220 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER AND COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, January 4, 1859. 
we have, consequently, with a rare exception, had no complaints 
of delay in returning birds, or mismanagement, during Shows ; 
in fact, we believe these pleasant gatherings are now firmly esta¬ 
blished and thoroughly understood. The result has been, we 
have had harmony throughout the year ; and long, say we, may 
it continue. We will now glance at the different classes, noting 
whatever may appear worthy of comment. 
Dorkings. —The increase of size has continued, and no more 
valuable property has been sacrificed to accomplish it. The year 
may be noted as having shown fewer double or rose-comb birds 
than any other : we believe we are correct in saying, that there 
was not a pen at Birmingham.- The large entries in this class 
call for a more liberal prize list, and these also contribute more 
than any other to swell the amount of sales. 
Spanish have improved in quality, but have rather decreased 
in value. They can well afford this, as, for some time, they were 
too dear. The prizes for these birds have been more scattered 
this year than they ever were; and we are glad to see good birds 
so disseminated—it is the assurance of numerous entries and 
strong competition for 1859. 
Cochins have made a plain movement towards their original 
excellence. The adult birds at Birmingham were of a very high 
character. The Grouse and Partridge birds have formed nu¬ 
merous and good classes. The White have been very moderate, 
both in quality and numbers ; even in Worcester, their original 
head-quarters, they mustered feebly. The Blacks have almost 
disappeared. 
Brahma Pootras have certainly made progress, and we think 
none will deny, that these birds showed better classes at Birming¬ 
ham, and the Crystal Palace, than they have ever before done. 
There yet remain some unbelievers in their purity, but they are 
confined to those who have never bred them. 
PolaniU are good in quality, and much has been accomplished 
by their breeders. There were signs of more life in exhibitors 
of these birds at Birmingham ; but at previous Shows the entries 
have been so small, that Committees have felt obliged to diminish 
the prizes offered. We think the Black, with white tops, have 
been better this year than wo have ever seen them. 
The Hamhwghs have gone on improving, and are fast attaining 
what wd-luwe long considered a very high standard of merit. It 
may almost be doubted whether they can be made much better, 
as for every new excellence required an old one seems to be 
sacrificed. The Golden, both Pencilled and Spangled, have 
especially deserved most favourable notice. 
Game Fowls are perfect. But there is a manifest falling off in 
the Duckwings : neither in numbers nor beauty of plumage are 
they as good as they used to be. This is, in many respects, to be 
regretted. The Blacks and the Brown-breasted Reds are the 
favourites. The different classes of this popular breed have been 
among the most numerous at every Show. 
Malays make small entries everywhere, except at the Crystal 
Palace. The only reason we eon assign for their losing ground, 
which they once held in public estimation, is, that, whereas they 
were formerly the only birds that could be kept in health in close 
confinement, it is now well ascertained that both Cochins and 
Spanish possess that valuable property, and are far more saleable. 
The cause of their numbers at the Crystal Palace probably is, that 
they are still kept around the East India Docks, and in that 
neighbourhood, where they are landed from the Indian ships. 
The Various Class has everywhere been small, and contained 
only useful specimens. We have been glad to see, that, the 
ridiculous creatures formerly sought in order to exhibit are out 
of fashion. 
Sebright Bantams have shown badly everywhere, except, at 
Birmingham. There were some good Gold birds there. The 
real Silvers appear to be lost. The Black and Whites have been 
good, especially the former ; but the chief interest in these classes 
is centred in the Game. Here, the advance in merit is very great, 
and we expect that at Shows in 1859 they will form a numerous 
class. 
Little need be said of Geese. They maintain their size, but 
there has been no advance during the year. 
Aylesbury Dudes have, we think, improved in frame and size, 
although they have not been so heavy as we have had them in 
former years. Judges have been obliged to exercise discretion 
and knowledge in choosing between size and mere weight, the 
result of fat, in this and many other classes. 
llouens have made a remarkable advance in size, numbers, and 
feather. Those who were interested in it, will not easily forget 
this class in Bingley Hall. 
! Turlceys have been good everywhere; and, while the Cambridge 
have the palm for size, the Americans are always chosen for 
beauty and symmetry. 
The above is the result of our observations of the Shows in 
England. We have no means of speaking of the quality of birds 
shown in Ireland and Scotland ; but we hear favourable accounts 
of the increase of Exhibitions, and improvement in the poultry. 
We have heard, that in the latter country, they consider their 
Dorkings and Cochins superior to ours. AVe should be glad to 
see them in the lists. There is a growing disposition to enter into 
sweepstakes in some classes, and this may, perhaps, tempt some 
to become exhibitors, as a small prize may not appear worth the 
I trouble of sending so far. In Canada and New South Wales, 
I Shows are being regularly organised, and we have seen some of 
i the prize lists. At Melbourne (Australia), there is a great demand 
; for fancy poultry, and at large prices. 
j Such is our review, so far as birds and their contests are con- 
j cerned. Wo are truly happy to say, that 1S58 lias been a liar- 
] monious year among all classes of amateurs. There have been, 
and there always will be, some differences of opinion, but there has 
been nothing beyond that. Wc rejoice at it. Loving the pursuit, 
and believing implicitly, not only in its usefulness, but in its im¬ 
proving and humanising tendency, we are glad of every indication 
of its prosperity and increase. Wo write cheerfully on (lie subject, 
as our feelings induce us to do so. With thanks, then, for the 
past, and with glowing anticipations for the future, we heartily 
•salute our readers, in this our first Number in 1859, and wish 
them “A uaity New Year ! B. 
