JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. L February 24, issi. 
M. Yallois described as Barbezieux, which, however, we could not 
distinguish from the Black La Bresse. Third in cocks went to 
Courtes Pattes of M. Lemoine. Fourth in cocks and third in hens 
went to a breed described as De Mantes, shown by M. Yoitellier, 
which were very like Houdans with single combs, no crests, and only 
four toes. The legs of these birds varied in colour, and some of them 
showed traces of feathers, which seemed to us to indicate that. they 
had been produced by a cross between the Houdan and the single- 
combed French Brahma Pootra. Several pens were exhibited of a 
fairly uniform type, so we presume that the variety has been kept by 
this exhibitor for some time. Other birds shown in the Yariety class 
were Breton, which were very much like the De Mantes, except that 
the cock showed one or two white feathers, and the hens weie speckled 
with white. Picard, resembling small Scotch Greys, rather long in 
leg ; Cavssade and Gdtinais , none of which were distinguishable 
from the Black La Bresse. 
The foreign breeds do not call for any lengthy notice. Butt Cochins 
were only very moderate in quality, and the same remark applies to 
the other variety of Cochins. In this latter class some fairly good 
Cuckoos were shown by M. Yoitellier. _ 
The Brahma Pootras' were, with one or two exceptions, single-comb 
birds of the Light variety, rather darker in saddle and hackle than 
we are accustomed to on this side of the water. The single comb, 
however, does not seem to be absolutely insisted on, as in the first- 
prize pen of hens shown by M. Breschet there was one pea-combed 
pullet. As all the birds exhibited by M. Yoitellier had pea combs we 
may presume that this gentleman is a convert to the English view 
on this point. 
In Dorkings the prizes went in all cases to Silver Greys, which 
were so far superior to the general run of the class as to lead us to 
believe that they were imported birds. The winners were MM. 
Breschet, Lemoine, and Yallois. 
Spanish were very inferior lots indeed, the cocks being cauliflower- 
faced, and the hens very poor in face. 
Polish were a very promiscuous lot, the best exhibits appearing to 
us to be those of M. Lemoine. The first in the cock class was 
awarded to a pair of rather poor Silvers, exhibited by M. Breschet. 
We noticed a rather curious Frizzled Chamois Polish cock in this 
The variety classes for large breeds and Bantams respectively con¬ 
tained nothing very remarkable, while the judging showed rather an 
ignorance of the points of the various breeds. M. Lemoine, who 
seems to be more like an English fancier than any other French 
exhibitor, showed some fair Hamburghs, Langshans, and Leghorns, 
and the same breeds were also exhibited by M. Yoitellier. 
Geese were a fairly good collection, and Turkeys were considerably 
above the average of the other poultry classes. 
The Pigeons were a very miscellaneous assortment, the best filled 
classes being those for table purposes. Many of these birds were of 
remarkable size. Amongst the Fantails we noticed some birds of 
rather unusual colour, which might be worth the attention of our 
English fanciers. 
In Dead Fowl the first classes were for La Fleche. Some wonderful 
birds were exhibited, the first prize going to M. Choquet for a large 
pair of birds, one of which, however, seemed to us to be rather mus¬ 
cular in his wings. Mme. Aillerot took prizes both in the classes for 
capons and poulards with splendid specimens, which we were in¬ 
formed weighed when prepared for table from 9 to 10 lbs. each. As 
we have before remarked, the La Fleche were the best dead poultry 
classes, the other sections not being on the average up to this breed. 
In the Dead Fowl variety class first went to Mme. Aillerot for a fine 
pair of Du Mans , which looked better on the table than in the pen. 
Turkeys were well represented, as also were Geese, the second 
prize being of the Race de la Sarthe, apparently a cross between 
the White and Grey varieties, and weighing 16 tbs. each. 
The incubators and rearing appliances made a show in themselves ; 
but of these we must reserve notice. 
KEITH SHOW. 
THIS old-established and popular Show was held on Thursday and Friday, 
17th and 18th inst., and notwithstanding the very severe winter was quite up to 
the average both in numbers and quality. Mr. Anderson of Nairn judged the 
whole Show, and his awards, as usual, gave general satisfaction. 
