that I am persuaded a detailed description of Black Bantams will not be unacceptable, to some few amateurs at least. | poultry world is concerned, the better, though the result may have been effected by a coalition of the fancy; fewer still will, I think, "act in concert" to utter a wail of plaintive sympathy for the blighted prospects of such a judge with "RESPICERE AD FINEM." If in answer to the "outcry on all sides for more judges" gentlemen usurp the office who are incompetent, and whose decisions subvert those of our most able, popular, and oldest judges, what more reasonable than that a few individuals should act in concert" for the removal of such novices? The appointment of judge deserves far more careful attention than it receives at the hands of the promoters of some of our poultry exhibitions. The arrangements of a show may be most honourably and laboriously carried out to their minutest details, but an error in selecting a judge will prove a fruitful source of disappointment and dissatisfaction. Through the courtesy of the secretaries to the different societies, I receive, being an exhibitor at all the large shows, a schedule of the prizes of the coming exhibitions. My first concern is to ascertain the name of the judge; in some lists this is "conspicuous by its absence," I therefore consign such, without further ceremony, to the waste-paper basket.-PRO BONO PUBLICO. Black Bantams are of diminutive size, the cock never exceed ing, when full grown and in good condition, more than 20 ozs. at the utmost in weight, and the hen weighing about 2 ozs. less than the cock. The plumage of both sexes is of a very rich black throughout. The hackle of the cock is full, the feathers of the saddle and hackle being long, those of the latter flowing well over the shoulders. The tails of both cock and hen are full and expanded, and are carried upright; the cock's tail is adorned with handsome well-curved sickle feathers. The comb, which is double, and fits close and straight on the top of the head, without inclining on either side, is square in front, and is very much more developed in the cock than in the hen. The comb, the top of which is covered over with small points, has a peak behind which turns slightly upwards. The wattles of the cock are rather long, broad, thin, and well rounded on the lower edge, those of the hen being very small and thin. The comb and wattles, as well as the face, are of a bright vermilion colour. The head is small and round, and is carried very erect by the hen; and by the cock is carried well back towards the tail. The beak is rather short and curved, being of a dark horn colour, or black, becoming rather lighter towards the point. The deaf-ear, which is one of the chief points of beauty, has a flat and even I AM glad to find that a letter has been written to your Journal surface, without wrinkles, and is of a pure opaque white, free complaining of the errors of those who object to certain judges. from any stain. The deaf-ear is a beautiful contrast to the rich It appears to me, that so long as the names of judges are hidden black plumage and the bright red of the comb, wattles, and from the public and exhibitors until the exhibition opens, so face. The carriage of both cock and hen is upright and strut-long is there just reason to object. There is a very great deal ting, the cock being particularly bold and erect, with a very of annoyance and dissatisfaction caused by the names of judges proud gait. The breast is round and prominent, and is carried not being known to the intending exhibitor at the time the forward by the cock. The neck of the cock is very taper, and is entries are made. I have been a large exhibitor for many years, gracefully curved well back, so as to bring the back of his head and I certainly do most strongly protest against committees not into close proximity with his tail. Their legs are short and advertising