concert," to send their entries subject to a condition that if a judge officiates whom they will pick out, their entries are to be returned. Now, at first sight it may appear nothing unreasonable that anyone should exercise an undoubted right either to keep his birds at home or only show them under certain conditions; but let us see how this system of protest, as at present carried on, may-nay, even does, work. By way of illustration we will suppose half-a-dozen fanciers make up their minds to exclude a certain judge, A, B, or C, the entries (probably increased to some extent) are sent in by each subject to the condition named, that, say, Mr. A does not judge. We know the anxiety of all active promoters of shows to secure a good entry, and need not wonder the result is in nearly every case, that as they have other choice the judge named is passed over; a reflection is cast upon his character and an injury done, he knowing neither his traducers nor being able to meet any charge. It will thus appear that a combination of but a few fanciers could influence, or rather almost destroy, the prospects of any judge as a judge. This I know has been done, and done without justice or valid reason, in more cases than one, and I think this sufficient excuse for my writing, because if rings or cliques of this description increase true fanciers will fear-RESPICERE AD FINEM. BRIDGNORTH POULTRY SHOW. For the sake of other exhibitors of poultry I think it only right to make known, through the pages of THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE, the treatment my poultry have received from the Committee of the Bridgnorth Show. The Show took place on the 21st and 22nd of January. On the 20th I sent sixteen pens of different kinds over in my own cart, the same conveyance being sent to bring them back on the 23rd. Only eleven pens were returned, and the man was told that "the Turkeys were sold." Hearing nothing more I concluded the other pens were also sold; and it was only on Wednesday last, February 11th, three weeks afterwards, that I heard from the Secretary" that some of the fowls had been sent by rail by mistake; they are still here being well taken care of." I was requested by him to send for them; this I did on Thursday, the 12th of February, and the fowls (valuable Dorkings of different kinds, three hens and a cockerel) were seen by the man who went for them running in a yard with Brahmas, Cochins, &c. The explanation given me by the Secretary of this delay is as follows:-"We have been so much engaged the last fortnight in this hurried election, we have not been able to attend to anything." Surely the writing on a post card the request that the cart might be sent from this place to Bridgnorth (eight miles distant) would not have taken very much time, even in the midst of a hurried election, and I should not have been deprived of my fowls for three weeks.AUGUSTA DARTMOUTH, Patshull, Albrighton, Wolverhampton. PRODUCTION OF EGGS. prizes, two of which are silver cups [one to be awarded to the best cock, the other to the best hen]. This, I think, ought to secure strong competition and induce numerous entries of these majestic birds, especially as they are to be judged by Mr. F. Gresham.-A POULTRY AND PIGEON FANCIER. BARROW POULTRY SHOW. THIS was held on the 13th and 14th instant. There were upwards of six hundred entries, among which the following awards were distributed : GAME.-Cock.-1. Miss M. J. Nelson, Cockshaw, Hexham. 2, T. Mason, Lancaster. 8, J. & A. McKay, Borhead. GAME.-Chickens.-Cup. T. Mason. 2 and vhe, W. Boulton, Dalton. he, J. GAME BANTAM.-Cock.-1 and 8, Mrs. G. Hall, Kendal. 2, T. Barker, Hill SELLING CLASS.-1.-G. C. Wilson, Dallam Tower. 2, W. Whitworth, jun., Earby. DORKINGS.-1, J. Walker, Rochdale. 2, D. Gibson. 3, J. White, Warlaby hc. W. Jackson, Bolton-le-Sands. GAME-Black-breasted and other Reds.-Cup. T. Mason. 2, G. C. Wilson. 3, H. Sharp, Shelf, Halifax. he, J. H. Wilson, St. Bees. c, J. H. Mackereth, Holborn Hill, Cumberland. Duckwings and other Greys and Blues-1, H. Martin, Ulverston. 2, J. W. Thornton, Bradford. 8, J. W. Brockbank, Kirk santon. hc, C. H. Bourne, Ilkeston. COCHIN-CHINA.-Cinnamon and Buff.-Cup. W. H. Crabtree. 2. J. O. Rigg, Ulverston. 8, G. Cartmel, Kendal. hc, C. J. Myers, Broughton-in-Furness; T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Brown and Partridge.-1 and 8, T. Stretch. 2, T. Aspden, Church. he, J. J. Waller, Kendal; W. H. Crabtree, White.-1, J. & T. Weeks. 2 and 3, W. Whitworth. BRAHMA POOTRA-1 and 2, W. H. Crabtree. 3, A. Bamford, Middleton. HAMBURGHS.-Golden-pencilled.-1, R. Dickson, Selkirk. 2, G. & J. Duckworth. 3, J. Anderton, Gilstead. Silver-pencilled.-1, T. Boulton, Handforth. 2, J. Rhodes, Hyndburn, Accrington. 3, W. H. Goddard, Barrow. HAMBURGHS.-Golden-spangled.-1, N. Marlow, Denton. 2 and 3, G. & J. Duckworth. he, J. Hall, Stacksteads, Manchester; A. Harburn, Bishop Auckland. Silver-spangled-1, Ashton & Booth, Mottram. 2, H. Stanworth, Burnley. 8, T. Bellman, Ulverston. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, J. Walker. 2, H. Sharp. 3, A. Silvester, Sheffield. he, C. J. Myers; R. Hawkins, Seaham; W. Whitworth; W. H. Goddard; T. Marples, Blackburn. BANTAMS.-Game.-1, J. Heaton, Grantham. 2, Mrs. G. Hall. 8, W. Gray. hc, Mrs. G. Hall; Miss M. J. Nelson. Game, any other variety.-1, J. Heaton. 2. T. Barker, Burnley. 3, Miss M. J. Nelson. vhe, Mrs. G. Hall; W. Murray, Hexham. he, Miss M. J. Nelson; W. Gray, Tow Law, Darlington. Any other variety except Game.-1, W. Moore. 2, M. Leno. 8, R. H. Ashton. hc, W. H. Robinson; M. Leno. DUCKS-1, J. Walker. 2, W. C. Hunter, Old Barrow. 8, J. W. Brockbank. CARRIERS.-1, J. Thompson, Bingley. 2, D. Garside, Manchester. hc, W. ham. JACOBINS.-1, J. Thompson. 2, W. Braydon. hc, H. Yardley; J. & W. Tower son; J. Thompson. ANTWERPS.-1. C. F. Copeman, Rolehull. 2, J. Gardner. hc, C. E. Peddar, Preston; H. Yardley; J. Gardner. BARBS.-1, H. Yardley. 2, T. W. Townson. TURBITS.-1, A. Silvester. 2, J. Wilson, Rigmaden, Kirkby Lonsdale. he, W. Braydon; - Wilson; T. W. Townson. OWLS.-1, W. Braydon. 2, J. Gardner. hc, T. W. Townson, Bowdon. FANTAILS.-1, T. W. Townson. 2, J. Thompson. hc, W. Braydon; J. F. Loversedge, Newark. DRAGOONS.-1 and he, J. Gardner. 2, J. Thompson. TRUMPETERS.-1 and he, J. Gardner. 2, J. & W. Towerson. RUNTS.-1, J. Fisher, Barrow. 