on 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER 
NovlCMBER (i. 
last year or so ; that the low position they oceui>ied on the 
Birmingham prize-list in Decemher, 1853, and, indeed, on 
several other similar occasions, was a just decision on the 
part of the judges, will scarcely be contested ; and, as would 
necessarily follow, the poultry-yard was as destitute of good 
specimens as the show-pen. It is not retpiired that all 
the causes tending to this retrograde course should he 
enumerated, for one alone may bo mentioned as sullicienlly 
accounting for the result alluded to; viz., the sacritioe of 
size and form for the sake of fcnther. To get rid of a dark 
or stained hackle, was an inducement to overlook other 
properties essential to the breed, and each successive 
generation, while this mania lasted, brought the race still 
lower in the scale of departure from its proper standard. 
But oven supposing that such au unfavourable circumstance 
had not occurred, the Shanghaes would have had great cause 
to ajjprchcnd diminution of popularity, from the already 
exaggerated statements as to their merits and character 
that were so unwisely insisted on by many of their early 
admirers. An infinitely fairer summary, indeed, may now 
be drawn as to their real value for the poultry-yard, than 
would have been practicable in the days when the general 
run of specimens commanded a price- of as mimy pounds ns 
shillings now are not attainable. 
The columns of The Cottage Gardener, from an early 
jieriod, bespoke the attention of all poultry-keepers for these 
birds, and it may bo i)erniitted us to say, that the useful 
properties that originated the recommendation have now 
been fully tested and recognised. CoiTespondenls, un¬ 
doubtedly, detailed marvellous accounts of their production 
of eggs, economy of keep, and rapid accpiisition of weight, 
which w'ere not found to liave been generally realised; but 
where commendation was restricted to the fact of their 
being fowls of a highly useful character in many economical 
points, besides their quiet, stay-at-home disposition, their 
testimonials may assuredly be endorsed by the experience 
of the timo that has gone by, “ But have loc better 
Shau<jhaes at the present day than formerly V is the question 
awaiting our reply. Are the characteristics of the breed 
now bettor developed, in cither the yard or in the exhibition- 
pen, than we were accustomed to see them on their first 
introduction into this country ? The answer must be a 
very qualified one, since their numbers have, doubtless, 
multiplied beyond all precedent in other descriptions of 
poultry, without by any means giving us a proportionate 
account of lirst-ratc specimens. In lact, it may be fairly 
questioned, whether better birds have ever been shown 
than some of the more celebrated original importations. 
Whether Mr. Sturgeon, Sir. Andrews, and others, Averc so 
fortunate as to obtain the beautiful specimens that were 
first exhibited, by some unusual good fortune, or the 
judicious selection of tlie persons by whom they were sent 
over, is a question to Avhich an answer may bo given based 
on the acknowledged inferiority of many subsequent im¬ 
portations. Mr. Sturgeon, especially, if our memory serves 
us rightly, having stated, that out of a very large number that 
Avore obtained by him from China, none Avere considered by 
him as Avorthy to be placed with the original birds that 
accidentally came into his possession from the captain of 
the vessel in Avhich they had arrived, and Avhere they Avere 
regarded as little, if anything, above ordinary sea-stock. 
'J’ho preceding remarks apply mainly to the Buff and 
Cinnamon varieties. In regard to some of the remainder 
of the class, ci’iticism might hold a different tone; for, 
Avbile it Avould appear that Ave have not gone beyond the 
origitial standard of the White bird, as shoAvn by Mrs. 
llerbi'rt, the rartridge-colourcd seem to have certainly 
gained in both form and feather since their debut. Fancy 
has most pertinaciously turned aside from these last; but 
Avhere, it might be Avell asked, can the characteristics of the 
Shanghae be better developed than in such specimens as 
have been exhibited by Mr. Hodgson, and some other 
gentlemen ? 
Of the Blacks we never thought Avell; and all that AA'e 
have since noticed confirms our mifavourable oi)inion. A 
vast majority Avere bred from Buff and White birds, and 
rarely has a pen been exhibited AA'ithout glaring evidence of 
their shortcomings. 
A comliinalion of excellence, and aptitude for the circum¬ 
stances of different poultry-keepers, is unfairly sought in 
a single breed. If an extensive range is impossible; if Ioav 
fences can alone be interposed between foAvls and forbidden 
precincts, the Shanghae may ask for admission, and Avill 
ftifil the requirements of his owner better than other 
breeds. The siqAply of eggs Avill not be so numerous as 
Avhere Spanish, llamburghs, or the other non-sitters are 
kept in a proper range, and tlie chicken will not have their 
merits on the table so highly estimated us those of Dorkings 
or the Game I'oaa'Is. But still, eggs, in fair munbers, and at 
a season, moreover, Avhen they are most valuable, Avill be ; 
forthcoming, and an amount of food in the chicken, Avhich, j 
if it be Avanting in comparison Avith the flesh of some other ' 
races, is, at least, of average merit Avith the ordinary supplies j 
of most markets. Where fowls for the table are re(iuired, | 
and Shanghaes are the birds to Avhich choice is limited, a 
decided advantage may be gained by placing a Dorking cock 
Avith Shanghae hens. A single bird can usually be kept 
Avithin bounds, and a very superficial observer may readily 
satisfy himself, that it is the ligure of the male Shanghae 
that is most in fault, Avhich such an arrangement is calcu¬ 
lated to rectify. In giving such advice, we must not, 
however, forget to enjoin, that every individual so descended 
must ruthlessly be cousignetl to execution. 
Of Grey Shanghaes, by some termed “ Rrahma Pootras,” 
our opinion remains unchanged. Many have been bred 
by us, and their habits and character, botli as chicken ami 
adults, have been closely studied, but Avithout discovering 
any one i)articular in Avhich evidence of distinct speciality 
from the Shanghaes could be recognised. On the contrary, | 
indeed, such investigations have very fully confirmed our i 
earliest impressions of their being one and the same Avith 
the latter. 
The darkly-pencilled specimens, Avith i)ea combs, appear 
to have the preference ; but this must be regarded simply 
as a matter of taste; and, indeed, eA'en Avhen vieAved in tins 
light, our selection Avould decidedly rest Avith the lighter 
birds, Avhere the white is of so rich a tone, and the hackle 
so delicately marked. —W. 
WANDERINGS AFTER THE SUITABLE. 
I believe I have had a “ go" at all the various races of 
poultry; ducks, geese, and turkeys, excepted. No one has 
liad more time, or less money, to bestoAV on this emulatory 
science than myself, Avhich seized me some years since 
Avhilst staying in a city AvestAvard. The thin edge of the 
Avedge Avas introduced by my purchasing some half-dozen 
blue Aliuorens (plentiful as blackberries in this neighborn’- 
hood) for 2s. each, to secure fresh eggs for breakfast. 
SomchoAV or other, they did not lay to my satisfaction, and 
UAvay they Avent to an old Avonuin in exchange for some 1 
splendid Alaluys. These got their discharge, as also some i 
Borldnys, in very quick time, as kinds requiring more range ; 
than my yard, and as manifestly bad layers. : 
My relations being great sportsmen, and knoAving some- | 
thing of the Game in their native freedom, they induced me 
to patronise them ; and as their habits are identical, I shall 
not particularise minutia). I found them hardy, good layers, 
but so abominably restless, that after netting the Avails, and 
stopping every aperture to secure them, Avithout avail, I 
restored them to their pristine farm, not Avithout improving 
them greatly. 
A Poultry ShoAV being lield in this city, I went prepared 1 
to purchase a iien of bii’ds, and fixed on one, viz., Gold- 
spanyled Ilamburyhs. Very likely, my knoAvledgc of the 
Game kinds alloAved me to select a good one, as Avell as to 
please the ladies (for they Avere lovely birds). I ke£it them \ 
tAvo summers, and Avhether they were old or not, I cannot say; ; 
but they Avere bad layers, and tendeiv I gained my first i 
prize Avith them, and found them, as you justly describe, a \ 
complete aviary bird. , 
Then came the other varieties of Ilamburyhs, Silver and ' 
Golden. I certainly prefer the properties of ihe Silver- j 
pencilled Ilamburyhs; but no bird AAith a Avhite feather can 
be kept for shoAv puiqtoses in a city, as the soot and smoke ' 
iudellibly stains them. 
Next, the Polands occupied my pens. They are very like 
in their habits the Hambm'ghs—restless, lay late, and give 
up early. 