BURNLEY POULTRY SHOW. 
This was held December 28th. Judges: — Mr. T. Challoner, 
Whitwell; and Mr. Tegetmeier, London. The following were 
their awards:— 
Spanish. —First, J. IC. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, T. Robinson, The 
Gill, Ulverstone. Highly Commended, J. 11. Craigie, Woodlands, Cliig- 
wi-.ll, Essex. 
Dorkings. —First, Capt. W. W. Hornby, R.N., Prescot. Second,..!. 
Robinson, Vale House, Garstang. Highly Commended, W. Holden, Hey- 
sham Tower, Lancaster. Commended, C. II. Waketield, Malvern Wells. 
Cocinxs.—First, T. Stretch, Rootle, near Liverpool. Second, J. IC. 
Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, T. II, Barker, Hovingham; 
H. P. Watson, Preston. Commended, A. F. Watkin, Walkley, Sheffield. 
Cochins (Partridge). — First, .1. Cattell, Bh-mingham. Second, Miss 
V. W. Musgrove, Augliton, Liverpool. Commended, H. Churchill, 
Gloucester. 
Brahmas.— First and Second, R. Tcebay, Preston. Commended, P. 
Catterall, jun., Preston. 
G ami- (Black-breasted and other Reds). — First, W. Dawson, Selly Oak, 
Birmingham. Second, Capt. W. W. Hornby, R.N., Prescot. Highly Com¬ 
mended, II. W. Julian, Beverley ; A. Sutherland, Burnley; T. Robinson, 
Ulverstone; R. Swift, Southwell; 11. Adams, Beverley ;' II. Broughton, 
Harpers; 1). Parsons, Cuerden, Preston. Commended, R Whittam, near 
Burnley. (A remarkably good class.) 
Game (Duckwings and other Greys and Blues).—First, A. Sutherland, 
Burnley. Second, II. Adams, Beverley. Highly Commended, IN'. Jaggar, 
Halifax ; Itaigh and Hartley, Holmflrth ; J. Dixru, Bradford ; J. Cowgill, 
Thornton, near Skipton; G. Robinson, Thorp Hail, Worksop. Commended, 
i R. Barnes, Burnley; R. Dickenson, Burnley. 
j Game (White and Piles).—First, Cl. Robinson, Thorp Hall, Worksop, 
j Second, N. Grimshawe, Bank House, near Burnley. Highly Commended, 
i F. Sabin, Birmingham. Commended, II. Adams, Beverley. 
Game (any other variety).—First J. Brown, Preston. Second, IV. 
Dawson, Solly Oak, Birmingham. Highly Commended, J. N. Coulthurst, 
, Gargrave; Bullock and Rapsorfy'Leamington ; W. Thornhcr, near Colne. 
Best Game Cock. —First, E. Archer, Malvern. Second, R. Swift, South- 
l well. Third, V\ . II. Fox, Horton, Bradford. Highly Commended, T. 
1 Evinson, Chesterfield; R. Pern-, Kirklington, Southwell; Capt. W. W. 
Hornby, RN., Prescot; II. Adams, Beverley; T. Proctor, Settle; G. 
I Holgate, Burnley; W. Dawson, Birmingham; ,T. Maudsley, Hornby; 
i II. Turney, Burnley. Commended, R. Swift; A. Sutherland, Burnley; 
i W. Mooreliouse, Read; G. Holgate. (An extraordinary class.) 
Hamburg ns (Golden-pencilled). — First, W. C. Worrall, Liverpool. 
Second, Carter and Gaulter, Poulton-le-F’ylde. Highly Commended, C. R. 
Titterton, Birmingham; J. Martin, dailies, Worcester. Commended, J. 
Dixon, Bradford; J. Munn, Staclcsteads, Manchester. 
Hamburghs (Silver-pencilled).—First, E. Archer, Malvern. Second, W. 
Maud, Bingley. Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford. 
IIamburghs (Golden - spangled).—First, T. Hartley, Earby, Skipton. 
Second, W. Chester, llorwich. Highly Commended, S. II. llyde, Ashton- 
under-Lync; J. K. Bartrum, Bath. Commended, B. L. Sykes, PoUlton- 
le-Fylde ; II. Carter, Holmflrth. 
Hamburghs (Silver-spangled).—First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, J. 
Robinson, Garstang. Highly Commended, R. Teebay, Preston ; H, Carter, 
llolmfirth ; Mrs, Bauser, Southwell. 