2, H. Yardley. I WRITE to let you know the success that has attended my management learned from your Journal. I there first saw that ground oats are a nourishing food for fowls in cold weather and to bring them on to lay. During the month of November I fed them on the oats (scalded), with maize and barley, twice a-day. I have fifty-four stock poultry, including cocks; they are Houdans and Brahmas. The Brahma pullets commenced laying early in December, in which month I had 286 eggs; others coming on increased the number in January to 363; to-day (the Sharp; J. & W. Towerson (2). 14th of February) I have 239, the produce of fourteen days. So you see there is still a great increase. I have had several hens that wanted to sit, which I have shut-up in the dark for two days; they then come on to lay again in less than a fortnight. They have an unlimited grass run every other day, the Houdans out one day the Brahmas another, as I keep them apart.-G. L. SUPPLY OF POULTRY-SHOW LABELS. MAY I call your attention and that of poultry-show secretaries to a matter of no slight importance to exhibitors-that is, the posting of labels? I have the fortune, or misfortune, to live in a rugged mountainous land called "Wild Wales," where postal deliveries and trains are few and far between; and in addition to this, I am six miles from either post office or station. Now, six times in seven weeks have labels not been sent in time, and in three cases not at all. When they are sent they arrive often not more than from seven to eight hours before the birds should be delivered at the show; and when amongst the aggressors one finds the names of Newport, Wolverhampton, and Hanley, it is all time that this should be remedied.-MADOC. SCHEDULE OF THE NORTHAMPTON SHOW.-I wish to call attention to the liberality of the Committee in providing so many cups and other prizes for so large a number of classes. In the Pouter classes more particularly there are no less than eighteen ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, A. Silvester. 2, J.Gardner. hc, A. Silvester; C. H. SELLING CLASS.-1, J. & W. Towerson. 2, Miss J. Thompson. he, W. Jack son; J. & W. Towerson (2); J. Fisher. CANARIES. Mule.-1, T. Scully. 2, J. Williams. Piebald.-Yellow or Buff.- HANLEY POULTRY SHOW. THIS was held on the 10th, 11th, and 12th inst. The following awards were made: DORKINGS.-Dark.-1, L. Patton. 2, J. Walker. 3, Mrs. Arkwright. Any COCHINS.-Cinnamon and Buff.-1 and 8, W. A. Taylor. 2, H. Beldon. hc, BRAHMA POOTRA.-Dark.-1, Extra, and 2, W. H. Crabtree. 8, Mrs. Ark- ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, T. Marples (Sultans). 2, Rev. A. G. Brooke. 8, H. 3, J. R. Fletcher. he, G. Lunt. Hen.-1. Miss Osborne. 2, J. R. Fletcher. 3, J. F. Walton. he, R. Ashley. c, E. H. Wood, GAME.-Duckwings, or other Greys and Blues.-1 and Extra, D. W. J. Robinson. Silver-pencilled.-1 and 3, H. Beldon. 2, J. Rhodes. DUCKS.-White Aylesbury.-1, 2, and 3, J. Walker. Any other variety.-1, H. GEESE-White.-1 and 2, J. Walker. Grey.-1 and 2, J. Walker. Mrs. Cooper. SELLING CLASS. (Any Variety).-1, H. Beldon. 2, E. Jacks on. 3, J. Walker. ke, D. Gellatly. c, J. P. Parker; R. Newbitt CARRIERS.-1, E. Walker. 2 and hc, E. Horner. Horner. ANTWERPS.-1, W. Gamon. 2, C. F. Copeman. hc, W. Gamon; H. Yardley. OWLS.-English.-1, J. W. Townson. 2 and vhc, A. Mangnall. he, J. Walker; H. Yardley; P. H. Jones. Any other variety.-1, P. H. Jones. 2, J. W. Townson. he. F. Wild; E. Horner. FANTAILS.-1 and 2, Rev. W. Serjeantson. hc, F. Loversidge. Stretch; G. Taylor. SELLING CLASS.-1, R. White. 2. E. Horner. LOP-EARED.-1, Extra, and 2, F. Banks. hc, T. Hargreaves, jun.; A. Woodall; ANGORA-1, W. Whitworth. 2, T. Ball. hc, H. Sweetman; W. Whitworth. TABBY.-Short-haired.-1, Mrs. W. J. Nichols. 2, G. Ellis. Hincks; W. L. Scott. BLACK-AND-WHITE.-Evenly-marked.-1, J. Upton. 2, F. J. Goodall. JUDGES.-Poultry: Rev. G. F. Hodson, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. P. H. Jones. CRYSTAL PALACE GREAT EXHIBITION OF AND BRITISH AND FOREIGN CAGE BIRDS. Ir had so chanced that until Monday last I never had seen "the Palace Canary Show," as it is colloquially called, but I had always wished to be there, especially since one "W. A. B." had written such graphic accounts thereof. I had always thought that the fairy songster of the parlour would be so much in his place in the fairy Palace of glass; and then the pert little rascal is always so much at home wherever he is. Talk of a cat always falling on his legs! puss is nothing to a Canary, who, give him his cage, is at once at his ease and ready to see company. Give him his cage-that is the point, for that is home, his house, his castle; out of it he is but a poor weak-winged flutterer. I had often seen the Palace Poultry Show, and thought the blithe Bantam more wholly at his ease than the huge Brahma; and that Mrs. Dorking seemed to be dreaming-day-dreaming, with wide-open thoughtful eyes, of the farmyard. Then as to the great Pigeon Show. Although the many-plumaged Doves seemed more at their ease, especially when in pairs (a peculiarity I have noticed also in the human species), yet Mrs. Fan, or Mrs. Jack, or Mrs. Almond might be supposed to have their thoughts upon the nest in the corner of their loft, where their partners murmur sweet sounds of affection into very willing ears. But Mr. Canary, the bachelor "Dick" of thousands of parlours, is quite a cosmopolitan, and with a saucy look of his saucy face, and a wag-no, a jerk, of his saucier tail, looks round at a "Here I am again, as good as you, show as much as to say, only-better." Climbing the many steps ascending the long sloping wood walks leading up to the Palace, I enter at the extreme west. I 175 like to enter there, for there I entered some dozen or more years ago, when the Palace was new, and new to me. But I must on organ and past theatre. And what now, Mr. Wilson? A pretty inquiry walk right on to the other end. Tramp, tramp, past tent-like structure ornamented with flags-a roof within a roof, with crimson curtains drawn tastefully back: what meaneth this Arabian-Night-like pavilion? Hark, the song of the birds! but gaudy Macaws are at the entrance, guards over the little Why, here must be the Canary Show! Two grand and grave ones within. The sides are green baize. A line of cages, and above a line of cages; not one on the top of the other, but, with good taste, Mr. Wilson, the top row placed a little backward; then two gangways in the middle, and on either side birds; while with perfect taste Mr. Williams, the head gardener of the interior of the Palace, had introduced here and there masses of flowers, now breaking pleasantly the long line of the cages, then with shrub and statue occupying the centre. In 1873 the number exhibited was 1063; now, in 1874, the numbers have advanced to 1269. First, as I enter on the right hand come, on the lower tier, the Clear Yellow Norwich. Now my readers must understand that the Norwich birds are here most properly divided into the usual Orme manufacture, or I may call them into non-peppered and old variety, and the "high-coloured" birds of the Bemrose-andpeppered birds. This is fair and wise, and I hope every exhibitor will honestly enter actually and really non-peppered birds in the non-peppered classes. Class 1, Clear Yellow Norwich.