92



P. J. Lambert—The Palace Show



Silver was won by Mr. Armitage, a splendid bird this, second by

Mrs. W. Reynolds Sams. Best Fireback, Miss B., this was a delightful

specimen of a Vieillot Fireback. The best Amherst went to the winner

as previously awarded by Lord Tavistock. Best Reeve’s, Dr. J. M.

Derscheid. Best Swinhoe, also Dr. J. M. Derscheid. Best Silver,

Golden, or Amherst, again given to the Amherst that won in the Amherst

class, surely this must have been a wellnigh perfect specimen. Rarest

Pheasant shown was awarded to Dr. J. M. Derscheid, who showed a

pure Lineated cock. This was a most interesting and thoroughly

deserved success. Personally I had never before seen a pure Lineated,

although so-called specimens abound, but these are only crosses between

Silver X Nepal or Horsfield. It is a very beautiful and I can say a

“ clean cut ” bird and would that more specimens were available.

It was a fine sporting move on the part of Dr. Derscheid to send six

valuable and fine Pheasants to this show, and our Society should feel

grateful to this gentleman for sending over from Belgium at great cost

these exhibits. As I have said this Lineated cock was awarded the

prize for the rarest Pheasant shown, and Mr. Fooks was subtle in

granting this award, for it does not follow that the rarest bird is

necessarily the most costly. Apart from any judged awards, the Lady

Lilford Trophy was won by Mr. Botting. This trophy is presented

to the member of the O.P.S. who wins most points at shows in Great

Britain which are patronized by the Society. I think Mr. Botting won

this cup with ease, for throughout the season he has consistently won

at all provincial shows. Finally the special award for the best collection

of Pheasants shown was won by the writer of these notes, and I was

indeed a proud and happy man. I may also mention that I won the

magnificent shield kindly presented by Cage Birds to the member

who gained the second highest number of points at all shows. I thank

Cage Birds for this award. The Pheasants shown at Borland Hall

caused considerable interest, and this is the first time in the history

of our country that a truly representative exhibition of Pheasants

has been staged. I am absolutely convinced that the showing of such

beautiful and colourful birds must react in favour of aviculture generally.

It was an education to many thousands of people who, up to that

time, associated the word “ Pheasant ” with our covert Pheasant, and