the judges' names on their prize schedules. For clean, and of a dark leaden colour, or black; their thighs are instance, we have all our likes and dislikes, and I have often also short. seen birds that have received the cup in their class at one show Many exhibitors of Black Bantams confine their fowls prior under one judge, at the next show passed by unnoticed by to exhibiting them in a dark and warm room, which has the another judge. Considering the enormous charges railway effect of increasing the purity of whiteness of their deaf-ears, companies levy upon all exhibitors for carriage, and the which are apt to become tinted with red from too much exposure. amount of entry fees, I certainly do think it would have a There are many amateurs who have not sufficient accommo- most beneficial effect if every committee published the names dation to keep the larger breeds of fowls, but who delight in of their judges on the prize schedule. I quite agree that a new keeping a few Bantams, and to these I could not recommend a set of judges is necessary, but I am sure we have several genprettier variety than the Black. They are hardy, moderately tlemen who act at present and whose valuable services we could good layers, and the chickens are not difficult to rear.-WALTER not afford to lose.-A LOVER OF FAIR PLAY. B. ARUNDEL. OBJECTING TO JUDGES. YOUR correspondent of last week draws the attention of fanciers to the practice of parties forming themselves into rings or cliques against certain judges officiating at shows, and sending their entries subject to the condition that if a certain judge officiates their entries are to be returned. Such conduct is reprehensible in the extreme. If such conduct were to be followed we should very soon have no judges at all. There are various ways in which such practices can be put a stop to. First, committees should be above cringing to the dictatorial views of any rings or cliques, and appoint their judges fearlessly. Second, as soon as the schedule of the show is prepared have the judges engaged and publish their names along with the schedule. If such simple rules were attended to, shows upon the whole would be better patronised by the true fancier. In this northern part of Her Majesty's dominions there have been several shows where I and others would not enter our birds because the judges' names were not published, and we had not the confidence in the parties who were reported as being engaged to judge. Our surmises were right, for the judging has given general dissatisfaction. I do not think your correspondent need fear that the combinations he refers to are likely to be of long standing, or ever to be acted upon except in isolated places, but I am sure that if the hints I have given were attended to there would be no cause of that fear described by your correspondent.-A NORTH-EAST-COAST-OF-SCOTLAND FANCIER. YOUR correspondent in his remarks on "Objecting to Judges," in last week's issue, proclaims the existence of a "clique" or poultry exhibitors' league. Will he further enlighten the fancy by stating where such institution exists, and how it may be communicated with? If its modus operandi is not aggressive but strictly defensive, and if its council be rightly directed, it may add very materially to the stability of some of our present poultry societies, and ought to be known. I fail to discover the force of your correspondent's argument, or rather I cannot view it from the same standpoint. He complains that the prospects of Mr. A have been destroyed as a judge by the combination of a few fanciers. It must be assumed that this Mr. A has been tried as a judge (or there would be no protest), and his awards have proved conclusively that he does not possess the necessary qualifications of an efficient judge. Few will deny that the sooner such a person passes into oblivion, so far as the DORCHESTER POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW. They were held under difficulties. They had no convenient "Calf's head hashed must be confessed We have often thought it would be wise to station people at the entrance to a show for the purpose of assuring everyone the place was crowded. Once assured that a place is inconveniently full, gout and corns are forgotten, and babies in arms afford no argument for staying away. "Good wine needs no bush," and Dorchester had nothing to apologise for, or to explain away. Market-room and town hall were both full of pens, and they were full of good birds. The bow at the end of the room was fitted with large and commodious cages, tenanted by the various Pheasants and wild fowl. The entire flooring of these cages was composed of close-cut turf. A large reserve pile of the same was in requisition to replace any that might be scratched to pieces, or otherwise become an eyesore. The small alcove behind was occupied by three purple-velvet rising shelves, on which were displayed cups, showing that true to tradition they were worth their nominal sum. The Show was crowded, and the élite of the county were there. Everyone was glad it was revived, and hoped it would continue. So did we. Our notice of the different classes will be of necessity short. Full information is supplied by the prize list which appears in this number. The Game were very good, especially the Brown Reds that took the cup. In these, as in other classes, there were good specimens from the Channel Islands. We are, however, of opinion that there is a tendency to breed them too leggy. A jocosus puer in these classes had perpetrated a joke. Wishing to exhibit five very beautiful tame Partridges, he had entered them in the Game classes. The Coloured Dorkings were worthy of any show; the Silver-Greys weak, the White Dorkings marvellous; many of the hens weighed over 9 lbs. each, and one cock 10 lbs. The Spanish were excellent, so were the Cochins, but the Grouse carried the cup from Buff, White, and Black. There were three pens of the latter. There were forty-five pens of Brahmas; the Light took the cup from the Dark. They were good classes, but in many of these, as in the Cochins, the feathering is becoming preposterous, presenting a huge mass of fluffy feathering without shape, form, or symmetry. There were fifty-four pens of Hamburghs. The Golden-pencilled were beautiful and perfect. Golden and Silverspangled were very good, but we cannot understand why the Silver-pencilled should have fallen off so much, and should everywhere cut such a sorry figure. We saw among the Silverspangles that which was common formerly, but very rare now, a henny-tailed cock. Polands and Malays were competitors for one cup. They were both well represented in every way, but the former were strong enough to take away the cup. We have seldom seen better birds than were shown in these classes. Houdans and Crêve-Cœurs are become poultry facts, but we were surprised to see five pens of good La Flèche. Many of the French birds were of great size. The Various were various and curious. Game Bantams had the same number of classes as their larger brethren. They brought between forty and fifty pens, among them some of the best Duckwings we ever saw. Seventy-three pens of selling poultry, single cock or pair of pullets not exceeding 30s. in value: these are essentially popular classes, they afford an outlet for extra stock, and a moderato but reliable market for purchasers. The sales were very numerous. Geese, Ducks, and Turkeys were all good. The entries for dead poultry were bad, only one prize was awarded, and we would not give much for the recipients. Much HOUDANS.-1, W. Dring, Faversham. 2, W. Whitworth. 3, W. H. Copplestone, Bridgend, Lostwithiel. hc, Mrs. C. Hill, Fox Hall, Alton; P. J. De Carteret. c. Viscountess Chetwynd, Marpool Hall, Exmouth. FRENCH.-Any other variety-1 and Cup, W. Dring. 