-Sixty-seven entries and only three prizes! My first feeling is pity for the Judges, for so many were so level in goodness. I would remark, that a capital spectators. He, Mr. Wilson, hangs up a large card at the plan has been adopted by Mr. Wilson to guide the eyes of the class plainly. Hence, testy old gentlemen, white-whiskered and ending of a class and the beginning of another, marking-off each spectacled, were not heard so frequently grumbling, "Confound it, I can't make out whatever class I have got to." The Norwich birds ran through the usual courses-Clear Yellow, Clear Buff (N.B.-Please drop that word "buff," good fanciers; "mealy" is surely a better word); then Best-marked or Variegated Yellows and Buffs, and Ticked or Unevenly-marked Yellow and Buff. I looked with pleasure upon many in all these classes. Then I the high-coloured, the peppered, which before I would not try to keep all these in my mind's eye, and I now pass over to purposely look at, and I must own (and mark, I had never seen a peppered bird before), the contrast is wonderful. ""Tis as moonlight unto sunlight, And as water unto wine." Messrs. Bemrose & Orme, or whoever may have discovered this Next came some exquisite Goldfinch Mules. 609, and 618, Mr. Doel's, were also very beautiful. There were besides many Mules which were strikingly handsome, both Light and Dark. There were also three Black Goldfinch Mules, literally black-partly cases of hempseed, doubtless. There was a Bullfinch and Goldfinch Mule, form of the former chiefly, colour of the latter chiefly; Siskin Mules, Greenfich Mules, &c. Cages containing six Canaries follow; then come Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Linnets, Siskins, Redpoles, Skylarks, and Robins, Oh! Bobby Robin, I would rather not have seen you caged, though Miss Robinson's cages, cottage-shaped, are neat, warm, and show good taste in make and usually in colour. Blackbirds and Thrushes, Starlings-one, No. 831, seems to be a most talkative gentleman-two Magpies, and one Jay, three Jackdaws, and oh! bad taste, in black cages. Contrast, contrast, good exhibitors, is what is wanted. Among the Any other variety of British birds were a pair of Bearded Tits, the lady most properly not bearded; a brown cock Blackbird, a good solid brown colour; two Choughs sent by Lady Dorothy Nevill, Bramble Finches, &c.; No. 855, a good collection of British Finches, thirteen varieties; several Snow Buntings, Mealy Linnets, &c., and a pair of Blue Tits in a cage of virgin cork, a most snug-looking abode; a few Blackcaps, and one Nightingale, and he had no tail! So much for the British birds. FOREIGN BIRDS. These were highly ornamental. Among them glowed Redheaded Cardinals, Australian Parakeets, a most splendid crimson-winged Parrot (No. 924), and a Rosella Parrot (No. 923), these two perhaps the most beautiful of all the larger birds in the Show; King Parrots and Indian Parakeets, and the good old-fashioned African Grey Parrot, as a talker unequalled-these birds are now dear, as none have been imported, owing to Ashantee and other African troubles, for the last two years; Cockatoos of many kinds, looking as if they could say anything if they chose. There were many smaller foreign birds-an Ortolan, suggestive of gourmands; a Solitary Thrush, possibly "the Sparrow that sitteth alone on the housetop" of the Bible; a Mocking Bird, Avadavats, and many others; a Saffron Finch (No. 996), which looked a likely bird to cross with the Canary; and a great crowd of other small foreign birds. There was in addition, and rightly, a large Selling class, so that anyone whose fancy led him to buy could at once carry out his wish. In conclusion I would strongly recommend a uniformity of cages. At present the rows resembled the houses of most London streets-one tall, the next short; one narrow and high, the next broad and low. Also the cages should be warm, wooden back and sides, and wire front. I was glad that I saw no treadmill cages, and only one poor bird braced round the body and obliged to pull up a little waggon to get food and a bucket to get water; this a mere ingenious piece of cruelty to be reproved, not praised. All the arrangements reflected the highest credit upon Mr. Wilson, who afforded by this Show pleasure to thousands.WILTSHIRE RECTOR. NORWICH (Clear Yellow).-1, Bemrose & Orme, Derby. 2 and Extra 3, P. Flexney, Market Street. Caledonian Road, London. 3, W. Walter, Winchester. ehe, J. Tarr, Thornhill Place, Caledonian Road, N.; P. Flexney (8); J. T. Galey, Colchester; J. Adams, Coventry; Bemrose & Orme; W. Walter; Alden and Havers, Norwich (2). hc, J. T. Galey; J. Athersuch & Son (2); J. Bexson, Derby; J. Adams (2); R. B. Newsom, Bromley Common (8); Bemrose and Orme; T. Fenn. c, J. Meredith, Kingston-on-Thames; J. Adams (3); T. Newmarch, jun., Crystal Palace (2); T. Fenn, Ipswich (4); G. & J. Mackley, Norwich (4). NORWICH (Clear Buff).-1, W. Evans. 2, Bemrose & Orme. Extra 2 and Extra 8, W. Walter. 8, P. Flexney. vhc, J. Doel, Stonehouse (2); P. Flexney; J. Adams; Bemrose & Orme. hc, P. Flexney; J. T. Galey; R. B. Newsom (2); T. Smeeton; Bemrose & Orme; Moore & Wynne, Northampton (2); G. & J. Mackley. c. J. Doel: J. Meredith; H. & D. Audley, Leicester; J. Bexson (2); W. Corden, Dartford; Mrs. Judd, Newington Butts; T. Fenn; Alden & Havers; G. & J. Mackley. NORWICH (Marked or Variegated Yellow).