as his hens' eggs. To all persons who have believed the adage above referred to, I would say, Put it to the test of its truth at the first opportunity; for I feel sure that, having once done so, they will not in future abstain from trying to rear ducklings late in the year, but that they will, on the contrary, try to rear as many as they can. To sit them on Ducks' eggs is an excellent way of making use of the hens which fall broody in the autumn; for it not only affords the birds a rest, but it also prevents their time from being wasted. I have tried the plan myself, and I find that it succeeds very well; indeed I must admit that its success has exceeded my expectations. Hens thus employed, even if not allowed to sit, would not lay during the winter months; but the rest obtained during the period of incubation will bring them to lay again early in the following spring. As regards the ducklings I find but little difficulty-I may even, perhaps, say no difficulty-in rearing them. I can usually obtain Ducks' eggs enough about the middle of September, so that I have my young birds hatched about the middle of October. By the last week of December or the first week in January they are fit to kill, and at such a season they will, if I desire to sell them, realise a good price. My plan is this: The hens being broody-I prefer rather lightly-built short-legged Cochins for the purpose-I take the freshest Ducks' eggs that I can possibly obtain, and place nine or ten eggs under each hen. The nests are made of soft straw upon an ample foundation of dry earth or finely-sifted coal ashes. This foundation not only aids cleanliness, but also serves to keep up a uniform warmth. For some few days before the time for hatching expires I sprinkle the eggs once a day with warm water, and sometimes I do not hesitate, even though it be autumn, to plunge the eggs into a bucket of such water a day or so before hatching, allowing them to remain there some few minutes. From nests of eggs thus treated I have had a duckling for every egg, and the broods are usually good in point of numbers. The young birds, too, are generally strong, and once hatched I seldom lose one by death. At first they are fed upon oatmeal, ground oats, or barleymeal, slaked with water and made rather thin, and as they grow older upon corn, which is placed in shallow pans of water. For some few days they are not allowed to enter any water, except such as they find in these pans, and at no time are they permitted access to a pond or any other large piece of water, but are confined to a trough or a small pool. Treated in this manner they thrive well and rapidly, making fine birds about the period already named. I may add that the birds should be housed at night, and it will be all the better for them if they are well littered down with clean straw.-R. W. As to the day-scarcely a gouty or bumble foot was to be seen. The Geese, Ducks, and Turkeys were marvels as to size, but A correspondent gives the following as the weights of the prize Turkeys-viz., First-prize old cocks, 36 lbs.; second-prize (American), 39 lbs. 11 ozs. First-prize old hens, 37 lbs. 3 ozs.; Mr. Lythall's unnoticed pen, weight 41 lbs. DORKINGS (Coloured, except Silver-Grey).-Cockerel.-1, J. Longland, Gren. don. 2, J. Walker, Rochdale. 3, Miss Davies, Chester. 4, J. Stott, Healey, Rochdale. hc, J. Longland; W. Copple, Prescot; Mrs. F. S. Arkwright, Sutton Scarsdale; Mrs. T. W. L. Hind, Kendal. c, Lieut.-Col. H. B. Lane, Bracknell; Mrs. F. S. Arkwright; T. Statter, Stand Hall. Pullets.-1, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. 2, R. Price, Rhiwlas, Bala. 8, Mrs. T. W. L. Hind. 4, T. N. Leyland, Ruthin. he, J. White, Warlaby (2); Miss Davies. c, J. Copple, Eccleston, Preston. DORKINGS (Coloured, except Silver-Grey).-Cock-1, Lieut.-Col. H. B. Lane. 2, W. Copple. 3, J. Longland. Hens.-1, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. 2, J. Longland. Statter. MANCHESTER POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. FROM its long-continued success this Show now stands in the first rank and the thirteenth annual Exhibition, held from the 24th to the 27th December, was such as to well maintain its high position. The honourable and methodical manner in which everything relating to previous meetings has been carried out, was followed to the letter during last week's Exhibition; and as the Messrs. Jennison are an enterprising band of young men, by no means willing to be left behind in catering for the wishes of a sight-seeing public, this season for the first time a fat cattle show was added, the management of which deserved equal credit with that of the dog and poultry shows. We cannot but allude briefly to the excellent arrangements for this new feature. In a permanent building, 100 yards long and of proportionate height, with thorough ventilation, and marked by extreme clean-8, J. White. 4, L. Pilkington, Widnes. hc, Lieut.-Col. H. B. Lane. c, T. liness, were placed the cattle, sheep, pigs, roots, and vegetables, the animals being all supplied with an abundance of excellent straw, and in stalls of such ample size that most of our show committees would do well to imitate them. As the stock entries, it appears, comprised most of the principal show animals in the kingdom, we feel assured the future patronage of the owners of such stock may be relied on. From this digression we must now return to the poultry. We confess our own opinion is decided, that the division of the poultry into three portions, the intermediate spaces being allotted to dogs, proved the very opposite to an improvement. It should be borne in mind that amateurs and breeders of poultry are by no means of necessity passionate admirers of the canine race, and being thus forced to pass backwards and forwards among the dogs does not add to the satisfaction of those persons whose predilections point exclusively to the feathered tribes. Most probably, after having given it this year's fair trial, the plans of former years will be restored. In Dorkings, Coloured, Manchester very far surpassed any show of the present year, all the classes being thoroughly good throughout; although in the class for any other variety of Dorkings except Coloured and Silver-Greys, only a single pen of Whites was entered, and this, though good, was not of unusual excellence. Of Grey Dorking cockerels there were twenty-six pens, all but one present, and with such excellence throughout as to render this one of the most notable classes in the Show. We were glad to notice in these, as in all the other classes for Dorkings, perfect feet were the order of the DORKINGS (Silver Grey).