108 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
Mat 20. 
Dr. Pulteney, in Linn. Tr. ii. page 305, rendered it probable 
that they are formed of a minute species of Lycoperdon , but 
it lias since been shown to be a species of JEcidium. These 
plants are evidently in a diseased state, of a yellow green, 
Several correspondents having inquired of us why 
the Royal Agricultural Society have offered a £b prize 
for the best Dorking howls to he exhibited at Lewes, 
whilst for no other variety have they offered a higher 
prize than £3, we have made it our business to seek for 
the actual reasons, and wc are glad to he able to state, 
that such an apparent preference was not founded upon 
any wish or intention of the Society to intimate that 
they think the Dorking the breed most deserving of 
encouragement. 
The superiority in the value of the highest prize for 
Dorking fowls, we are told by a first authority, was 
founded upon the usual policy of the Society of offering 
marked encouragement to such agricultural produce as 
is especially cultivated in the district where the country 
meeting happens to be held ; and, certainly, of poultry, 
the Dorkings, pure or mixed, prevail in Sussex. 
Now, we shall not examine here, in detail, whether 
the reason assigned is satisfactory as applied to poultry, 
though we must observe, in passing, that we think that 
it is not satisfactory. It has not yet been determined 
which breed of poultry is most profitable as a part of a 
farmer’s live stock, and almost every breed, from the most 
dwarf Bantam to the most gigantic Malay, has some 
points of excellence. We think that for every variety, 
therefore, at present, all prizes should be equal. When 
the day arrives that the most desirable breed, whether 
at present existing, or the result of future crosses, has 
been determined, then will be the time to mark the 
Agricultural Society’s, or any other Society’s approval 
of that breed by giving for it the highest prize. 
Other objections have been taken to the Brize List, 
such as, that the Spanish and Game varieties have been 
omitted, and there is no doubt that these are to some 
extent omissions ; but let us not forget that the subject 
was new to the Society; and we know, if the poultry 
show at I.ewes is successful, the Society will devote 
more attention to the department next year. 
It has been rumoured that these omissions are at 
once to be rectified, but the rules of the society forbid 
that, and, after all, Spanish or Game fowls are not ex¬ 
cluded ; for they can obtain prizes equally with all but 
the Dorking, if exhibited in the fourth ax fifth classes, 
which are for “ any other pure breed,” and for “ any 
1 mixed breed.” 
These and similar prizes ottered in numerous districts 
j of England for the best specimens of different breeds, 
render extremely desirable that the characteristics con¬ 
stituting “ the best,” should be generally admitted and 
known. Their estimate must not be left to individual 
j caprice. Judges, with the most correct intention, may 
I very readily differ in opinion of what are good charac- 
j teristics, unless some leading ones are generally pre- 
| admitted. Wc have sought for the opinions of good 
judges upon this subject, and upon the good oharacter- 
and do not bear flowers. The leaf of Betonica officinalis is 
liable to be affected in the same manner (also that of 
Frag aria). The roots afford support for Peziza tuberosu. 
(Smith. Withering. Martyn. Bay. Parkinson.) 
istics of the Cochin China fowl we have the following 
letter from “ An Amateur ; ” one from Anster Bonn we 
shall publish next week. We invite all our readers to 
send us their opinions upon the points desirable in any 
breed of poultry; and when we have published, and 
consulted over such communications, we will endeavour 
to digest and epitomise them. 
“ The necessity has been suggested of laying down some 
standard of excellence and beauty with respect to Cochin 
Chinas at which all may aim, and the nearest approximation 
to which may bear away the palm. Mr. Bailey, of whom 
honourable mention is made, and in every word of which I 
fully concur, has laid down certain rules for guidance, but 
as it is very desirable that all should agree as to the proper¬ 
ties requisite to form a perfect specimen, and what might 
even amend the oiiginal form if practicable, I suggest the 
following requisites, which, I think, are in accordance witli 
Mr. Bailey's views, as far as my memory serves, in the hope 
that others, more competent, will suggest additional ones, 
and soon set at rest this agitated and knotty subject. 
1. Moderate length of legs, inclining rather to short than | 
long. The legs to be yellow, or yellowish, in front, with j 
reddish or flesh-coloured sides, and well covered to the 
toes with feathers. 
2. Head, rather small and narrow; face, red; comb, 
somewhat diminutive in best specimens, single, not too 
deeply serrated, even (i.e. not bent in and out), and 
upright. 
3. Tail, very short, so as to be almost buried in the rump 
feathers, particularly in the hen. 
4. Wing, small, the extremities of which should be almost | 
hidden —before under the breast feathers, and behind by i 
the saddle feathers. 
5. Body, deep from back to breast; wide on rump, and 
very broad behind, which part, as well as the thighs, 
ought to be covered with soft, downy feathers, in such 
abundance as to give them quite a ‘ Bloomerish ’ ap- . 
pearanee. 
“ Mr. Sturgeon’s are magnificent birds; if they have any j 
fault it is rather too great length of leg, but as he is really j 
a good breeder, feeder, and selector, he will soon correct j 
this. Some have complained of their size, but without > 
reason, I think, for if they lack not the required properties 
extra size is an advantage. 
“ Mr. Punehard’s, also, are far from despicable, though, for \ 
want of crossing, they have somewhat degenerated. This | 
year, however, he too is crossing, sparing no money in the | 
purchase of good birds, so that he may be expected to be j 
quite up to the mark. 
“ Mi 1 . Andrews and Mr. Steggall have very beautiful birds, 
but, as far as my experience goes, they appear tender anil j 
small. Judicious crossing would no doubt improve them in ! 
both particulars. 
<l There is also a breed termed tlie ‘ Lovell breed,’ of the 
most beautiful form and plumage, but where to be obtained 
I know not. In fulness of breast they surpass all I have i 
seen. 
“ Many private gentlemen, who never exhibit, are in pos¬ 
session of splendid specimens as good as any exhibited, and 
perhaps better, but they value them highly, and having no 
need to sell, and less inclination, they pot their extra stock ; 
but I cannot but think they would do better to part with the 
surplus to a few choice breeders, to improve their stock. 
“ A careful and judicious cross between the large Shanghai 
birds and the Cochin lias been found to answer well, im¬ 
proving the progeny in size and constitution; but the 
shortest-legged Shanghai birds must be selected, and those 
with most of the properties of the Cochins. 
“ Having thus far trespassed on your time, allow me to 
ask why light-coloured birds alone should be so highly prized, 
when, for strength and weight, the dark birds are superior, 