-1 and 3, Bemrose & Orme. 2, J. T. Galey. Extra 3, J. Athersuch & Son. vhc, J. Athersuch & Son; Bemrose and Orme; W. Walter. hc, J. Adams (2); Alden & Havers. c, J. Bexson; J. Caplin, Canterbury; Alden & Havers (2); G. & J. Mackley (4); S. Tomes. NORWICH (Marked or Variegated Buff)-1 and 2, Bemrose & Orme. 8, J. Adams. the, H. & D. Audley; J. Athersuch & Son; J. Adams; Bemrose and Orme; G. & J. Mackley. hc, J. T. Galey; W. Richards, Bulwell, Notts; J. Adams; Athersuch & Son; R. B. Newsom; T. Smeeton; G. & J. Mackley. c, J. T. Galey; S. Tomes; Alden & Havers (2); G. & J. Mackley (2). NORWICH (Ticked or Unevenly-marked Yellow)-1, J. Baxter. 2, P. Flexney. 3. J. Bexson. Extra 3, Bemrose & Orme. vhc. P. Flexney; J. Adams (5); S. Tomes; T. Smeeton, Nottingham. hc, J. Meredith (4) J. Athersuch & Son; J. Bexson; J. Adams (8); T. Newmarch, jun.; Bemrose & Orme; R. B. Newsom; W. Walter. c, J. Meredith; J. T. Galey (2); A. Colman, New Catton (2); Alden and Havers; G. & J. Mackley (2). NORWICH (Ticked or Unevenly-marked Buff).-1 and Extra 8, Bemrose and Orme. 8, J. Doel. vhc, J. T. Galey (2); J. Adams. hc, W. Richards; J. Baxter, Nottingham; S. Tomes. c, J. Adams; W. Walter; A. Colman. Winners of the Extra Príze in the first six classes of Norwich Canaries, Bemrose & Orme. NORWICH (Clear and Ticked, High colour).-1, 2, 3, and Extra 3, Bemrose and Orme. Extra 2, J. Athersuch & Son. vhc, J. Athersuch & Son; Bemrose and Orme; T. Tenniswood, North Acklam. hc, J. Athersuch & Son; J. Adams; Bemrose & Orme (4). c, Bemrose & Orme (2); G. & J. Mackley. NORWICH (Marked or Variegated Norwich, High colour).-1, 2, 3, and vhc, Bemrose & Orme. c, J. Adams. NORWICH (Marked or Variegated Crested Yellow).-1 and hc, P. Flexney. 2, W. Waller, Tabernacle Walk, Finsbury. 3, G. & J. Mackley. c, J. Packham, Beddington Corner; G. & J. Mackley. NORWICH (Marked or Variegated Crested Buff).-1, G. Wones. 2, J. Tarr. Extra 2, F. Woodward, Litchurch. 8, Alden & Havers. Extra 3. J. Shield, jun., Ravensdown, Berwick-on-Tweed; Alden & Havers. vhc, Edge & Judge, Derby; H. Gibbes, South Brent; S. Tomes; Bemrose & Orme; J. Caplin; Martin and Griffin; Alden & Havers; G. & J. Mackley. hc, J. Tarr G. H. Goulter (2); J. Goode; J. Adams; Moore & Wynne; Martin & Griffin; Alden & Havers. c, G. H. Goulter, Norbiton (2); S. Tomes; Mrs. Eagle; T. Fenn; G. & J. Mackley. NORWICH (With Clear, Grey, or Dark Crest, irrespective of Colour).-1, Alden and Havers. 2, Brown & Gayton. 3. J. Bexson. Extra 8, Martin & Griffin. Northampton. vhc, N. Walker, Long Acre, London; F. Woodward: R. E. Triffitt, York; S. Tomes (2); T. Fenn. hc, J. Devaney; J. Baxter. c, Mrs. A. M. A. Stephenson, Bishop's Cleeve, Cheltenham; N. Walker; Alden and Havers (2); G. & J. Mackley (2). brough. Extra 2, J. Rutter, Sunderland. BELGIAN (Clear and Ticked Yellow).-1, J. Doel. 2, R. Hawman, MiddlesExtra 3, H. Gibbes (2); Mrs. J. Chinery, Wootton, vhc, J. Doel; Mrs. Dresing. he, J. Doel; R. Hawman; J. Rutter. BELGIAN (Clear and Ticked Buff).—1 and 3, H. Gibbes. 2, Extra 2, and he, J. Rutter. vhe, J. Doel (2); H. Gibbes; J. Rutter; G. & J. Mackley. c. J. Doel. BELGIAN (Variegated, irrespective of Colour).-1, 8, and he, J. Rutter. 2, J. Hickton, Sutton-in-Ashfield, whc, J. Hickton (2); J. Rutter. Waller, Tabernacle Walk, Finsbury. hc, T. Clark; J. M. Wilson, Pimlico; J. LONDON FANCY (Jonque).—1 and 2, T. Clarke. Sutton, Surrey. 8 and vhe, J. Waller (2). c, T. Clark; J. Price. LONDON FANCY (Mealy),-1 and 8, T. Clark. 2, W. Brodrick, Chudleigh. vhe, T. Clark; W. Brodrick; J. McMillin, Hornsey. he, T. Clark; J. McMillin (2). c, T. Clark; J. Price; J. McMillin. LIZARD (Golden-spangled).-1 and 3, W. Watson, jun., Darlington. 2, T. Dove, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Extra 3, J. Martin. vhc, T. Haywood, Nottingham; J. Hickton; G. & J. Mackley (2). he, T. Haywood: J. Shackleton, Wellfield, Rochdale; T. W. Fairbrass, Canterbury. c, T. W. Fairbrass. LIZARD (Silver-spangled).-1, W. Watson. 3, T. W. Fairbrass. 8, J. Shackleton. vhe, Rev. V. Ward, Hythe; T. W. Fairbrass; G. & J. Mackley. c, G. & J. Mackley. LIZARD (Gold or Silver-spangled, with Broken Caps).-1 and he, T. W. Fairbrass. 2 and c, W. Watson. 8, C. Hibbs, Kilburn. who, Rev. V. Ward; T. W. Fairbrass. YORKSHIRE (Clear-marked or Variegated, irrespective of Colour).—1, 2, 3, and vhc, L. Belk, Dewsbury. hc, J. Stephens, Middlesbrough. CINNAMON (Jonque).-1 and Extra 2, J. Adams. 2, Bemrose & Orme. 8, J. Bexson. Extra 3, J. Stephens. vhc, W. G. Warren, Blackheath Hill; J. Bexson; W. Corden. he, W. Corden; Cox & Hilliers, Northampton; Moore and Wynne; F. M. Fellingham, Brighton; J. Waller (7); G. & J. Mackley, c, J. Waller; G. & J. Mackley (2). CINNAMON (Buff).-1, J. Adams. 2, Bemrose & Orme. 8, G. & J. Mackley. Extra 3, J. Bexson. vhc, J. Bexson; J. Adams; Cox & Hilliers; Bemrose and Orme; T. M. Fellingham, he, Edge & Judge; W. Raynes (2); W. Corden (4); W. Waller (8); J. Waller (2); G. & J. Mackley. c, J. R. Naylor, Chatham (2) W. Corden (2): Moore & Wynne; J. Waller (8). CINNAMON (Marked or Variegated, irrespective of Colour).-1 and 2, Withheld. 3 Bemrose & Orme. vhe, R. Sandell, New Cross Gate, London; T. Armstrong, Great Broughton. hc, L. Belk (3). c, J. Bexson. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1 and 8, Withheld. 2, W. W. C. Selkirk. vhc, Moore and Wynne; J. Baxter (Scotch fancy). hc, L. Belk; C. A. Jones, Lewisham (Jonque Crested); J. Baxter. GOLDFINCH MULE (Evenly-marked Yellow).-1, 2, and vhc, J. Doel. 3, T. Fenn. Extra 3, R. Hawman. he, G. & J. Mackley. GOLDFINCH MULE (Evenly-marked Buff).-1 and 2, J. Doel 3, T. Fenn. vhc, H. Gibbes. hc, J. Doel; W. Barnes; G. & J. Mackley. GOLDFINCH MULE (Any other class of Yellow).-1 and 2, J. Doel. 8, J. Brown, jun., Penrith. vhc, J. Doel; J. Goode, Leicester. c, J. Doel (2); Alden & Havers. GOLDFINCH MULE (Any other class of Buff).-1, 2, and c, J. Doel. 3, J. Brown, jun, he, G. & J. Mackley. hc, E. Waller, Norbiton; T. Tenniswood; Alden and Havers. Winner of the Silver Cup in Goldfinch Mule classes, J. Doel. GOLDFINCH MULE (Dark Jonque).-1, Bemrose & Orme. 2 and c, Cox and Hilliers. 8, Mrs. Dresing, Fareham. vhe, Brown & Gayton, Northampton; W. O. Hayes, White Street, Borough; G. & J. Mackley. hc, J. Goode; W. O. Hayes. J. Mackley. vhc, Cox & Hilliers: Moore & Wynne; G. & J. Mackley. c, C. Varetti, Clapham; A. Waterworth, Shipley. GOLDFINCH MULE (Dark Mealy).-1, W. Evans. 2, Cox & Hilliers. 3, G. and MULE (Linnet)-1, J. Stevens. 2 and vhc, J. Spencer, South Shields. 8, W. Hutton, Baildon. c,-Meredith. MULE (Any other variety).-1, J. Doel. 2, W. Hutton. 8, R. Sandell (Siskin). vhc, J. Doel (?): Miss J. Stapleton (Bullfinch). hc, J. Baxter, Newcastle-onTyne. c, R. J. Troake, Clifton, Bristol (Greenfinch and Canary). NORWICH (Six in one Cage, irrespective of Colour).