-Cock-1, W. W. Ruttlidge, Kendal. 2, T. Raines, SPANISH.-Cock.1, W. R. Bull, Newport Pagnell. 2, Burch & Boulter, SPANISH.-Cockerel.-1, J. Leeming. 2, F. James, Peckham Rye. 3, J. Barry, Westbury-on-Trym. hc, J. T. Parker, Northampton; C. R. Kay, Haverbrack, Milnthorpe; W. Jarrett, Bristol; J. Boulton, Bristol. Pullets.-1, J. Gliddon, Bristol. 2, J. T. Parker. 3, W. R. Bull. he, Burch & Boulter; F. James; Pallister & Hawkins, Thirsk (2); J. Clews, Walsall. COCHIN-CHINA (Cinnamon and Buff).-Cock.-1, W. A. Burnell, Southwell, Notts. 2, W. A. Taylor, Manchester. 8, Lady Gwydyr, Stoke Park, Ipswich. he, W. A. Taylor; W. A. Burnell; H. Lacy, Hebden Bridge. Hens.-1, W. A. Taylor. 2, J. Lee, Middleton. Pullets.-1, Lady Gwydyr. 2, W. A. Taylor. 8, E. Thomas, Didsbury. he, Lady C. Moreton, Tortworth Court; W. A. Taylor. c, W. Whitworth, Longsight. COCHIN-CHINA (Brown and Partridge-feathered).-Cock.-1 and 2, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. 3, J. A. Taylor. he, Mrs. Wood, Brincall, Chorley; J. A. Taylor; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury; H. Lacy. Hens.-1, T. Stretch. 2, M. M. Cashmore, Shepshed, Loughborough. 8, J. A. Taylor. hc, T. Aspden. Pullets.-1, J. A. Taylor. 2, T. Stretch. 8, J. K. Fowler. he, J. A. Taylor; D. Moulson, BradCOCHIN-CHINA (White).-Cock.-1 and 2, W. Whitworth, jun. 8, Lady Gwydyr. he, W. A. Burnell. Hens or Pullets.-1 and 3, W. Whitworth, jun. 2, Lady Gwydyr. hc, W. A. Burnell. ford. c, C. W. Brierley, jun., Middleton. BRAHMA POOTRA (Dark).-Cock.-1, W. A. Taylor. 2 and 3, H. Lacy. vhc, F. J. Cotterell, Birmingham; Horace Lingwood, Creeting; Kev. A. Van Strau benzee, Tettenhall. hc, J. H. Jones, Handforth; F. Bennett, Shifnal; H. Lacy; C. Layland; W. H. Crabtree, Levenshulme; G. Maples, jun. Wavertree. Hens.-1, Horace Lingwood. 2, J. H. Jones. 8, T. F. Ansdell. vhc, T. F. Ansdell, St. Helen's. he, F. J. Cotterell; Hon. Miss D. Pennant, Penrhyn Castle, Bangor; Mrs. E. Wilkinson, Greenheys; Mrs. F. S. Arkwright; H. Lacy. BRAHMA POOTRA (Dark).-Cockerel -1, Horace Lingwood. 2, D. Moulson. 3, J. Lyon. 4, L. Wright. Crouch End, Hornsey. vhe, J. Lyon, Sutton, St. Helen's; C. Holt, Rochdale; J. Walker, Newcastle, Staffs. hc, Hon. Miss D. Pennant; J. Swan, Lincoln; E. Pritchard, Tettenhall. c. F. J. Cotterell; D. Moulson; Hon. Miss D. Pennant; R. Swan, Lincoln. Pullets.-1, L. Wright. 2, Horace Lingwood. 8, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. vhe, J. Lyon; T. F. Ansdell; L. Wright. he, Rev. H. Buckston, Hope Vicarage, Sheffield; Hon. Miss D. Pennant; E. Kendrick, jun, Lichfield; J. Swan; E. Pritchard; Mrs. F. S. Arkwright; W. Hargreaves, Bacup. c, W. A. Taylor. BRAHMA POOTRA (Light).-1. Horace Lingwood. 2, Rev. N. J. Ridley, Newbury. 8, M. Leno, Markyate Street. c, C. Layland, Warrington; T. A. Dean, Marden, Hereford. BRAHMA POOTRA (Light).-Cockerel.-1, T. A. Dean. 2, P. Haines, Palgrave, Diss. 3, F. J. Cotterell. 4, J. H. Butler, Erdington. Pullets.-1, W. H. Crabtree. 2, P. Haines. 8, Horace Lingwood. 4, T. A. Dean. he, W. Hartley, Hipperholme; M. Leno. POLISH.-Cock.-1 and 8, G. C. Adkins. 2, P. Unsworth. he, J. Fearnley, Lowton; G. C. Adkins, Birmingham; T. Dean; P. Unsworth. Lowton; J. Robinson; W. A. Taylor. Hens or Pullets.-1 and 8, G. C. Adkins. 2. W. A. Taylor. hc, G. C. Adkins: W. Speight, Chorlton-cum-Hardy; W. Silvester, Sheffield; J. Robinson; H. Beldon; W. A. Taylor. c, P. Unsworth; G. C. Adkins. CREVE-CŒUR.-Cock-1 and 8. R. B. Wood, Uttoxeter. 2, W. Dring, Faversham. vhc, J. Robinson. hc, Mrs. E. Cross, Appleby Vicarage, Brigg; W. R. Park, Melrose; W. Cutlack, jun., Littleport; J. Walton, Croydon; J. K. Fowler. c. J. J. Malden. Hens or Pullets.-1, W. R. Park. 2, W. Dring. 8, J. F. Mortimer, Ross. vhc, R. B. Wood. hc, S. & J. H. Fielden, Todmor den; J. J. Malden, Biggleswade. HOUDANS.-1, B. Heald, Mapperley Plains. 2, W. Dring. vhc. Mrs. E. Wilkinson. hc, G. W. Hibbert, Godley; R. B. Wood; J. Swan; W. Whitworth, jun. c, D. Lane, Hardwick, Gloucester. Cockerel.-1 and 2, R. B. Wood. 8, J. K. Fowler. 4, W. Dring. hc, J. J. Archer, Wootton Bassett. Pullets.-1, W. O. Quibell, Newark. 2, G. W. Hibbert. 3, B. Heald. 4, Mrs. Vallance. hc, J. French, Melton Mowbray; W. Whitworth, jun.; W. O. Quibell. GAME (Black-breasted Reds).-Cock-1, J. Jeken, Eltham. 2, C. Chaloner, Whitwell, Chesterfield. 3, T. P. Lyon, Liverpool. Hen.-1 and 2, W. J. Pope, Biggleswade. GAME (Black-breasted Reds).-Cockerel.-1, S. Field, Ambrosden, Bicester. 2, G. E. Peach, Shifnal. 8, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton, Windrush Rectory. hc, E. Moss, Hurst, Ashton-under-Lyne; W. E. Oakeley, Atherstone; J. Fletcher, Stoneclough; É. S. Godsell, Stroud. c, S. Matthew. Stowmarket. Pullet.-1, W. J. Pope. 2, J. Mason, Worcester. 3, Mrs. H. Ashton, Prestwich. hc, J. Fletcher; W. J. Pope. GAME (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).-Cock.-1. T. Mason. 2, T. P. Lyon. 8, S. Matthew. he, C. W. Brierley; C. W. Brierley, jun.; H. E. Martin, Sculthorpe; J. Forsyth, Wolverhampton. Hen.-1, C. W. Brierley, jun. 2. E. Mann," Walfield, Stand. he, T. P. Lyon; C. W. Brierley; J. Poole, Ulverston. GAME (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).-Cockerel.-1, J. Carlisle. 2. J. Wood, Wigan. 8, J. S. Skidmore. hc, J. Chesters, Nantwich; C. H. Wolff, Hale, Altrincham; J. Fletcher; T. Chesters, Nantwich. c, Morris and Woods. Pullet.-1 and c, C. H. Wolff. 2, T. Chesters. 8, J. Wood. hc, J. F. Walton, Horncliff, Rawtenstall; Ranthwell & Barrow, Kendal; W. Watson, Audlem, Nantwich; F. Sales, Crowle; J. Poole; T. Mason, Lancaster. GAME (Duckwings, and other Greys and Blues).-Cock.-1 and 2, P. A. Beck, Guilsfield, Welshpool. 3. C. Chaloner. hc, E. Beil, Burton-on-Trent; J. Goodwin, Liverpool. Hen or Pullet.-2, J. Goodwin. GAME (Any other variety)-Cock-1, C. W. Brierley. 2, W. Scotson, Little Byrom. hc, T. P. Lyon. Hen or Pullet.-1, F. Sales. 