Selection and Preparation of Fowls for Exhibition. 9 
the feathers with the towel, for it may do considerable damage to 
the plumage. Next, place the bird in one of the coops previously 
described. Should the fowl appear cold and shiver when placed in 
the coop move it closer to the stove or other source of heat. Do not 
leave the coop close to the stove for any length of time, as it may 
cause the feathers to dry too thickly, in which case they are apt to 
curl instead of drying smooth and straight. Should the bird, on 
coming from the bath, appear to be too warm, move the coop farther 
from the stove. The birds after being washed should be kept in this 
room at a temperature of about 70° F. for at least 12 hours before 
being shipped. 
The final preparation.—When the fowl is thoroughly dry, examine 
the shanks and feet closely to make sure that no dirt remains under 
Fic. 7.—This club member is giving her birds a final inspection before sending them 
to the show. 
or around the scales on the legs. Such particles of dirt as do remain 
may easily be removed with a toothpick. It is well at this time also 
to moisten a small cloth with a little sweet oil or olive oil or vaseline 
and rub it on the shanks, wattles, ear lobes, face, and comb. This 
will help considerably to bring out the true color of these parts. Do 
not apply too much oil or vaseline to the head or shanks, as it may 
soil the plumage. 
SHIPPING THE FOWLS. 
Under no circumstances should a bird be sent to an exhibit or 
show in a poorly constructed shipping coop. Many desirable and 
likely fowls have been rendered unfit for show by shipping them in a 
coop that was either too small or poorly constructed. Coops for 