2, G. De Faye, Jersey. 3, Rev. C. C. Ewband, Biggleswade. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, W. Wildey, Cosham, Hants (Andalusians). 2, R. S. Woodgate, Pembury. Tunbridge Wells. 3, Mrs. E. Holmes. GAME BANTAMS.-Black-breasted Reds.-1, E. Payne, Cardiff. 2, R. Donger, jun., Parkstone, Poole. 3. W. Boutcher, Notting Hill, London. hc, B. Wingfield, Worcester. Brown-breasted Reds.-1, F. Fielder, Southsea. 2, S. & J. J. Stephens, Ebley, Stroud. 3, J. Long, Bromley Common. Any other variety.1 and Cup, Master M. V. Sandford, Dover. 2, E. Payne. 3, G. S. Sainsbury, Devizes hc, J. Long; W. Boutcher. BANTAMS.-Gold and Silver-laced.-1, C. H. Poole. 2, Mrs. Hambro, Milton TURKEYS.-1, L. Patton. 2 and 3, A. Martin. c, W. Manfield (2). PIGEONS. CARRIERS.-Cocks -1, H. Yardley, Birmingham. 2, J. H. Watkins, Hereford. he, J. C. Ord, Pimlico. c, B. Ford. Hens.-1 and c, B. Ford. 2, J. H. Watkins. hc. B. Ford; H. Yardley. POUTERS.-Cocks.-1 and 2, H. Pratt, Knowle. vhe, Mrs. Ladd, Calne. he, Rev. W. C. Bullen, Bath. c, J. H. Watkins. Hens.-1, H. Pratt. 2, Rev. W. C. Bullen. vhe, Mrs. Ladd. hc, Rev. W. C. Bullen; H. Pratt. c, J. H. Watkins. TUMBLERS.-Almond.-1, H. Yardley. 2, J. Andrews, Poole. Balds or Beards, or Any other variety.-1, H. Yardley. 2, G. Packham. he, B. Ollis, Devizes. JACOBINS.-1, J. Andrews. 2. H. Yardley. BARBS.-1, H. Yardley. 2, J. H. Watkins. FANTAILS.-1, J. F. Loversidge, Newark. 2, H. Yardley. c, Miss S. Dickinson, Kingweston, Somerton. NUNS.-1, G. Packham. 2, J. P. Mills, Exeter. c, H. Yardley. vhe, H. Yardley. he, W. H. Mitchell, Moseley, Birmingham. Blue.-Cock or Hen.1. W. H. Mitchell. 2, W. Bishop. hc, H. Yardley. c, G. Packham. Red or Yellow-Cock or Hen.-1, S. C. Betty, Park Street, Regent's Park. 2 and c, W. H. Mitchell. whe, S. C. Betty; W. H. Mitchell. he, R. Shutler, Baiter. Poole; W. H. Mitchell. White.-Cock or Hen.-1 and 2, W. Bishop. he, G. Packham; W. Bishop. c, W. H. Mitchell. ANTWERPS.-1, H. Yardley. 2. J. Andrews. hc, W. H. Mitchell. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1 and he, H. Yardley. 2, J. W. P. James, Hereford. whe, G. Packham. c J. H. Watkins. SELLING CLASS.-1, A. P. Maurice, Bourton, Bath. 2 and the, J. H. Watkins, 8, H. Yardley. hc, G. Packham; W. Morris, Westbank, Ross. c, Capt. the Hon. E. Digby; F. F. Lee, Canal, Salisbury. The Rev. G. F. Hodson and Mr. Baily judged the Poultry; Mr. Allsop the Pigeons. may be made of this class, and it will be done under proper KING'S LYNN POULTRY, PIGEON, AND RABBIT management. Fifteen competitors for three prizes for eggs. This class, again, has a future before it. The Pigeons were numerous, and many of them very good. The Committee were at the Show early and late, and richly deserved their success. GAME.-Black-breasted Reds.-1, W. H. Stagg, Netheravon. 2, J. Mason, Worcester. 3, J. Voisin, Jersey. c, E. W. Williams, Herringstone; E. Martin, Sculthorpe, Fakenham. Brown-breasted Reds.-1 and Cup, F. Warde, West Farleigh. 2, T. Lovering, Caprera, St. Austell. 8, J. Browne, St. Austell. c, F. Warde; H. E. Martin. Any other variety.-1, J. Voisin. 2, E. Martin. 8 and hc, E. G. Farquharson, Blandford. c, D. Thomas, Brecon. DORKINGS.-Coloured.-1 and Cup. L. Patton, Hillmore, Taunton. 2, T. C. Burnell, Micheldever, Hants. 8, J. Mercer, Burton Bradstock, Bridport. c, G. N. Thomas, Beaminster; P. J. De Carteret, Jersey. Bilver-Grey.-1, Withheld. 2. L. Wren, Lowestoft. 8, T. Moore, Yeovil. White.-1, O. E. Cresswell, Early Wood, Bagshot. 2. Mrs. M. A. Hayne, Kingsand, Devonport. 3, H. Feast, Swansea. hc, P. Rundle, Lostwithiel. c, Mrs. M. A. Hayne; Mrs. T. Pope, Corsley, Warminster. SPANISH.-1 and Cup. J. R. Rodbard, Wrington, Bristol. 2, J. Newick, Hinton St. George. 8 and hc, E. Jones, Clifton. COCHINS.-Cinnamon and Buf.-1, R. Osborne. 2. W. H. Crabtree, Levenshulme. 8, Mrs. E. Allsopp, Worcester. hc, A. Martin, Evershot; Capt. T. S. Robin, Petit Menage, Jersey. Partridge.