2, C. W. Brierley. DUCKS (Rouen).-Drake-1, J. Scotson. 2, J. Walker. 8, R. Gladstone, jun., Court Hey, Liverpool. he, J. Scotson; T. Statter. c, W. Evans. Ducks—1, A. Haslam, Hindley Common, Wigan. 2, T. Wakefield, Golborne, Newton-leWillows. 8. J. Scotson. c, R. Gladstone, jun.; J. K. Fowler; T. Statter. DUCKS (White Aylesbury).-1 and 2, J. Walker. 3 and c, J. K. Fowler. DUCKS (Black East Indian).-1, Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Óld Warden, Biggles. wade. 2, J. Walker. ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL.-1, H. B. Smith, Broughton, Preston. 2, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright (Carolinas). 8, M Leno. he, Rev. E. H. Lucas, Edith Weston, Stamford (Coreopsis); H. B. Smith. c, H. B. Smith. GEESE (White).-Gander-1, J. K. Fowler. 2, J. Walker. hc, Capt. L. Anyon, Whittle-le-Woods. Goslings.-1, J. K. Fowler. 2. J. Walker. 3, J. Storry. he, R. Hutchinson, Littleborough. c, T. Statter. GEESE (White).-Pair.-1, J. Walker. 2, J. K. Fowler. Goslings.-1, J. Walker. 2, J. Lycett, Stafford. GEESE (Grey and Mottled).-Gander-1, J. Walker. 2, T. Statter. Goslings. -1, J. White. 2, S. H. Stott, Preston. 8, J. K. Fowler. hc, T. Statter; J. Lycett. GEESE (Grey and Mottled).-Pair.-1. J. K. Fowler. 2, J. Lycett. he, J. White. c, S. H. Stott. Goslings.-1, F. E. Rawson, Thorpe, Halifax. 2 and 3, C. Lycett. hc, T. Statter. TURKEYS.-Cock.-1, J. Walker. 2, E. Kendrick, jun. 8, Ranthwell and Jarrow. Cockerels-1, J. Walker. 2, F. Lythall, Offchurch. 8, E. Kendrick, jun. c, W. Wykes. TURKEYS.-Hens -1, M. Kew, Market Overton. 2, E. Arnold, Willesfield, Bambridge. 8. F. E. Richardson. hc, J. Walker; W. Wykes, Wolvey, Hinck ley. Poults.-1, F. Lythall. 2, J. Walker. 8, W. Wykes. EXTRA STOCK.-1 and 2, W. & T. Holt, Church (Black and Cuckoo Cochins) 8. G. E. Sanden, Sutton Crosshills, Leeds (White Leghorns). Extra. R. Hawkins, Seaham (Malays). he, W. A. Taylor (Andalusians); J. F. Walton (Malays); J. H. Openshaw, Stand, Manchester (Malays); T. Aspden; T. A. Bond, Londonderry (Black Cochins): J. Swan (Japanese Clean-legged Silkies imported); J. Watts, Birmingham (Silky Frizzles). c, H. Frankland (Black Cochins). HAMBURGHS (Black).-Cock. 1, T. W. Holmes, Baildon. 2, H. Beldon, Goitstock. 8, H. Hoyle, Lumb, Newchurch. hc, J. M. Kilvert, Wem; N. Marlor, Denton. HAMBURGHS (Black). -Hens or Pullets.-1, Rev. W. Serjeantson. 2, H. Beldon. 8, J. H. Howe. hc, J. M. Kilvert; E. Brierley; T. W. Holmes; J. Lancashire; N. Marlor; J. Bowness; Rev. W. Serjeantson. c, J. Lancashire, Chadderton; Rev. W. Serjeantson; M. M. Cashmore. HAMBURGHS (Golden-spangled).-Cock. 1 and 2, W. A. Hyde, Hurston, Ashton-under-Lyne. 8, T. Blakeman, Tettenhall. he, J. Buckley, Taunton, Ashton-under-Lyne; G. & J. Duckworth. Church; H. Beldon. c, J. Buckley; H. Broadhead, Holmforth; T. Walker, jun. (2). HAMBURGHS (Golden-spangled).-Hens or Pullets.-1, W. A. Hyde. 2. G. and J. Duckworth. 8, J. Buckley. he, J. Buckley; J. Thorpe, Little Heaton, Middleton; H. Broadhead; J. H. Howe (2); J. Bowness. e, J. Ogden, Tong; T. Dean. HAMBURGHS (Silver-spangled).-Cock.-1, Ashton & Booth, Mottram. 2 and 3. J. Fielding. he, Duke of Sutherland, Trentham; H. Beldon. c, Ashton and Booth. HAMBURGHS (Silver-spangled).-Hens or Pullets.-1 and 8. Ashton & Booth. 2, J. Fielding. hc, J. Rollinson, Lindley, Otley. c, J. Fielding; J. Robinson, Garstang. HAMBURGHS (Golden-pencilled)-Cock.-1, J. Robinson. 2, H. Beldon. 3, J. Walker. c, H. Smith, Newton, Hyde: R. H. Ashton, Mottram. HAMBURGHS (Golden-pencilled).-Hens or Pullets.-1, J. Walker. 2, J. Bowness. 8. G. & J. Duckworth. he, Burch & Boulter. c, T. Wrigley, jun. HAMBURGHS (Silver pencilled).-1, J. Lee. 2, Duke of Sutherland. Robinson. c. H. Beldon; J. Bowness. 3, J. GAME BANTAMS (Black-breasted Reds).-Cock.-1 and 3, J. Eaton, Grantham. 2. J. Blamires, Great Horton. 4, J. R. Fletcher. 5, G. Hall, Kendal. hc, Capt. Wetherall, Loddington, Kettering; J. R. Fletcher, Stoneclough; E. Newbitt, Epworth. Hens or Pullets.-1, E. Newbitt. 2, W. F. Entwisle, Bradford. 3, G Hall. hc, Capt. Wetherall; G. Hall; G. Maples, jun. c, H. J. Edge; R. Swift. GAME BANTAMS (Brown-breasted Reds).-Cock.-1, W. F. Entwisle. 2, F. Hughes, Heavily, Stockport. hc, S. & J. J. Stephens. Ebley, Stroud. c, J. Mayo, Gloucester; S. Beighton, Farnsfield. Hens or Pullets.-1, S. Beighton. 2, W. F. Entwisle. hc, S. & J. J. Stephens; W. Adams, Ipswich. GAME BANTAMS (Duckwings)-Cock.-1, S. Beighton. 2, J. Eaton. hc, E. Payne, Cardiff. Hens or Pullets.-1, W. F. Entwisle. 2, G. Hall. hc, E. Cope, Eadingly, Southwell. GAME BANTAMS (Any other variety) -Cock.-1, W. Steel, Halifax. 2, Hall and Ashmore, Brinnington. hc, T. Barker, Burnley; R. Brownlie, Kirkcaldy. c, J. Blamires. Hen or Pullets.-1, W. F. Entwisle. 2, J. R. Fletcher. BANTAMS (White).-1, H. Beldon. 2, Rev. F. Tearle, Gazeley Vicarage. hc, W. A. Taylor. BANTAMS (Black).-1, W. H. Shackleton, Bradford. 2, R. H. Ashton. hc, W. A Taylor (2): R. H. Ashton; H. Beldon. (Any other variety).-1, S. A. Wyllie, East Moulsey (Pekin). 2, M. Leicester (White Japanese); M. Leno (Laced). c, R. Wharam (Speckled Booted); Rev. W. Serjeantson (Dark Japanese). BANTAM (8. N. Cook, Chowbent (Silver Sebright). hc. Mrs. Woodcock, PIGEONS. POUTERS (Blue or Red).-Cock.-1, W. R. Rose, Kettering. 2, E. Horner, Harewood. 8, R. Fulton, New Cross. hc, R. Fulton; G. J. Taylor, Huddersfield. c, R. Fulton; G. J. Taylor. Hen.-1, R. Fulton. 2, W. Harvey, Sheffield. 8, R. Fulton. c, E. Horner. POUTERS (Any colour except Blue or Red) -Cock-1 and 2, H. Pratt, Knowle. 8, R. Fulton. hc, W. R. Rose; R. Fulton. c, E. Horner. Hen.-1, G. J. Taylor. 2, Mrs. Ladd, Calne. 8, R. Fulton. c, Mrs. Ladd; R. Fulton. CARRIERS (Black).-Cock.-1, G. J. Taylor. 2, R. Fulton. 8 and he, E. Horner. Hen-1 and 3, R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner. CARRIERS (Dun).-Cock.-1 and 8, R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner. c, J. Stanley. Hen.-1 and 3, R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner. hc, J. Stanley, Blackburn. CARRIERS (Any colour except Black or Dun).-Cock.-1 and 2, R. Fulton. 3, W. E. Nalder, Brunswick Street, London. Hen.-1, W. E. Nalder. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. CARRIERS.-Young.-1 and 8, R. Fulton. 