DORKINGS.— Coloured (thirteen) were an exceedingly good class. First, two 
cups and special (Cran), the cock the Aberdeen winner, a grand two-year-old bird 
in good form, the hen good with white feet. Second (Auchinachie) a cockerel 
and pullet, good in shape and comb, with fine white feet; v.h.c., Beaton ; h.c., 
Barclay; c., Cran. Silver Greys (fifteen) were another very fine class. Being 
favourites in this quarter they always produce good entries. They included the 
winners at the principal shows in the north. First, cup and two specials (Cran), 
an old bird of true Dorking shape, with a magnificent hen. Second (Annand) 
the cockerel a beautiful large Silver with a very good pullet; v.h.c., Cran ; h.c., 
Annand; c,, Robertson. 
Spanish (ten).—First (Logie) a really good pair in all points. Second (George) 
also very good; v.h.c., George ; h.c., Simpson ; c„ Reid. 
BRAHMAS (sixteen) were a good all-round class of Darks.—First (Suter) cup and 
special, old birds, cock very good, with a much better hen. Second (Suter) a 
good cockerel and pullet; v.h.c., Bennet; h.c., Forbes ; c„ Cran. 
Hamburghs. — Pencilled (thirteen) were one of the best features in the Show, 
The competition in this class was keen. First (Meams) grand well-marked 
birds, look like the Aberdeen winners. Second (Thomson) rather indistinct in 
marking; v.h.c., Hay ; h.c. (Cunningham) we preferred to second. Spangled 
(fifteen) .-UFirst (Mantach) well-marked birds, good in comb and lobes. Second 
(Mearns) heavy in comb ; v.h.c. (Campbell) we thought might have stood first; 
h.c., Campbell; c., Smith. 
COCHINS (fourteen) were a fair class. First (Mantach) fair Fartridge. 
Second (Fraser) Whites, beautiful in colour but rather small; v.h.c. (Mantach) 
Buff, the Aberdeen winner ; h.c., Carr; c„ Bunn. 
Game. — Pile or Duckwing only produced two entries. First (Grant) very 
promising Piles. Black or Brown Reds (nine).—First (Allan) Browm Red, the 
Elgin winner in grand condition. Second (Allan) Brown Red, far behind first; 
v.h.c., McRae, and h.c. (Davidson) Black Reds. 
Game BANTAMS. — Any variety (five).—First (Martach) a smart pair of Piles. 
Second (Weir) ; v.h.c. (Esslemont) might, we thought, have been first; h.c., 
Simpson. 
Langshans (twenty-six) was the strongest class in Show. First-and-cup 
(Sleigh), the Aberdeen winner, large bird, bad eyes, and feet rather rough. 
Second (Auchinachie) a very nice pair, well shown ; we would have preferred 
them to first; v.h.c. (Pirie) very good old birds; h.c., Cran ; c., Davidson. Any 
Other Pure Breed (eight).—First (Dashar) very good Polish. Second (Cran), 
good Leghorns ; v.h.c., Black (Polish) ; h.c., Cran (Scotch Greys). 
DUCKS. — Aylesbury (twenty-one), the best lot we have seen this season. First 
(Reid) the Elgin winners, really a fine pair. Second (Longmore) a very pro¬ 
mising young pair; v.h.c., Taylor, also good, with fine bills ; h.c., Brown ; c., 
Longmore. Any Other Pure Breed (twenty-one) were another good class, prin¬ 
cipally Rouens. First (Cran) Pekins, Elgin winners, large, and fine shape. 
Second (Simpson) Rouens. Third (McDonald); v.h.c., Simpson; h.c. (Gordon) 
the Elgin winners ; c., Thomson. 
Geese (six).—First (Gordon) a very large and fine pair. Second (Grant) 
smaller, but also gobd ; v.h.c., Smith. 
Turkeys (eleven) were a fine class. First (Suter) Norfolk ; second (Stephen) 
Cambridge; third (McDonald) Norfolk; v.h.c., Gordon (Norfolk); h.c., Cran 
(Cambridge). 
Collection of Pigeons.— First (Smith) a grand collection of twelve pairs 
of different varieties. Second (Longmore) ; v.h.c., Milne ; h.c., Mearns. 
OUR LETTER BOX. 
Market or Eggs (H . T.). —The price named by “ W. C.” was for fresh eggs. 
In the neighbourhood of large towns there is generally no difficulty in getting a 
remunerative price for these. In the country it is difficult, and we can only 
suggest an advertisement in the local press of the most accessible town. 