-1 and Cup, G. Lias, Par Station, Cornwall. 2 and c, Hon. Mrs. Sugden, Wells, Somerset. 3, C. Ingram, Bland. ford. Any other variety.-1, W. Whitworth, jun., Longsight, Manchester. 2, S. B. Perry, Lymington. 8, Mrs. E. Holmes, Bath. hc, C. M. Hole, Tiverton. BRAHMAS.-Dark.-1 and Cup. Newnham & Manby, Wolverhampton. 2, Horace Lingwood, Creeting, Needham Market. 3, J. Mercer. hc, H. W. Castle, Kensington, London; H. Feast; W. H. Crabtree. c, T. H. Waterman, Anderton, Devonport. Light.-1 and Cup, J. Bloodworth, Cheltenham. 2, T. A. Dean, Marden. Hereford. 8, H. M. Maynard, Holmwood, Ryde, Isle of Wight. lic, C. Jones, Hanford, Blandford; Mrs. E. Holmes; W. H. Crabtree. HAMBURGHS.-Gold-pencilled.-1 and Cup, H. Moore, Weston-super Mare. 2, G. Packham, Exeter. 3, J. Robinson, Garstang. he, C. Bloodworth, Chelten ham; H. Moore; T. Aspden, Church, Accrington. Silver-pencilled.-1, J. Rhodes, Hyndburn, Accrington. 2, N. Barter, Plymouth. 8, H. Feast HAMBURGHS.-Gold-spangled.-1 and Cup, Mrs. J. Pattison, Dorchester. 2, T. Walker, jun., Denton, Manchester. 3, J. Robinson, he, J. K. Harris, Warminster; P. Hanson, Stonehouse, Gloucester. Silver-spangled-1. Ashton and Booth, Broadbottom, Mottram. 2 and 3, Mrs. J. Pattison. hc, N. Barter; J. Robinson. POLANDS.-1 and Cup. J. Hinton, Warminster. 2 and 3. T. P. Edwards, Lyndhuret, Hants. hc, S. Probert, Lostwithiel; T. P. Edwards; C. Bloodworth. MALAYS.-1, S. B. Perry. 2, G. White, Christchurch. 8, J. Hinton. he, Rev. N. J. Ridley, Newbury; J. S. Rooth, Chesterfield; Rev. A. G. Brookes, Shrawardine Rectory, Shrewsbury. SHOW. Corn Exchange, King's Lynn, on the 26th and 27th February. THIS Show was held, in conjunction with that of dogs, in the Turner's pens were used on the occasion, and served to display the birds in excellent style. The prizes were but 20s. and 10s. and no cups or other extras, therefore not a sufficient inducement to draw valuable poultry from the breeding pens at this time of year. The entries were not heavy, but yet sufficiently large to promise an excellent future for the Society with a schedule of prizes of greater value, which, we were assured, is contemplated for another year. The Show was well managed in every respect, the Honorary Secretaries being constantly present, showing a determination to oblige, and superintend matters themselves. Dorkings were not numerous; the Dark Greys but poor, but the Silvers much better. Cochins, Buff, were good in both classes; while in cocks of Any other variety a capital White was placed first, and in hens a Black of rare excellence. Brahmas, Dark, in both classes were but poor, while the Light were of fair quality. Next came Game, Brown Reds winning in the cock class, the first a grand cockerel, the second an old cock, good in colour but somewhat shy. In hens a grand Brown Red stood first, and a Black Red, of high quality but rather long in body, was second. Any other colour, cocks, Duckwings were first and second, and in hens a Pile was first and Duckwing second, both being good birds. The Hamburghs may be taken as a lot, the winners being mainly good, but the rest very poor. Of Spanish there were but two pens, but both very good; and the same refowls, and the class was uncommonly good, La Flèche being first marks will apply to Polands. There were eight entries in French and Crêve-Cœurs second; and in the Variety class the first were Malays, the second Black Hamburghs. As is generally the case in the eastern counties, the Selling classes were well filled, and some very good birds changed hands. Bantams, Black or Brown Reds, a good pair of the latter variety came first and Black Reds second, but all the others were very poor. In the next class Piles won, both pairs being good, but the second very dirty. The next was a grand class, first Blacks and second Japanese, while many good pens were only commended. Ducks in both classes were good for this locality, which