-1 and 2, W. Walter. 8, G. and J. Mackley. vhc, J. Meredith (2); I. Garrett, Brighton; J. Caplin; G. and J. Mackley. hc, J. Meredith (8); I. Garrett. c, J. Meredith. LIZARDS (Six in one Cage, irrespective of colour).-1, W. Watson, jun. 2, J. Martin, Salford. 8, T. W. Fairbrass. hc, T. Dove. c, Rev. V. Ward. GOLDFINCH MULES (Six in one Cage).-1 and 3, J. Doel. 2, W. Hutton. vhc, W. Bates, Nottingham; J. Baxter. MISCELLANEOUS.-Prize, Brown & Gayton; J. Baxter. BULLFINCH.-Prize, J. Drake. hc, T. Willsher, Chichester; J. Drake; G. and J. Mackley. c, Broom & Gayton; Mrs. Kettle, Kensington. GOLDFINCH.-Prize, R. J. Troake. hc, J. Meredith; J. Prosser, Derby; W. Price, Blackheath. c, W. L. Chapman, Northampton. LINNET.-Prize, R. Hawman. he, A. G. Bragger, Lambeth; W. & C. Burniston. c, J. Spencer; G. & J. Mackley. REDPOLE OR SISKIN. Prize, Rev. J. P. Bartlett, Southampton. he, D. Knight; Brown & Gayton; W. Walter. c, R. Sandell; T. Willsher; J. Drake, Ipswich. SKYLARK.-Prize, W. Walter. vhc, J. S. Benton, Rochester. hc, T. Freeman. c, Mrs. Judd. ROBIN.-Prize and he, Miss M. A. Robinson. c, Brown & Gayton; J. Drake. BLACKBIRD.-Prize. R. W. Alwin, Deptford. hc, A. W. Sweeting, Sydenham; S. Bramley, Laurie Park; G. & J. Mackley. SONG THRUSH.-Prize, A. W. Sweeting. vhc, W. Walter. c, W. Ireland, Anerley; Mrs. E. Gallo. STARLING.-Prize, T. Dove. hc, Miss E. Hawkins, Bear Street, Leicester Square. c, Mrs. Judd; G. & J. Mackley. MAGPIE.-Prize, Miss M. A. Robinson. JAY.-Prize, G. & J. Mackley. JACKDAW-1, Miss M. A. Robinson. BRITISH BIRDS (Any other variety).-Prize, J. Young, Notting Hill (Bearded Tits) J. Pratt (Brown Blackbird); Lady D. Nevill, Dangstein (Chough). vhc, Rev. T. S. Carte, Torrington Square, W.C. (British Finches); E. Martin (Blue Tits); A. Skinner, Islington (Pied House Sparrow, Pied Linnet, and Mealy Linnet). hc, Mrs. E. Galio (Dunnock); Miss M. A. Robinson (Bramblefinch); Mrs. W. Mostyn, Coed-bel (Yellowhammers); Mrs. W. H. Allcorn, London (Pied Goldfinch); J. Drake (Black Bullfinch); W. Walter (Woodlark and Missel Thrush); G. & J. Mackley (Pied Sparrow). c, J. C. Higgs, Leather Lane, E.C. (Hedge Sparrow); Rev. T. S. Carte (Snow Bunting); A. Skinner (Woodlark); T. Newmarch, sen. (Snow Buntings); G. & J. Mackley (Snow Bunting). BIRDS OF PASSAGE AND MIGRATORY BIRDS. ANY OTHER VARIETY OF BRITISH BIRDS.-Prize, C. Varetti (Titlark). WIDAH BIRDS-Prize, G. & J. Mackley. hc, W. Walter. CARDINAL (Red-headed).-single.-Prize, W. Walter. the, Miss M. Hawkins. NIGHTINGALE (Virginian).-Single.-Prize and he, T. Newmarch, jun. WAXBILLS (Any variety).-Prize and hc, W. Walter. SPARROWS (Java).-Prize, Mrs. Judd. vhc, C. B. Budd, Clapham. hc, T. New. march, jun. LOVE BIRDS.-Prize, W. Walter. PARAKEETS (Australian Grass).-Prize, Miss M. Hawkins. vhc, W. Walter. COCKATEALS.-Prize, Mrs. Miller, Upper Norwood. he, T. Newmarch, jun. PARROTS OR PARAKEETS (Any other variety of Small).-Prize, Rev. A. Johnson (Turquosine). hc, Mrs. Mostyn, Sydenham (Parrots from St. Edward's Island). c, Miss W. Pope, Sydenham (Senegal Parrots). PARAKEETS (Australian or Broad-tailed).-Prize, Mrs. C. E. Sambrook; J. Rawley (Crimson-wing Parrot). hc, T. Newmarch, jun. (Cockateal). c, T. Newmarch, sen. (Mealy Rosella). PARAKEETS (Ring-necked or Indian).-Prize and c, T. Newmarch, jun. vhc, A. Bell. hc, Miss Catt, Brixton. PARROTS (King).-Prize, Master J. S. Harrison, Spalding. PARROTS (Green, or any other variety of large, except Grey).-Prize, Miss W. Pope (Green Eagle-eyed Spectacled Parrot). PARROTS (Grey).-1, Miss S. Benbow, Wallington. 2, Mrs. Judd. hc, R. Theobald, Brompton Road. c, D. Child, Upper Norwood. COCKATOO (Any other variety).-Prize, T. Newmarch, jun. (Slender Bill), c, A. Vicars (Forest Hill). COCKATOO (Leadbeater or Rose-breasted).-1, W. Walter. 2, A. Vicars. c, T. Clapham, Muswell Hill. COCKATOO (Lemen or Orange-crested).-1, M. George. 2, J. Meredith. c, H. Cross, South Norwood. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-Prize, Mrs. E. Gallo (Rock Thrush). Equal Prize, Mrs. Rilley, Notting Hill (Mocking Bird); J. Cross (Chilian Starlings); Miss M. Hawkins (White Java Sparrows) vhc, R. Woolward, jun., East Brixton (South American Magpie); Miss M. Hawkins (Lesser Pekin Nightingale and Greater Pekin Nightingale); T. Newmarch, jun. (Blood-winged Parrot); Rev. A. Johnson (Australian Barwing Doves). hc, Mrs. W. Mostyn (Australian Banded Finches); E. Sweeting (Madagascar Finch); Mrs. F. Ford (Indian Avadavats); Mrs. Judd (Indigo Blue Birds); T Newmarch, jun. (Spice Birds); W. Walter (Saffron Finch); T. Newmarch, sen. (Bronze Manikins and Avadavats); Rev. A. Johnson. c, Mrs. E. Gallo (Blue Solitary Thrush); T. Newmarch, jun. (Chesnut Finches and White Banded Manakins); J. Newmarch, sen. (Black-headed Manakins and Silver Bills). JUDGES.-Canaries: G. Barnesby, Esq., A. Willmore, Esq., T. Moore, Esq. British and Foreign Birds: H. Weir, Esq., J. J. Weir, Esq., assisted by F. W. Wilson, Esq. BEE-FEEDING EXPERIENCES-REMEDY FOR BEE STINGS. IN October last I bought my first hive of bees-an old-world cottager's hive. Having no experience, and relying entirely on "book-learning," I came to the conclusion that it was "light,' and required feeding. I tried troughs outside the hive, but as this method required constant attention to renew the supplies, and attracted robbers of all kinds (where do the hosts of blowflies come from?), I was compelled to abandon this plan. I then cut a hole in the top of the hive, and applied one of Neighbour's circular troughs with a floating stage; but the cold weather was upon me, and the bees only mounted into it in small numbers; some of these even were chilled, and never returned to the hive. This plan also failed. I then saw that one of your correspondents advised the feeding of light hives in a greenhouse. Evidently it was the very thing for me. The hive, therefore, was duly removed on a memorable Saturday night to my little greenhouse, the food duly placed, and I went to bed as happy as the proverbial sand boy. Well, I admit Sunday is not an early day with me. I was not suffering from bees on the brain, and I slept. My first care was my bees. Oh, horror! The weather, instead of being November, was May; the sun shone brightly, the bees hummed merrily out of the hive, and bumped and thumped against the wet glass. Then they were chilled, and fell by hundreds between my flower pots, and thence on to the colder floor. I