Chickens Weak on Legs {Idem ).—Allow the chicks as much liberty 
as you can. Give them a sod to pick and scratch at on wet days. Keep plenty 
of dry earth, ashes, or sand under them, and do not let them run on bare flags 
or boards. A little stimulating food, such as meat scraps and bread and ale, may 
also be given with advantage. 
Roup in Pigeons (T. S.). —When birds are affected with this disease 
remove them into a warmer place, feed them extra well, adding hempseed, aud 
giving a few peppercorns every other morning. It is kind and also reasonable 
to cleanse the poor bird’s mouth and eyes with warm water, using a very small 
piece of sponge. Pigeon fanciers differ as to whether or not roup is contagious. 
We recommend separation in order to be on the safe side. 
Salt for Pastures (F. V .).— Our late recommendation as to the use of 
salt upon grass land had special reference to the destruction of the fluke egg or 
entozoa. We do not recommend the application of salt as manure for pastures, 
except they consist of very dry sandy, gravel, or limestone subsoil, but a dress¬ 
ing of fishery salt or kainit may answer of 3 or 4 cwt. per acre if the pasture is 
situated away from the coast, as there is usually a sufficiency of saline particles 
floating in the air within a few miles of the sea. “ The manuring and improve¬ 
ment of pastures ” will form a special subject in an early issue of this Journal. 
Prickly Comfrey ( Aylesmere ).—You will find full information upon the 
cultivation, extent of crop, &c., in an article which appeared in this Journal on 
the 10th of June last. If you do not possess the number it can be obtained at 
this office for 3§d. in postage stamps. The plants of Prickly Comfrey can be 
obtained of nearly all seedsmen and nurserymen. There is one question worth 
consideration as to the value of a crop of Prickly Comfrey compared with a crop 
like Lucerne; the former requiring tillage, &c.; the latter yielding three good 
cuttings with manure only applied. 
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
CAMDEN SQUARE,LONDON. 
Lat. 51° 32'40”N.; Long.0° 8-0" W.; Altitude,111 feet. 
DATE. 
9 A.M. 
IN THE DAY. 
Rain. 
1881. 
Feb. 
• o 
a) 03^ 
03 <D 
IfS* 
Hygrome¬ 
ter. 
. 
O 
£ d 
5 o 
c-g • 
. c3 
p,—i o 
g o«2 
a>cC m 
Shade Tem¬ 
perature. 
Radiation 
Temperature. 
Dry. 
Wet. 
Max. 
Min. 
In 
sun. 
On 
grass. 
Sun. 13 
Mon. 14 
Tues. 15 
Wed. 16 
Thurs. 17 
Friday 18 
Satur. 19 
Inches. 
30.032 
29.743 
29.780 
29.921 
29.928 
80.020 
30.151 
deg. 
34.0 
38.4 
38.6 
37.8 
35.5 
41.4 
37.3 
deg. 
31.8 
35.7 
37.8 
37A 
35.2 
41.2 
87.0 
s. 
s. 
S.E. 
N.E. 
N.E. 
N.E. 
N.E. 
deg. 
37.2 
37.0 
3/ Jj 
3.\u 
33.2 
WM 
39.4 
deg. 
40.0 
39.4 
43.3 
47.4 
45.1 
44.4 
44.0 
deg. 
28.9 
34.0 
36.6 
32.2 
33.1 
34.9 
37.1 
deg. 
50.2 
42.2 
51.4 
57.2 
51.2 
45.6 
44.0 
deg. 
23.8 
32.0 
36.3 
27.7 
28.1 
31.5 
37.7 
In. 
0.304 
0.048 
0.150 
Means. 
29.939 
87.6 
36.6 
38.0 
43.4 
33.8 
48.8 
31.0 
0.502 
REMARKS. 
13th.—Fair, but generally overcast; cold wind. 
14th.—Fair till 11 A.M., slight rain rest of the day. 
15th.—Rain in morning; fair after 1 P.M. 
16th.—Foggy morning ; fair in middle of day with gleams of sunshine ; bright 
starlight evening. 
17th.—Foggy morning ; misty damp day. 
18th.—Foggy morning ; fair but overcast during the day. 
19th.—Fair and calm, but damp. 
A gloomy overcast week, in no way remarkable.—G. J. SYMONS. 
