359 
THE COTTAGE HARDENER AND COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, March 9, 1858. 
only about two week’s since, the superior “condition” of the 
then first prize Cock was absolute and undeniable; yet even 
in that short interval re-action had resulted, whilst the bird 
taking the highest trophy at Liverpool, had “ pulled up won¬ 
derfully” in-the same time, and now again triumphed at 
Wellington. They are, indeed, both most covetable and meri¬ 
torious Game fowls, and rivals well worthy of each other; 
but it strikes us strongly, that the present winner possesses 
by far the best natural constitution of the twain. We were 
informed by Mr. Moss’s “ feeder,” that these extraordinary 
good specimens “ are own brothers.” This speaks well for 
pedigree. A perfect host of first-rate Game Cocks were 
entered, scarcely an indifferent one competing; the result 
was, a long list of Highly Commended and Commended birds, 
coupled to a foot note from the Judge, as to this class, “ that 
a better show of Single Game Cocks was never exhibited.” 
Thus concludes, then, our report of one of the best Shows 
that have yet taken place in Shropshire ; all parties interested 
evinced a disposition to do their utmost to promote success, 
and their object was unquestionably achieved. 
The awards of Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Birmingham, who 
officiated as sole Judge, gave general satisfaction ; and we 
cannot close without likewise referring most strongly to the 
unwearied personal attention, paid by the station master at 
Wellington, to the careful delivery of the poultry, both to and 
from the Exhibition; affording, as it does, a most pleasing and 
meritorious contrast to the careless indifference so frequently 
manifested by railway officials similarly situated, if a little 
extra trouble be, by any unexpected emergency, called into 
action in their duties to their employers. Had even the 
owners of each basket been present, the poultry could not have 
been more safely delivered both ways. We sincerely trust all 
future Meetings of this Society may prove equally praiseworthy 
and successful, for the energy just displayed well deserves such 
a result. 
HEREFORD POULTRY EXHIBITION". 
This was the last general Poultry Show of the season, and 
there cannot be a doubt that the present meeting, at Hereford, 
has far surpassed its predecessors, whether as to the amount 
of entries, or the general good quality of the birds exhibited. 
We cannot permit the present occasion to pass by, without 
the expression of our gratification also as to the weather; for, 
singularly enough, the first^ Hereford meeting took place under 
the most adverse position—all the railway lines being at that 
time “ snowed up”—transit of any kind was impossible: and 
it may with truth be mentioned, that the second Show was 
accompanied by weather almost equally unfortunate : now, on 
the contrary, the brightest of spring days ushered in the morn¬ 
ing of admission on this the Committee’s third trial, and a 
very good attendance ensued. Much credit is, therefore, the 
just due of this spirited Committee, who have thus “ pulled 
through ” a series of difficulties that would, in the generality 
of similar attempts, have palled entirely renewed exertions. 
We will now take a stroll through the Exhibition. The 
building this year selected for the purpose is exceedingly ap¬ 
propriate, viz., the Corn Exchange, yet scarcely complete ; 
but offering an amount of general light, that is indispensable 
to a perfect Poultry Show. It may with certainty be stated, 
that Corn Exchanges generally offer advantages for Poultry 
meetings that few other public buildings possess; and we 
never yet knew a Society that regretted obtaining the tempo¬ 
rary use of one; as their adaptation to the corn trade, of 
necessity, compels general and good light, without dark corners 
anywhere. Local authorities, also, will generally permit their 
temporary occupation, without any expense whatever. On 
entering, the Spanish class first came in view; these were 
generally good, but undoubtedly in much worse condition than 
usually exhibited. In Coloured Dorkings , the whole class was 
superior. The Game fowls were likewise very good, but not 
universally well matched, which proved fatal to many an 
otherwise excellent pen of birds. Another feature that prohi¬ 
bited success, or even competition for prizes in these classes, 
arose from particular pens being “ marked ” with string, or 
tape, tied round the legs; such pens being, by universal 
rule, “ disqualified.” Again, we cannot pass by another ob¬ 
jection, that seemed generally unanticipated by their respective 
owners. It was evident that many and many a first-rate 
Game Cock, whose former prowess in the cock-pit had been 
well proved, and whose general demeanour showed how 
“ ready and willing ” he was to again engage in such trials of 
bodily vigour and endurance—lost all hope of triumph in the 
less boisterous competition of Poultry Shows, from putting 
in an appearance at Hereford, minus one eye. There were 
numbers thus situate, and excellent as they undoubtedly were 
in all other respects, a high commendation was their utmost 
reward. The Cochins were very good, but not a few pens 
contained “vulture-hocked” birds; a feature, of necessity, 
blighting their prospects altogether. In Brahma Footras , 
very great irregularity existed ; indeed, the premium for the 
Single cock of this variety was withheld. Malays have seldom 
been so well represented. The Hamburghsvreve excellent, but 
we would strongly suggest the inexpediency of various sub- 
varieties competing in the same class. The Folands and 
Bantams were not deserving of any special notice ; the black 
Bantams were, however, the best class. The class for any 
other variety was well filled, and afforded much gratification 
to the visitors : excellent Andalusians , black Hamburghs , 
Bumpless , Silky fowls, and several other varieties, appearing 
as closely competing rivals for the appointed premiums. In 
Single Spanish Cocks } undoubtedly the best fowl was simply 
Highly Commended, from being so thoroughly “ worn out ” 
from age and infirmities, as not to be able to stand for many 
seconds together, whilst his eyesight seemed to as completely 
fail him; his “dejected appearance” was the subject of 
general commiseration among visitors, and produced many 
expressions of regret, that the “ poor bird” should still endure 
the trials ever attendant on journeying to distant Exhibitions. 
The Dorking Cocks were good, but not large specimens. The 
Game Cocks , exhibited singly, were not equal to the male birds 
in the general classes. The Cochin- China Cocks were very 
good, but the Brahma Cocks were worthless specimens. One 
of the most singular features of the Show next occurs—the 
Malay Single Cock class ; there were only two entries, but 
undoubtedly the very best two birds that have yet disputed 
superiority ; whilst, most singularly, they were true and exact 
counterparts of each other; so much so that, after minute 
investigation, to distinguish them when apart was next to 
impossible. Equal first prizes were, therefore, awarded 
them, by the liberality of the Committee permitting this 
further call on their funds. Of Hamburgh and Poland Cocks , 
we cannot but speak highly. The Aylesbury Ducks were a 
perfect class, of high weights, and closely approximating, 
20ilbs, 20|rlbs, 22iibs, and 22£lbs, being the respective 
weights of the four principal pens. Bouens were not good. 
The Labrador Ducks were very excellent, and the second 
prize ( any variety of Ducks) were undoubtedly “ the sorts of 
Ducks (as an agriculturist wisely observed) for the table; ” 
they were very large, but inclinable to coarseness. 
The Pigeons , though few in numbers, contained first-class 
Runts, Nuns, Trumpeters, and rather a rare foreign Pigeon, 
called the Fire Pigeon , the bright plumage of which was 
singularly attractive to the public: we were informed, they 
appear likely to breed well. The Cottager’s competition was 
very good, and the birds generally bore strong evidence of 
having been well cared for. 
The Cups offered for the best two collections were very 
superior, and intrinsically worth in sterling cash the sum 
they represented. The principal one was “ twice over ” won 
by R. W. Fryer, Esq., of Hereford, much to the gratification 
of the many friends who had witnessed his untiring perse¬ 
verance in supporting this local Show. The second was 
awarded to three excellent pens, the property of Kilvert Bar- 
trum, Esq., of Bath. 
We must not conclude without expressing our entire con¬ 
currence in substituting bran, in lieu of sawdust, to secure 
cleanliness in the pens ; as when fowls are long cooped on the 
latter, injury of constitution is inevitable: for this potent 
reason, sawdust is always to be avoided. The pens used were 
the registered Exhibition pens of Mr. Cooke, of Colchester ; 
and the fowls were well provided for, in every respect. 
Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Eden Cottage, Spark Brook, near 
Birmingham (as previously announced in the Hereford prize 
list), officiated as the Judge: and his awards were satisfac¬ 
tory. From present appearances, we have little doubt that 
the Hereford Show will improve annually. 
We published the prize hst last week. 