does not stand pre-eminent in aquatic birds. In the Variety class Carolinas were first, with Black East Indian second. Pigeons were very scant in entries, and yet each class contained some good pairs or single birds, this applying particularly to the Carrier and Pouter classes; the first-prize Black Carrier hen being a grand bird and in nice bloom, while the winning Pouters were in good show. Fantails were such as can only be seen when our Newark friends compete. Dragoons, Blue, were good, but the best pair of Dragoons were the first-prize Yellows in the next class. In Jacobins the winners were Red and very good, but the Antwerps, if we except the first-prize pair, were bad. Rabbits were a good show, the Lops doing great credit to their owners; a Fawn being first and Sooty Fawn second in bucks, and in does the first was Tortoiseshell and the second Blue-and-white, the latter, a doe of grand quality, requiring only condition to bring her to the front. Most of the SilverGreys were noticed, and it is seldom a better collection is seen together. For any other breed, buck, a neat Himalayan was first and a Belgian Hare second, and in does a most exquisite Blue-and-white Dutch was first and a massive Angora second. In the Selling class a good Lop-ear was first. DORKINGS (Coloured).-Cock.-1, Mrs. G. Clark, Long Sutton. 2, H. H. Rush, Heybridge, Maldon. County, E. M. Southwood, Fakenham. Hen.-1 and County, E. M. Southwood. 2, Mrs. G. Clarke. c, H. H. Rush. DORKINGS (Any other variety).-Cock.-1, L. Wren, Lowestoft. 2 and County, T. & H. Heath, Norwich. Hen.-1, L. Wren. 2 and County, T. & H. Heath. COCHINS (Cinnamon or Buff).-Cock.-1, 2, and County, Major Bignold. Hen.1. G. F. Bently, Linton, Cambs. 2 and County, Major Bignold, Norwich. hc, H. J. Gunnell. COCHINS (Any other variety).-Cock.-1, R. S. S. Woodgate, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells. 2 and County, Major Bignold. he, T. L. Nash, Sproughton, Ipswich. c, J. A. Sleep, Kingsland, London. Hen-1, J. F. Walton, Rawtenstall. 2, J. A. Sleep. Extra 2, T. M. Derry, Gedney. County, Major Bignold. he, R. S. S. Woodgate. BRAHMAS (Dark)-Cock.-1, J. Watts, King's Heath, Birmingham. 2, W. R. Garner, Dyke, Bourne. County, W. Brunton, East Dereham. Hen.-1 and County, E. H. Willett, Norwich. 2, J. Watts. hc, Miss Blake, Bracondale, Norwich; Rev. T. Wren, Heybridge, Maldon; W. B. Gooden, Horton Green, Bradford. c, G. Tysen, Sculthorpe. Fakenham; W. Brunton. BRAHMAS (Light)-Cock.-1 and County, P. Haines, Palgrave, Diss. 2, J. P. Case, Testerton, Fakenham. hc, H. Watson. Cringleford, Norwich. Hen.-1 and County, P. Haines. 2, J. P. Case. c, Rev. T. Wren. GAME (Brown or Black Reds).-Cock.-1 and County, H. E. Martin, Sculthorpe, Fakenham. 2, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. c, J. F. Walton. Hen.-1, H. L. Cocksedge, Woolpit, Suffolk. 2, S. Matthew. County, H. E. Martin. vhe, J. F. Walton. GAME (Any other variety).-Cock.-1, H. L. Cocksedge. 2 and County, H. E. Martin. vhc, J. F. Walton. c, S. Matthew. Hen.-1 and County, H. E. Martin. 2. S. Matthew. he, J. F. Walton. HAMBURGHS (Golden-pencilled).-1, E. Walton, Horncliffe, Rawtenstall. 2. C. J. N. Row, Melford. County and c, H. T. Coldham, Lynn. hc, T. H. Readman. HAMBURGHS (Golden-spangled).-1, J. Ward, Bardon Hill, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. 2, Furness & Sudall, Rawtenstall, Manchester. County, H. R. Plattin, jun. HAMBURGHS (Silver-pencilled)-1, E. Walton. HAMBURGHS (Silver-spangled).-1, E. Walton. 2 and County, H. R. Plattin, jun., c, E. Hills, Ely. POLANDS.-1, G. W. Boothby, Louth. 2 and County, Major C. J. Ewen, Marlingford Hall, Norwich. SPANISH.-1, Furness & Sudall. 2, J. S. Dew, Gamlingay Mills, Cambridge. FRENCH.-1, E. Walton. 2, W. Cutlack, jun., Littleport. County, Major C. J. Ewen. hc, H. Hoff, Wormegay. c. Mrs. Ffolkes; Miss Newcome, Brandon. ANY OTHER VARIETY.-1, J. F. Walton (White Malays). 2, W. