P. J. Lambert—The Pheasants at the Crystal Palace Show 87


of the wing feathers. It was in perfect condition, not nervous

but moved about in its pen in a manner that suggested it was

desirous of appreciating the honour that had been bestowed upon it.

Personally, I am delighted that a Pheasant of almost sombre plumage

should win the special cup, for I sometimes think that many Pheasant

fanciers and others are inclined to worship at the shrine of “ gay

plumage ” rather than study and appreciate aesthetic beauty. In

the A.O.Y. Class a magnificent Vieillot Fireback cock was placed second,

and it was an outstanding bird, in splendid condition, and showing

to perfection the points that are so obvious in all Firebacks, dignity

of carriage and, may I say, masterfulness. This Pheasant was only

imported in 1935 and its condition reflected great credit on the owner,

Mr. Blay. The third in this class was awarded to a delightful little

Chinquis Peacock Pheasant. In this case it was surely of great credit

to exhibit a P.P. without a ruffled feather. These Pheasants are very

light of feather and imperfect handling can so easily ruin the appearance

for many months. This little cock was much admired by all, and one

heard many exclamations of delight that such a little gem should be

on view. Would that it had displayed to the onlookers, that would

indeed have caused a sensation.


The Amhersts had a class to themselves. There were only three

exhibits, but all were very fine specimens of this most wonderful bird.

Indeed, I should not have cared for the task of adjudicating the prizes

in this class, and the O.P.S. was fortunate in obtaining the services

of such an expert as Mr. Seth-Smith. M. Delacour suggested that

another year the Pheasants should be prepared for the Show before¬

hand, in order to accustom them to the show bench. This matter will

have the attention of the O.P.S. Committee, for certainly one or two

of the Amhersts and Goldens were nervous. The Amhersts were

greatly admired. What bird lover indeed could pass an Amherst cock

without an exclamation of delight ?


A fine show of Golden cocks almost illuminated the Pheasant

section. Flashes of gold, yellow, scarlet, dark green, black, crimson,

and brown, what else could be expected from such a blaze of colour ?

The little cocks were mostly quite happy in their pens and elicited

“ rounds of applause ”. They were not unduly alarmed and at times