gathered up my darlings, warming them in my hands, or in boxes before the fire, before replacing them in the hive. They behaved very well to me, for I was innocent of bee-dress and gloves, and during that seven-hours work, having handled hundreds of bees, I received but two stings-one through having slightly pinched my friend, and one from a vixenish party on the forehead. I had had enough of that, and the bees were that same night relegated to the garden, and invited, in the words of Montalembert, "to take a bath in the free air of England." But still the bees must be fed, and one of your correspondents suggested the plan of all others that suited my case. He said a light hive might be kept in the kitchen, and fed, if the entrance to the hive were closed. A piece of perforated zinc was accordingly obtained, the entrance carefully barred, and yet fresh air secured. The hive of much-suffering bees was again removed to the greenhouse-temperature 45°. There they remained a week, carefully watched night and day, feeding but little, and showing signs of anger that they were prisoners. At last one unhappy day, I left home early without looking at them, and returned late at night. To my question, "How are the bees?" I received the reply, "Oh! I forgot to look at them, father." "Then I will. Come on." I raised the woollen covering from the feeding trough, and found it full of one solid mass of drowned and drowning bees. Their weight had forced the float downwards, and they were struggling in the food which I in my fondness had placed for their sustenance. It was evident that something must be done to liberate them, and to-morrow again was Sunday. I took them to the potting board, removed the zinc and the feeding trough, and out they streamed in hundreds on that memorable December night. There they were left till the morning. I then raised the hive from the floor board, and found it fairly covered with dead bees and a large quantity of honey. On turning the hive up I found about fifty cowed and dispirited bees and seven large combs. About one-half of these were unsealed, and some of the cells contained brood. So ended my first attempt at bee-keeping. We treated our dead bees with all respect, and having held an inquest, we returned the verdict of "killed by kindness." Since then I have studied Æsop, and commend to the perusal of amateur bee-keepers the wise old story of the man and his ass, which means that I shall let my next lot of bees take care of themselves, while I correct my experience by the suggestions of your contributors. If the recital of my failures help to warn others from sunken rocks I shall greatly rejoice. I have made one discovery-that a preparation of Ledum palustre (Labrador Tea) homoeopathically prepared is a sovereign remedy for bee stings.-BEATEN BUT NOT DISMAYED. FOUL BROOD IN HIVES. It is believed that the late Mr. Woodbury ("DEVONSHIRE BEEKEEPER") exerted himself more than any other British apiarian to find out the mysteries of this terrible disease. By his own researches and investigations he examined the subject as far as he could. He not only discussed the question in these pages, but translated for their readers long and elaborate papers from German writers on the disease. From the time when he and I became acquainted with each other a very close and friendly correspondence was kept up between us till he died. In looking over a pile of his private letters to me lately, two things struck me forcibly-viz., his loyalty to truth and THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE. In all his private and public correspondence I never found that he ever overcoloured or undervalued the opinions of those who differed from him, or ever indulged in personalities. His constant aim was to find truth, and enlighten the readers of this Journal. Frequently he begged me to contribute articles to its pages, and once or twice he sent me the proof-sheets of his translations from the German. The views held forth in those papers did not appear to satisfy his inquiring mind, and he asked me for mine on the subject of foul brood. told him my opinions on this question were not entitled to much respect, for I had not given much time to its investigation; and that all my life I have thought that much of foul brood found in hives has been caused by either improper food or imperfect feeding. The expression of this opinion seemed to give him great pleasure and fresh food for thought; for in a day or two afterwards he wrote me a complimentary letter. When the reader is informed that, in my opinion, much that has been said and written on the cause of foul brood is simply hypothetic-mere guessing, he will not expect to receive from me much information or dogmatic teaching on the subject. All I shall attempt is to describe the appearance of foul brood, and the course it generally runs. Foul brood in bee hives is an incurable malady. From some cause, and in some seasons more than others, larvæ or halfhatched bees perish in their cells. These cells are at first separate from each other, and are covered with lids concave in form; the lids of healthy normal brood are convex or rounded. The cells of dead brood multiply fast, and by reason of their numbers come in contact with one another. This disease does not appear to spread by contact or touch, but by the multiplication of cells all over the brood combs. The matter in the cells is of a dirty red colour, as thick as honey, and almost as offensive to the smell as rotten eggs. The matter of foul brood is so putrid and offensive to bees that all prosperity departs from híves in which it is found; indeed the bees of infected hives frequently abandon them, and go off as swarms; sometimes they creep underneath their boards and build their combs there. Of course experienced bee-keepers do not keep diseased hives till they become uninhabitable. The stench of this disease can be easily smelt outside the hive, and symptoms of its existence may be seen in the conduct of the bees.-A. PETTIGREW, Sale, Cheshire. (To be continued.) OUR LETTER BOX. Books (Subscriber, C. Fold).-Brent's Canary Book. You can have it free by post from our office if you enclose 19 postage stamps with your address. NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE SHOW (J. P. Carver).-No doubt you could recover from the Committee the money for which your birds were sold; but there are too many circumstances needful to be known to justify us in advising you. Consult a solicitor. HITCHEN SHOW.