2, E. Horner. c, S. Daniels, Stock ANTWERPS-1, W. Gamon, Chester. 2, C. F. Copeman, Birmingham. 8, R. Brierley, Fishpool, Bury. he, G. B. Goodfellow, Hyde. c, A. Bingham, Manchester; W. Gamon; A. Justice, Salford. JACOBINS.-1 and 3. R. Fulton. 2, J. Thompson, Bingley. hc, J. Thompson E. Horner; G. J. Taylor. c, G. South. BARBS.-1, F. Wild, Hyde. 2 and 3, R. Fulton. vhc, E. Horner. hc, F. Wild; J. Stanley; R. Fulton. c, H. Yardley, Birmingham; J. Baily, jun., Mount Street, London. FANTAILS (White)-1, Rev. W. Serjeantson, Acton Burnell. 2, W. Hill. 8, J. F. Loversidge, Newark. hc, J. Walker; H. C. Bowman, Higher Broughton; Rev. W. Serjeantson. FANTAILS (Any colour except White).-1., 2, and 3, H. Yardley. hc, T. Randall, Guildford; W. Hill; F. H. Paget, Birstall; Major Cryer, Southport. TUMBLERS (Almond).-1 and 2, R. Fulton. 8, H. Yardley. hc, E. Horner. BEARDS OR BALDS.-1, R. Fulton. 2 and 8, W. Woodhouse, Lynn. hc, W. Woodhouse; G. South; W. Hill. TUMBLERS (Any other variety).-1, H. Adams, Beverley. 2, J. Fielding, jun., Rochdale. hc, J. W. Harling. Burnley; G. J. Taylor. NUNS.-1, W. Croft, Killinghall. 2 and 3, E. Horner. hc, Rev. A. G. Brooke, Shrawardine Rectory; W. Harvey. MAGPIES.-1 and 2, E. Horner. 8, C. G. Hitchcock, Oxford. hc, T. Randall; R. Fulton. TURBITS.-1, W. Croft. 2, S. Salter. 8, J. G. Orr, Beith. hc, W. Croft; J.• Fielding. jun.; A. Mangnall, Withington; R. Fulton. Harvey; E. Horner; J. Baily, jun. ARCHANGELS.-1, W. Harvey. 2, E. Horner. hc, J. C. Boothby, Stockport; H. Yardley, OWLS (English, Blue or Silver).-1, 2, and 3, R. Clay, Audenshaw. Manchester. he, E. Lee, Nantwich; R. Clay; A. Mangnall; G. E. Sandon, Sutton Crosshills, Leeds. OWLS (Foreign).-1, F. Wild. 2, R. Fulton. hc, J. Fielding, jun. RUNTS.-1, T. D. Green, Saffron Walden. 2, S. Salter, Egrove. 3, H. Yardley. hc, T. D. Green; S. Salter. TRUMPETERS-1 and he, R. Fulton. 2 and 3, W. Harvey. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. 8, A. Silvester. 4, W. Hill (Swifts). hc, A. Silvester; Mrs. R. B. Wood (Ice); F. H. Paget (Swifts); W. Harvey (2). JUDGES.-Poultry.-Dorkings, Cochins, Extra Stock, and Bantams, except Game: Mr. E. Hewitt, Sparkbrook, Birmingham; Spanish, Brahmas, Créve-Cœurs, and Houdans: Mr. R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston; Game: Mr. J. H. Smith, Skelton Grange, York; Polands, Hamburghs, and Game Bantams: Mr. J. Martin, Bridgnorth; Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, and Ornamental Waterfowl: Mr. H. Castang, London. Pigeons.-Pouters, Carriers, Dragoons, Antwerps, Jacobins, and Barbs: Mr. P. H. Jones; the remaining Classes: Mr. T. J. Charlton, Bradford. HECKMONDWIKE POULTRY SHOW. THIS was held in the Drill Shed, Heckmondwike, on December 26th. GAME.-Black-breasted.-1, E. Aykroyd, Eccleshill. 2. W. Fell, Adwalton Brown Reds.-1, J. Fortune, Morton Banks, Keighley. 2, J. W. Thornton, Bradford. he, S. & W. Sheard, Hightown; C. Carr, Wilsden. Bingley; W. Fell, Adwalton. Duckwings, Grey and Blue.-1, H. Beanland, Bradford. 2, E. Aykroyd. COCHIN-CHINA.-1, W. Mitchell, Birkenshaw. 2, C. Carr, Wilsden, Bingley. hc, R. Poppleton; C. Carr; H. Firth, Bradford. BRAHMA POOTRA.-1, W. Schofield, Birkenshaw. 2, W. Mitchell, Birkenshaw. he. W. Firth, Birkenshaw. HAMBURGHS-Gold and Silver-spangled.-1, C. Carr. 2, W. Kellett, Birstal. he, J. Smith, Gilsted, Bingley. Gold and Silver-pencilled.-1, C. Carr. 9, J. Smith. hc, E. Clayton, Keighley; J. Anderton, Gilstead, Bingley. SPANISH-Black-1, C. Carr. 2, W. Jagger, Horbury Bridge. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, C. Carr. 2. J. Smith. ANY BREED.-Cock.-1, J. W. Thornton, Bradford. 2, J. Hodgson, Bradford. Hen-1, E. Aykroyd. 2. C. Carr. GAME BANTAMS.-Red.-1 and 2, G. Noble, Staincliffe. Any other variety.—1, F. Naylor, Heckmondwike. 2, J. Blamires, Great Horton. BANTAMS.-Black.-1, C. Carr. 2, F. Holt, Staincliffe. White, or any other variety.-1, C. Carr. 2, E. Clayton. PIGEONS. CARRIERS.-1, B. Rawnsley, Goitstock, B.ngley. 2, E. Booth, Soothill, Batley NORWICH.-Yellow or Buff-1, L. Belk, Dewsbury. YORKSHIRE.-Evenly-marked Yellow or Buff.-1, L. Belk. 2, G. Birkhead, young. All Scotch Greys should retire to the dunghill; better have been seen there. Game Bantams were a good class; the first and second prizes went to large Game in miniature. Turkeys were of great size, but the smaller ones were the best in colour. Geese were very fine; the first and cup young birds were of great size. Of Rouen and Aylesbury Ducks there were very even classes, which gave the Judges something to do. Mandarin and Shelldrake were first and second in Ornamental Waterfowl. Unevenly-marked Yellow or Buff-1. W. Whitaker. Dewsbury. 2, L. Belk. good. Carriers were good classes, the winning cock and cup Yellow or Buff.-1, W. Whitaker. 2, H. Ellison, Dewsbury. LIZARD.-Gold or silver-spangled.-1, L. Belk. 2, G. Birkhead. Pigeons.-Pouters, except the winners, were only moderately bird being good except in size; the second-prize cock was good, but "spouty;" the winning hens good. The first 1873 birds have the makings of grand birds, the second were over age. The win CINNAMON 1, G. Birkhead. 2, L. Belk. Evenly-marked Yellow or Buf.-1, ning Tumblers had good heads and beaks, Yellow and Yellow L. Belk. 2, G. Birkhead. GOLDFINCH.-1, W. Whitaker. 2, L. Belk. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, L. Belk. 2, W. Whitaker. RABBITS.-1, J. Chappell, Dewsbury Moor. 2, J. Batley, jun., Staincliffe Bottom. WHITBY POULTRY SHOW. THE fourth annual Show was held in St. Hilda's Hall on DORKINGS.-1 and 2, J. White, Warlaby, Northallerton. variety.-1, R. H. Ashton, Mottram. 2, J. Watts. DUCKS.-1, T. C. Carver, Langthorpe. 2, P. C. Bedlington, Whitby. BARNDOOR.-1, W. Cutlack, jun., Littleport. 2, E. Barker, Stokesley. TUMBLERS.-1, W. Adams, Beverley. 2, J. Hawley, Girlington, Bradford. FANTAILS.-1, J. F. Liversidge, Newark. 2, J. P. Fawcett, Whitby. JUDGES.-Poultry: Rev. T. Phillips, Robin Hood's Bay; Mr. ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY'S POULTRY SHOW. THIS Show, so far as numbers and quality went, was the best ever brought together by the exertions of the Superintendent. Every possible care was taken of the birds, and there was a class each for old and young poultry. Agates. The first-prize Barbs were a wonderfully-developed pair The Judges were Messrs. C. F. Staunton, J. Crosbie Smith, and H. Merry. The list of awards appeared at page 499.