THE COTTAGE GARDENER AND COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, March 19, 1861. 
373 
the birds. If two pens are formed by a division in the centre, 
it prevents them from fighting, and it saves them from many a 
fright from cats and vermin. In keeping all pets, it is necessary 
to remember their peculiarities, their natural habits, and those 
that are the result of the artificial state in which they are kept. 
The natural protection and safety of all birds is in flight—the 
use of their wings. It is a positive security from nearly all their 
enemies. They are deprived of this when kept in confinement. 
Another safety is, that they perch above the reach of their foes. 
Having closely studied the habits of birds, we have no hesitation 
in saying, that in a few hours a bird will have discovered the avail¬ 
able security of any place in which it may be confined, and it 
will in consequence know it. Many birds, indeed almost all, 
become acquainted with place and with persons, and are tame 
in consequence; but their nature is not changed, and under 
unusual circumstances they are alarmed. Their first impulse is 
to fly: finding their inability to do so, they become alarmed, 
and then beat about their cage to their destruction, or, if not 
destroyed, they injure their plumage, and are wild and restless 
for weeks afterwards. For this reason we are strong advocates 
for 18 inches at least of solid fencing round the pen. We speak 
feelingly. We, last year, had a cock and two hen Silver 
Pheasants in a secure aviary, strong galvanised wire-netting, well 
and securely stretched. We knew there was a fox about the 
premises, but thought our pens were safe. They were; yet one 
morning the tenants were torn to pieces. There was only one 
way in which they could have been caught, and that was by 
the fox lying on the ground with his paw through the wire, 
and as soon as the birds, whiclx in their fright were beating about, 
came within reach, he pulled them piecemeal through the wires, 
which were intact, and he had not been inside. Had we done 
that which we are now advising to others, we should have saved 
our birds. 
We have already said they should have dust or ashes in 
their pen; also, if it be possible, it is well to enclose or plant 
a low-branching shrub. In hot weather this will be their 
resort. Whatever sort of Pheasants are kept, they must have 
water always, and it should be in a vessel that will keep it clean, 
and in which it is impossible for them to trample. We know 
nothing so good as Daily’s fountains. Their food should be 
good barley, a few grains of Indian corn for a change once or 
twice a-fortnight, meal slaked with water, and an occasional 
lettuce. All their food should be thrown or scattered on the 
ground , no more at a time than they will eat, and on no account 
be put into any pan or trough. If the pen does not afford 
grass, then large sods of growing herbage should be constantly 
thrown in. The birds are not only fond of the grass, but the 
fresh earth is also beneficial to them. Nothing will make them 
tamer or attached to their owner and feeder so much as oc¬ 
casional feedings with bread at stated intervals. Thus, after 
breakfast, luncheon, and dinner, if the crumbs and scraps of 
bread are carefully saved, they are valuable auxiliaries as food, 
and they accomplish a purpose. The birds should always be 
spoken to in the same terms, and in the same tone when they 
are fed. They soon know it, and come when they hear it. 
Nothing is more gratifying to the-lover of these beautiful birds 
than to be able to show them at any time, and this is only 
possible when the attachment they have for their feeder out¬ 
weighs their aversion to a stranger. 
.. PLYMOUTH POULTRY SHOW. 
The above Show took place on the 13th and 14th inst. We 
are pleased to be able to announce this was a decided success, 
whether we take into consideration the number or quality of 
the birds entered, or the support it met with in the shape of 
visitors, as, the weather being very fine on both days, it attracted 
a goodly number; and no doubt a military band being in 
attendance was an additional attraction, which many looked upon 
as a pleasing contrast to the crowing of the cocks, &c.: but it 
was a somewhat difficult matter for those who were anxious to 
discuss the respective merits of the different pens to make them¬ 
selves heard. The Show was held at St. George’s Hall, Stone- 
house—a room admirably suited for the purpose, being large, and 
light, and sufficiently well ventilated without being cold ; and 
the pens were so arranged that each had an equal share of light, 
there being no dark corners. 
We regretted to find that several good pens of birds did not 
arrive until after the prizes were awarded, thus losing all chance 
of competing. Amongst these unfortunates were Mr. Kellaway’s 
Cochins, which, after sending them from the Isle of Wight, 
must be a great disappointment to this gentleman. We would 
ask, Where did the fault he ? 
The first class on the list was Spanish. Here Mr. Lane was 
successful, taking first. Mr. Rodbard was obliged to be content 
with second prize, as his birds were not exhibited in then usual 
condition, whereas Mr. Lane’s were perfect in tills respect; and 
had Mr. Rodbard’s been in as good, we think their positions 
would in all probability hare been reversed. Mr. Fowler was a 
good third. In Dorkings Mr. Roberts obtained first with a 
nice pen of birds, but he must in a measure attribute his success 
to Lady Thynne’s misfortune; as, immediately on their arrival 
in the Show on Monday evening, one of this lady’s magnificent 
hens was taken ill and died in a few minutes; otherwise there is 
not the least doubt but that her pen would have taken precedence 
of any other in the Show. The Game class comprised seventeen 
pens, all Reds; amongst them were some good birds. The 
hens in the Rev. G. S. Cruwys’ pens were remarkably neat. 
This gentleman obtained both first and third prizes with Black 
and Brown Reds respectively. The best class in the Show was 
undoubtedly the Cochins. There were twelve pens all good birds. 
Mr. Tomlinson heading the list with a magnificent pen of Buffs, 
Mr. Fowler being second; and Mr. Stretch was a good third 
with a pen of Partridge. Mr. Ford, Mrs. Everett, Mr. Benbow, 
also showed good birds. The whole class was pronounced by 
the Judge to be excellent. 
The PLamburghs of either variety were not good, which might 
in a great measure be attributed to the Gold and Silver being 
exhibited in one class. The best exhibitors will not enter where 
this is done. Polands were above an average class. Mr. 
Carlyon’s Golden, and Mrs. Pettat’s Silver, taking the two prizes. 
The prizes for Brahmas went to old names—Messrs. Craigie and 
Botham. They were hard run, however, by Mr. Fowler. Mr. 
Ballance made a clean sweep of the Malay prizes. A class for 
Minorcas is rather unusual, but there was one given here, 
Plymouth being rather noted for this breed, and both prizes 
remained in the town. In the “Variety Class,” Miss North- 
cote obtained first with a splendid pen of White Spanish, which 
was claimed at £5 10s. immediately the Show opened. Lady 
Tliynne was second with a pen of Silkies. There were also some 
good Sultans in this class. The Game Bantams were an ex¬ 
cellent class, Mr. Oxlaud taking first with a beautiful pen of 
Duckwing3; and Messrs. Sandford & Elliot second with a 
remarkably small pen of Black Reds, but the cock was not of 
the best of colours. Mr. Rodbard’s third-prize Duckwings 
were also worthy of notice. In the class for “ other Bantams,” 
Rev. G. S. Cruwys’ Gold, and Miss Everett’s Silver-laced, were 
highly mei’itorious. 
In Aylesbury Ducks Mr. Fowler again far outstripped his 
competitors, taking both first and second prizes with splendid 
birds. In consequence of the Committee not having given any 
separate class for either Rouens or East Indian Ducks, the entry 
in the “Variety Class” was but small, there being only four 
pens entered. The first prize going to a good pen of Rouens, the 
second to Mr. Ballance’s East Indians. Strange to say, there 
was no entry of either Geese, Turkeys, or Pea Fowls. 
In the Single Cocks , Mr. Rodbard obtained first for Spanish 
with a good bird, which was soon elaimed at 50$. This gentle¬ 
man also obtained first for Game Cocks with a beautiful Black 
Red. There was but one entry in the Dorking, Hamburgh, and 
Malay classes. In the first-named Lady Thynne exhibited a 
magnificent bird. Mr. Ballance also exhibited a good White 
Malay. Mr. Stretch obtained first for Cochins with a good Buff. 
In Game Bantams there were only two entries, which is a some¬ 
what unusual occurrence. 
Amongst the Pigeons were some good Carriers, and a splendid 
pair of Almond Tumblers exhibited by Mr. Archer. 
There were also some good Babbits. 
The show of Canaries was first-rate. In the class for pairs of 
Belgians there were no less than fourteen entries. Mrs. Sand- 
ford taking first with a splendid pair of birds; and Messrs. 
Crocker and Hingston well deserved their honours. 
We cannot conclude our report without congratulating the 
Committee on the success with which their praiseworthy en¬ 
deavours to establish a good Show have been crowned, and we 
have not a doubt but that with a few slight alterations in their 
prize list, their Show may rank as one of the best in the king¬ 
dom ; but we must not forget to mention that the success of 
the undertaking is mainly owing to the untiring exertions of the 