-Mr. Haines says his Light Brahma cockerel was one that took second prize at Manchester and Bristol. FAKENHAM SHOW.-The following omission occurred in the prize list of this Show-viz, Game, any other variety, Hen.-he, H. P. Pamel-Price (Pile). the hen forms the egg internally, but the shell requires assistance from withSHELL-LESS AND IMPERFECT EGGS (J. K. L.).—It is always considered out. Chalk and lime are materials in request. If such are not to be had in the runs of your poultry, supply them. The easiest and most effectual method is to throw down a barrowful of bricklayers' rubbish near to their house. Throw it in a heap, it affords them amusement to get what they want. If your fowls have this, and are still in the habit of laying soft eggs, there is something wrong in their secretions. They are out of health. Either their food is at fault, or they lack something necessary for them. Your meagre information will not allow us to guess the cause. Soft food is the best for sitting hens. Creoles are not a distinct breed. Creels are much esteemed in some districts. COCHINS AND BRAHMAS (H. Cox).-Glad to hear of some of our old birds. There are none such now. We never approve of crosses between sitters and nonsitters. We are not very friendly to any crosses, and believe that any reasonable expectations in the way of poultry may be realised with pure birds. We cannot say what the effect of a mixture of Dorking, Houdan, and Brahma would be, nor do we think you would from a sight of the birds. If you mean to cross, confine yourself to Dorking and Brahma. That will give you a good table fowl. We have no doubt you can get the Brahma pullets you require at 258. each, but we have left Winchester and are now Londoners. If you run Light and Dark Brahmas together they will do to eat or to make broth, but they will be useless as stock fowls. Judging from your letter we suppose you have two runs. Allot one to your pure Dark Brahmas for one reliable and saleable breed. In the other keep what you like. You must not mix Light Brahmas with White Cochins. You will lose comb, markings, and all that constitute a Light Brahma, while you will get a comb and black feathers in the Cochins that will make them valueless. COCKEREL'S FOOT CRUSHED (Dover).-We should fear the bone is crushed or very seriously damaged. We should poultice while there was the discharge you mention, but as soon as that lessened we should keep the foot bandaged in its proper shape, and dressed with citron ointment. The ball of the foot may be injured by the fowl walking on it. In that case bind three or four splints round the leg, and let them reach half an inch below the foot. The bird will make a bad walk for a time, but if the foot gets well he will soon walk straight. BRAHMA PULLETS NOT LAYING (Brahma).-We expect you will have eggs before you read our answer. For winter layers, pullets should be hatched in May. There is great difference in three months' growth, or in three months' approach to maturity. After June the days shorten, and the sun loses power, People will smile at this, but we will be judged by those who breed for a livelihood all the year round, and will ask them the difference in rearing April or June chickens. We see no fault in your feeding except the buckwheat. That is too fattening. Pullets naturally put on flesh and fat before they begin to lay. When over-fat they cannot lay. Anything that tends to make fat should be avoided. HEN DYING SUDDENLY (G. H. L.).-There is nothing in your. description of the dead hen that is inconsistent with "natural death." Such is not uncommon both in cocks and hens at this time of year. Did you find the eggorgans quite healthy? Death is often caused by straining to lay an egg that is impeded by fat. FENCE FOR POULTRY-YARD (J. H. T.).-A 3-feet fence is insufficient to confine a Dorking cock at any time. You may render the exploit much more difficult by cutting all his flight feathers down almost to the quill on one wing. Cut them as low as you can without causing bleeding, and cut off ten feathers. Constancy is not a gallinaceous virtue. LAYING OBSTRUCTED (F. T. L. T.).-It is always a difficulty for a pullet to lay her first egg, and Nature seems to have provided it shall always be a very small one, probably the smallest she will ever lay. It is nevertheless voided with difficulty, and is always more or less streaked with blood. The treatment is to lubricate the vent with oil, and to continue till there is a plain action of opening and shutting. When this is seen the feather should be introduced still farther, and this should be repeated till the egg is laid. We never venture on an incision; we consider the ovary the most delicate part of a pullet's body. We see nothing to hinder the bird from laying her eggs and performing all the functions a good hen should do. Hens sometimes suffer in the same way, but that is generally caused by internal fever. The treatment is the same a wing or tail feather saturated with oil, and introduced till it reaches the egg. No violence must be used, as a broken egg in the egg. passage is a fatal accident, Where the oil is freely used nature will do the rest. BREEDING AGE (J. P.).-Much depends on the time of year at which the bird is hatched. A bird hatched in March, although only seven months old in October, is a stouter and more serviceable bird than one hatched in June will be in the following March. No cock should run with hens till he is six, or, better, seven months old, even if brought into the world under most favourable circumstances. You may safely set the eggs after he has been running four days or a week; the first is long enough if there is hurry. You may keep twenty-five or thirty fowls. UNITING SWARM AND CAST (A Young Apiarian).-You will certainly sueceed in transferring all the bees from your straw to bar-frame hives by driving all out of the former on the same day as the first swarms leave them, and casting them together in any way you like. Better do it on the day of swarming than leave it for a day or two later, for there is a peculiarity of smell in every colony of bees different from all others; and as bees know each other and strangers by smell, the swarms should be united before they become, as it were, separate families. The day after swarming may answer for the unions to take place, but the sooner it is done the better. There are so many ways of uniting swarms, that we hardly know which to suggest in your case. If you raise the bar-frame hives off their boards by wedges, and throw the bees from the old hives on the flight boards, or put the driven bees down so that they can pass out of the one hive into the other, they will speedily run into the bar-framed hives, and be received by their old comrades. There will be no queens amongst the second lots of bees taken so soon after the first swarms. A LARGE SUPER ON TWO HIVES (Idem).