-S. BURTON-ON-TRENT POULTRY SHOW.-I have a note from the Secretary stating that Mr. A. O. Worthington, after winning the siderately passed it over to the next winner, who was Mr. H. cup he had given for competition in Light Brahmas, very conChawner, of Hound Hill, Uttoxeter.-E. HUTTON. LOWESTOFT POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW.-The seventh annual Show of this well-conducted Society will be held on the 21st in thirty-seven classes, as also three prizes and two local ones and 22nd of January, when twelve silver cups will be distributed in each class. The Judges are the Rev. T. F. Fellowes and Mr. Hutton, and the entries close on the 6th inst. NOMENCLATURE OF PIGEONS. 66 IN remarking on the young Blue Carriers at Glasgow you mention one as Silver Dun.' 66 If by this you mean Mealy," I have nothing to say, except that the Antwerp breeders have originated two misnomers-namely, "Silver Dun" for Mealy, and "Red Chequered" for Mealy Chequered. If you mean Silver, the word "Dun" is not only superfluous but positively erroneous. Every solid colour has a corresponding colour barred by it-viz., Black has blue barred with black; Dun, silver barred with dun; Red, mealy barred with red; Yellow, buff barred with yellow. Therefore, if Silver Dun signify with black," Mealy Red," mealy barred with red," and Buff "silver barred with dun," Blue Black signifies "blue barred Yellow, "buff barred with yellow." However, Blue Black, Mealy Red, and Buff Yellow (sometimes called "Mealy Yellow") signify a bad-coloured Black, Red, and Yellow respectively; Silver Dun therefore means a bad-coloured Dun. As the Antwerp breeders have, as I said before, wrongly appropriated the name, I trust that you will not make confusion worse confounded by calling a Silver "Silver Dun."-TURKEY QUILL. [Our reporter must defend himself. If he erred, he erred in good company.-EDS.] Silver-Grey Dorkings over a year old were a large and even class, the first prize going to a beautifully-coloured cock, but not so large as the second, which was of great size, but not of good colour. Many good birds were highly commended, and in the young class it was the same. In Coloured Dorkings the first and second prizes went to birds of giant-like proportions and proper colour, which cannot be said of their rivals, which were too like Silver-Greys. Among Spanish there were some fair specimens, the first-prize pen being nice and smooth in face; cauliflower birds were passed over. Light Brahmas are steadily increasing in favour in Ireland, and were a large class, but most of those shown were very defective in marking, the first and cup young birds being the only properly hackled pair, and they were good in all points, having the true Brahma shape and character, in which the others were rather deficient. The Dark were very superior, and contained many fine specimens, being of much better colour and shape than the Light. The first-prize adults were far ahead of the others; the hen, being remarkably well pencilled, carrying off the cup. The second were also a good pen, but the hen was not so well marked as the first-prize one. The young class contained many good and promising birds. These two classes were the best in the Show and hard to win in. The Buff Cochins formed bad classes, but the first-prize young birds were a grand pair in all points, and wonderful in colour and size. The first-prize Partridge cock was second at the Palace. Blacks had five entries for two classes-good for Blacks, the cup going to old birds. The prize young birds were POUTERS, ANY OTHER COLOUR OR MARKINGS those which were first at Oxford. All were of good colour, but wanting in shape and size. Of Game there were many good specimens, the first-prize Black-breasted and the first-prize Duckwings being all that could be desired in the adult class. Of Hamburghs there were few good birds, and Polish were poor. The prize French were good in colour and of large size. In the Variety class Sultans were first and Black Hamburghs second in the old section, and Scotch Greys first and second in CLASS. THERE seems to be a growing inclination to do away with this class of birds at our shows, and some committees have already excluded it. I think this is a very great mistake, and one which will be found out when it may be too late. I have two main reasons for so saying. First, Young and poor fanciers are excluded; they cannot afford to buy standard birds, their stocks or are accounted worthless, and their aspirations as Pouter fanciers are nipped in the bud. We all know the feeling when first told of our success as prizetakers, and the pleasure we have at seeing our birds marked at the shows. Even a 66 commended" "highly commended" is better than nothing, and if conscientiously so labelled, it must be esteemed a great step by a young or poor fancier, particularly at a large show. Many of us have had to fight our way up from a few birds of "Any other colour or markings," and why discourage others feeling their way in the same path? But, second, the committees who exclude this class surely do not know that they are striking at the root of some of our finest breeds. Those who can purchase a stock of standard birds must not think that they can perpetuate all the points; the strain will gradually dwindle down and die out. We must every now and then have something to put size into our strains, to give length of feather and length of fimb, and that style which is imperative, besides keeping up the purity of colour. It is from the discarded class that all this is to be had. What better bird can be had than a Sandy for giving the Black-pied style and colour? Or a Mealy for killing the chequer marks on the Blue Pied, and in place giving that soft solid hue so much wanted? Or a Splash for adding size and length of limb to the Blue and to the White? Were it not for the Splash (any colour) our Whites would go out altogether, or, at all events, become small delicate birds not worth the keeping. It is all very well for those who keep Pouters for exhibition to look with a cold eye upon this class, but we breeders have worked upon it before the first show was thought of, and had we not done so there would not have been the birds which are now being exhibited. I have heard some fanciers say they would kill every bird that was not up to standard marking, and if this were put into practice generally, there would, by-and-by, be no Pouters either to kill or show. We cannot do without this class, and it ought to be encouraged at all shows. Besides, in it there are often found some of the handsomest Pouters in the show, and we must recollect that it is neither colour nor marking, but shape, that constitutes the Pouter Pigeon. This class also often adds considerably to the amount of entry money, and I consider that committees who exclude it from their shows are not only damaging the Pouter fancy, but quarrelling with their bread and butter.