 
it is perfectly impossible for the birds to see any approach from behind, and, 
consequently, Polish are naturally very timid of coming danger, probably from 
feeling their inability to avoid it : it was, doubtless, from these causes that in 
some instances, when I suddenly caught or rather quickly picked up the birds, they 
have instantaneously died in my hands from apoplexy, without any real injury from 
external pressure. A slight shudder and indistinct gurgling noise were the only 
accompaniment of their sudden decease. This disaster seemed to be particularly 
common among those chickens that, hitherto enjoying an unlimited wild run, had, 
for increased safety from thieves, been removed to close quarters. After its un- 
pleasant repetition (and that generally in the cases of my very best birds) I never 
took them into hand without first speaking to them ; and from that hour I never 
lost another specimen by the cause complained of. 
‘‘In no class of fowls has trimming been so universally carried out at our 
poultry-shows as in Black Polish ; indeed the difficulty is generally to find a pen 
in which the crests have been left as naturally growm. This arises from the fact 
that the less black they show around the top-knots the better ; and hence some 
owners are so daring as to actually remove all such feathers as they deem objection- 
able. Wherever so gross a case of tampering has fallen under my notice, I have 
considered it my duty to disqualify the birds immediately ; although it seems to 
have been a deception that, beyond all others, has been countenanced by some of our 
poultry judges. I do not myself endorse the opinion that trimming in one class 
is less objectionable than in others ; indeed, I hope that the practice will not be 
longer indulged in, as on close inspection it is generally discoverable, and most 
undoubtedly, in fairness to the conscientious exhibitor, it ought to be discoun- 
tenanced. 
“ Having for some years paid extreme attention to the culture of this elegant 
variety, I will just mention the results of my experience. In the first place, the 
crests are, without doubt, their most prominent characteristics ; and to breed them 