-Two swarms will not work amicably in separate hives in filling a large super. Better have a super on each hive. HIVES (4.).—The hives used by Mr. Pettigrew are made of straw, and are large, and neatly sewn. He uses three sizes-viz., 16, 18, and 20 inches wide inside, all 12 inches deep. He considers them incomparably better for bees than wooden hives, and better as storehouses for honey than straw hives with bar frames, but they are without windows. They are also very much cheaper than any other hive worth using in this country. No better barframe hive than Woodbury's can be obtained, for it is made of straw. We do not recommend makers of and dealers in hives. If you wish your supers filled with comb for home use, we would advise you to use those made of straw or wood without bar frames in them. They are not only cheaper with out frames, but very much better. Where honey is the object sought, complications in hives and supers should be avoided. CLEANING HIVE'S FLOOR-BOARD (W. E. M.).-The best time of day for cleaning the floor-boards of your hives is early in the afternoon on a still and warm day. We should first of all break the hives from the boards (in bee dress and gloves) with a screwdriver or strong knife; then blow a little smoke (tobacco or brown paper) into the hive to quiet the bees. Then, having ready a new board, gently lift up the hive and place it on the board, which can be put exactly where the hive stood before. The old board can then be scraped and washed with hot water, and given to another hive, and so on through the apiary. The operation need not take more than two or three minutes in the hands of a skilful workman. If done carefully no serious disturbance of the bees can occur. ROASTED BIRDS FOR BEES (A. P.).—You ask for our "readers' opinion as to giving sparrows and blackbirds (roasted) to bees for food," and say that "it is a common practice here in Ireland." You moreover state that "healthy hives with plenty of honey in them relish such food." Your statements are certainly novel to us. We never heard of bees taking to food of this kind; but there is no denying what you say, that, if these are facts, "however ridiculous it may appear, it cannot be nonsense." Still we demur to the "facts." Have you seen the banquet with your own eyes? and can you tell whether the bees devoured bones and all? It may turn out that they merely licked the salt of the butter in which the sparrows were roasted. SUITABLE HIVE (Å. D.).—As you cannot devote much time to your bees, and therefore require a simple form of hive, we think you cannot do better than mere description, we will refer you to our "Bee-keeping for the Many," than adopt an improved cottage hive. As the sight of such hives is better which can be had from our office by payment of five stamps. Any hivemaker in your neighbourhood would construct your hives, if of straw, at a much cheaper rate than you could buy them by advertisement. What you seem to require is a plain flat-topped straw hive, with a hole in its crown and a cap or smaller hive at top. All this can be covered in the usual way with a straw covering, or "hackle," as it is called. REMARKS. 11th.-Very cold, but fair; a fine winter day. 12th.-Rather thick in the morning, more so at noon, and continuing all day; very much warmer in the evening. 13th.-Rain for a short time; dull all day, and rain again at night. 14th. Windy and boisterous in the fore part of the day and at night, but more calm in the middle of the day. 15th.-Showery morning; fine afternoon. 16th.-Rainy morning, and more or less so all day. 17th.-Wet uncomfortable morning, clearing off soon after noon; very pleasant in the latter part of the day. The temperature in all cases except underground and in sun nearly identical with the week before last, and about 10 above that of last week.-G. J. SYMONS. COVENT GARDEN MARKET.-FEBRUARY 18. THERE is no improvement to notice, the supplies being ample and the general trade very quiet; indeed, the higher class of business which usually prevails in London at this season, is nowhere to be heard of. FRUIT. s. d. B. d. 8. d. s. d. Apples............sieve 1 0to1 6 Oranges............100 4 0to12 0 Chestnuts........ bushel 10 0 20 0 Pears, kitchen...... doz. 10 20 Filberts.............. lb. 1 0 1 6 dessert.......... doz. 8 0 10 0 .. lb. 1 0 16 Pine Apples.......... lb. 8 0 6 0 Grapes, hothouse......lb. 20 7 0 Quinces............ doz. 0 0 0 0 Lemons......100 4 0 12 0 Walnuts.......... bushel 10 0 16 0 Melons.............. each 1 0 3 0 ditto.................. 100 2 0 2 6 Cobs.. VEGETABLES. s. d. s. d. 8. d. s. d: Artichokes.......... doz. 8 0 to 6 0 Mushrooms. ......pottle 1 0 to 2 @ Asparagus......... 100 4 0 8 0 Mustard & Cress..punnet 0 2 0 French ......... 18 0 25 0 Onions .......... bushel 3 6 50 Beans, Kidney.... 100 20 0 0 pickling........ quart 0 6 0 0 Beet, Red............ doz 10 80 Parsley per doz. bunches 4 0 68 Broccoli.......... bundle 09 1 6 Parsnips............ doz. 09 1 0 Cabbage............ doz. 1 0 16 Peas .............. quart 0 0 06 Capsicums........100 1 6 0 0 Potatoes.......... bushel 3 6 Carrots............ bunch 0 6 0 0 Kidney do. 0 0 Cauliflower.......... doz. SO Round............ do. 0 0 Celery............ bundle 1 6 Radishes.. doz. bunches 10 Coleworts.. doz. bunches 2 6 40 Rhubarb.......... bundle 0 9 Cucumbers each 1 0 2 6 Salsafy.......... bundle 1 6 pickling ........ doz. 0 0 0 0 Savoys.............. doz. 1 0 Endive.............. doz. 20 0 0 Scorzonera...... bundle 10 Fennel............ bunch 03 00 Sea-kale.......... basket 10 Garlic................ lb. 06 0 0 Shallots.............. lb. 0 8 Herbs..............bunch 0 3 0 0 Spinach.......... bushel 2 0 Horseradish...... bundle 3 0 40 Tomatoes.......... doz. 2 0 Leeks..............bunch 0 B Lettuce.............. doz. 10 60 20 0 0 Turnips............bunch 0 3 4 0 Vegetable Marrows...... 0 0 4 6 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 6 0 20 0 0 2 6 0 0 8 0 4 0 04 |