-JAS. HUIE. NEW BOOKS. The Brahma Fowl. By LEWIS WRIGHT. Third and Revised Edition. "Journal of Horticulture" Office, and Messrs. Cassell. OCCASIONALLY-Very occasionally-one meets with people, usually the wrong side of seventy, who speak of anyone who goes to a poultry show as 'gone to look at cocks and hens," or who connect Pigeons with "Blue Rocks 10s. a-dozen, gents;" these latter not the least the wrong side of seventy, but sporting striplings of, with them, the silly side of twenty. But putting aside such, there were many who, until our Crystal Palace shows and our handsome volumes on poultry and Pigeons, had no idea whatever of the striking beauty which was to be seen among these birds. The Crystal Palace Shows I regard as the educators of the English eye on poultry subjects. Other shows are held in places often out of the way and not architecturally pleasing, and consequently the world in general is absent; but one Crystal Palace Show is of more value in spreading further and further the love and culture of poultry and Pigeons than all the other shows of England put together. Everyone sees it advertised and thousands visit it; and I hope its promoters will give six prizes, or even eight prizes where they now give four, and make it the Derby of the poultry world, and its first prizes immeasurably beyond in esteem any other first prizes whatsoever. I consider, then, the great Crystal Palace Show as the eyeeducator of Englishmen in matters of poultry; and as a larger number of well-off people live near London than in any other neighbourhood, so we shall have a larger number of poultry, and especially Pigeon fanciers and exhibitors, resident within twenty miles of the metropolis. But among the mind-educators of English people on poultry subjects stands first and foremost Mr. Lewis Wright. His style is pleasing. He begins a chapter in a way to catch the general reader and make him read on. A mere dry detailer of poultry points would and could never do this. It is not my province now to speak of Mr. Wright's greatest work; of that another time, when its last number has reached me. I speak this week of his second published work, and of that work's third edition. "The Brahma Fowl" saw the light in 1870; in eighteen months a second edition was called for, and now is issued a third. This is a sign of the times. Here is a volume which touches the pocket to the amount of five shillings, and treats of only one variety of poultry, yet which has had so rapid a sale. The sale has also, I believe, not been limited to England, but in America the work has been largely bought and read. I have spoken of the career of this work as a sign of the times: it is so in more respects than one. Fifty years ago no one would have been so unwise as to publish a five-shilling work on any one variety of fowls, and if they had it would have never reached a third edition within its third year. If there had been such a one it would have been on fighting cocks, but not one on a gentle, home-loving, domestic bird like the Brahma. The times are changed, and the age of patronised cruelty is at any rate gone. This third edition of "The Brahma Fowl" is like the first edition, and yet different. It is the same in size, shape, and has exactly the same number of pages and the same number of coloured pictures; but the pages are not the same, nor the pictures. The pictures in the first edition were good, but in this third they are better. Markedly so is the portrait of the Dark Brahma cock and the Dark Brahma hen; the latter is especially a lovely bird. There is a pleasant fact connected with "The Brahma Fowl," that it led to its author writing his great "Book of Poultry." Thus Mr. Wright tried his wings with the "Practical Poultry-keeper," strengthened them with "The Brahma Fowl," and soared away into full public favour with "The Illustrated Book of Poultry." The Brahma is Mr. Wright's especial fowl; and although as yet, owing to limited accommodation for his pets, he has not been a large or general exhibitor, yet a large proportion of the winning chickens of the last two or three seasons have been bred on one side or the other from his strain, and a hen hatched from eggs supplied by him realised the largest sum of money given for any single hen of any breed during the last twenty yearsviz., £20. "The Brahma Fowl" treats fully on the subject indicated by its title, beginning with the origin of the Brahma, then speaks of its qualities and management, contrasts the Dark and Light varieties, and goes on to speak of breeding, rearing, and managing Brahmas, finishing with a chapter on judging them. I always tell anyone desirous of taking to poultry, Adopt one variety-that which you fancy, and which those who understand the matter think your home is adapted for; and then read-up the subject and get your variety; and above all things, if you wish to succeed, stick to it. If Brahmas be your fancy-and if they are there will be smiles for you from your wife and children, or you will have eggs for breakfast when perhaps your neighbours have none; and the kitchen denizen or denizens, the maid of all work or the grand cook, will willingly save-up scraps and learn to help you, as they find what a kitchen friend for eggs and chickens is the Brahma. Let such a man or woman (ladies are excellent fanciers, indeed among the very best), with a Brahma turn get this work, read it hard, master its contents, and within the first season he or she will save its cost over and over again.-WILTSHIRE RECTOR. Pheasants for Coverts and Aviaries. By W. B. TEGETMEIER. H. Cox, London. THE eleven engravings are beautiful, including the species of Pheasant for use and ornament, known in this country; the paper is equal to drawing paper, and the binding handsome. The literary part is useful, but chiefly a compilation. HIGH-COLOURED CANARIES. We were very much surprised to see in your Journal that the receipt for breeding high-coloured Canaries belonged to Bemrose and Orme. We wish you to understand that we (Wright and Shaw, of Sutton-in-Ashfield), sold this receipt to Orme last year (1872), with an understanding that he was not to divulge it to anyone. We are very sorry to learn that he has deceived us. This year the birds exhibited by Bemrose & Orme principally have been bred and moulted by us.-WRIGHT & SHAW. [We forwarded a copy of the chief contents of this note to Messrs. Bemrose & Orme, to which Mr. Bemrose replies as follows: "I beg to say Mr. Orme did purchase from Messrs. Wright the method of feeding that we adopted to obtain high colour, which I had known for years but I had never given the food in sufficient quantity. Mr. Orme, contrary to my wishes and unknown to me, told the method of feeding to a man named Bennett. I was not aware of this until some time after, but it eventually came to my knowledge that Bennett and Barnesby (to whom Bennett had told it) were writing to fanciers offering to sell the method adopted by us-in fact had sold it to several, amongst the number to Holmes, of Nottingham, who gave Barnesby £2 for it. Upon finding this out I at once wrote to you, deeming it the most straightforward course to pursue. I can only say I deeply regret Orme's conduct, and my having had any connection with the case. "With regard to the latter part of Messrs. Wright's letter, stating that the birds exhibited by us were principally bred and moulted by them,' it is simply untrue. At the commencement of the season they had three variegated birds, which I thought would turn out well, but they have not done so. In order to obtain these we had to buy several others quite useless as show birds, having sold three of them myself as song birds for 5s. I am quite willing to admit all that is true, but must protest against the latter part of their letter. The highest-coloured birds we have shown have been moulted by myself-I moulted ninety-eight, some of the best not having been yet sent out.-E. BEMROSE. "P.S.-It is my intention at the close of the season to leave the fancy." There is no need to pursue the subject further in our columns, -EDS.] THE BEE-KEEPER'S CALENDAR FOR JANUARY. In commencing a calendar in THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE, I will state that during the last few years a considerable advance has been made in apiarian science by a wide-spread section of intelligent bee-keepers. The granite of common sense is cropping-up to the surface in most of the counties of England, and it is on this foundation that all good and successful management in the past has been achieved. The progress made in practical bee-keeping of late is so perceptible, that I cherish the hope I may have the happiness of knowing that thousands of the rural population of England derive a substantial income from bee-keeping. Some three months ago I received an invitation to visit a village in North Staffordshire. About a couple of hours after my arrival almost all the leading bee-keepers within five miles of the village came to spend the evening with me and my host in conversation about bees. Bee-keeping in that neighbourhood had made no progress from time immemorial till about three years ago, when a book of modern date on the practical management of bees fell into the villagers' hands. They now keep bees for profit, some having fourteen hives, some ten, some seven, and others four hives. I am happy to say that I never met more advanced and intelligent bee-keepers before or since. If I have to pilot the steamer for twelve months, let me, before I mount the paddle-box, wish all the crew and passengers "A Happy New Year," and express my hope that we shall have fair weather, and a pleasant as well as a prosperous voyage. JANUARY. If bees have food enough in their hives now, the less they are disturbed indeed the quieter they sit amongst their combs, the better. Though all healthy hives are benefited by the bees taking an occasional airing in mild weather during the winter months, the inmates of healthy hives sit more quietly and closely together than those of unhealthy hives. On turning-up a hive infected with foul brood, we invariably find the bees sitting very loosely in it, and that they at once begin to spread themselves over the combs. On turning-up one of my own hives lately, I saw the bees act in this way, and suspecting the cause I applied some smoke to enable me to examine it thoroughly, when I found it extensively diseased. The bees will be shaken out of it into a hive of sweet combs some night this week. Though September and October are the best time for feeding bees for the winter, many bee-keepers fail to give enough food at that season, and continue to feed them for months afterwards. Such late feeding is attended with the risk of inducing the bees to commence breeding, and the brood being chilled to death by frosty weather. There is also some difficulty in getting the bees to take food during cold weather, when they naturally seek warmth by crowding together. If necessary to feed in January, let the food when given be warm, say about 100°, or blood heat. If the bees will not take it, let them be brought into a hothouse or warm room, and there fed with warm syrup, keeping them in their hives. In such a case I pour the warm liquid over bees and comb, and keep them shut-up for twenty-four hours. Is it necessary to ventilate hives in winter? No: the smallest door possible affords the bees air enough during winter. With wooden hives ventilation is an advantage, as the greater part of the moisture which (without ventilation), condenses on the insides of the hives and rots the combs, is carried through the ventilating holes. Where wood hives are used, the crown holes should be covered with fly-proof wire, and used as ventilatingshafts; and where such hives have no crown holes, I have seen the combs saved by boring holes through the crowns and sides with gimlets and small brace-bits. During the winter both honey and bees should be protected from house and field mice; during the summer they need no protection from such robbers, but in winter bees sit so closely together in the centre of their hive, that mice frequently enter without molestation and devour the honey in the outside combs, and will even kill the bees and afterwards eat their heads off. How the sagacious mice manage to take bee by bee from the mass and carry them outside the hives without being stung is a marvel; but they do it. I have known many hives nearly ruined by mice eating the heads of the bees, and leaving the bodies in heaps outside. To prevent these depredations we contract the doors of the hives in winter by using pieces of wood with doorways in them, sufficiently large to permit bees to carry out their dead, and small enough to exclude mice. As wet and cold are hurtful to bees, I may here refer to the protection from these needed in winter. It has been stated by some one that bees die in a temperature of 34°-that is to say, when the mercury falls to within 2° of the freezing-point inside a hive, bees cannot live. I have not yet put this to the test of experiment, but if it is a fact, the importance of covering bees well in winter cannot be too highly insisted on. The best and neatest covers for hives which I have ever seen were some I lately noticed in Staffordshire. They might be called wooden cases for hives, and were about 20 inches wide and nearly as deep. They stood on floor boards and had moveable lids. The hives placed inside were well protected and easy of access. The cases were large enough for supering, ekeing, and feeding inside, and cost 15s. each. I saw eighteen in one garden, where they had a very pleasing appearance. Between the hives and the cases there is space enough for some under-covering in frosty weather. I have never seen covers so complete and satisfactory. During the active months of summer there may not be space for all I have to say in the first number of the month, and it may, therefore, be necessary to continue my remarks another week. As I am anxious to make these notes as comprehensive as possible, if any of your readers find difficulties in bee-management, on stating them to the Editors they will receive the best consideration and attention.-A. PETTIGREW, Sale, Cheshire. BEE-FARMING. In answer to "G. H.'s" query whether I kill the queens excepting one when uniting three or four swarms, I believe it is the best way to do so, as a young queen may be selected for stock in that manner; but in my practice I have not done so, simply because in this part of the country we keep the heaviest hives for stock (so that there may be no danger in wintering), and such often happen to be the first swarms, consequently second swarms and old stocks which have young queens are generally condemned. These are what I have had to unite, and as I did not fear securing a queen out of the lot, I have taken no further trouble, excepting in my own apiary, where I have followed the practice laid down in the "Handy Book of Bees" -viz., to take the heaviest hives for honey, and feed the lightest venting the bees fighting. I believe scent is the bond of union; to the required standard. I seldom find much difficulty in prefor if fighting is going on, by blowing smoke of corduroy or fustian vigorously amongst them the commotion ceases at once. old-fashioned hives, I proceed thus:-Suppose four hives have When taking my friends' bees, which are kept in the small to be taken, I get four empty hives, blow a little smoke into each of the condemned ones, and proceed just as in artificial swarming, only drumming longer, or till the bees are all out or nearly honey-hives into some dark outhouse, turn them bottom upso. I then place the bees on the original stands and take the wards, and in the course of half an hour what few bees are left in the honey-hives will be glad to escape to their original stands as soon as light is admitted. I then take the two hives next it, taking care to fumigate them equally. I wait a short time each other, and dash one on its own slab and place the other on while these unite, which will not be long in September or October. I then treat the other hives in the same way, and perhaps not more than a score of bees will be lost. I have united stocks in my own garden without the loss of a single bee excepting a queen, which I found underneath the hive. for I have only tried twice-once in 1872, and once in 1873-and Respecting the other query on supering I cannot say much, have succeeded pretty well by simply placing a little guidecomb in the glass, putting it on an adapting-board, and then of the hive, without any restrictions to the queen or drones. over the circular hole-say 3 or 4 inches in diameter-in the top I am thinking of trying several experiments in supering next will be welcome to my experience.-THOMAS BAGSHAW, Longnor, summer, and if the weather be favourable your correspondent near Buxton. WHAT IS HONEY? THE discussion of "What is Honey?" recalls the old controversy of "The Chemistry of Honey," where it was held on the one side that even sugar and water after passing through the body of the bee and stored-up became converted into veritable honey, a doctrine from which our Editors, if I remember, as well as the present writer, entered their dissent. Mr. Pettigrew is perfectly correct in treating, for practical purposes, sealed honey as a distinct article from the unsealed; the latter, as I have taken occasion before now to point out, will not thicken nor consolidate, even after frost sets in, while the former will stiffen-up and crystallise during midsummer heat; hence the great necessity for bee-keepers on breaking-up hives to keep the two perfectly separate. Unsealed honey is always better given at once as feeding to bees, otherwise mixed with the sealed it has the effect of keeping the whole thin and induces fermentation. I related a few years ago how I found a very capital straw hive, driven on the twenty-fourth day after swarming, had, at |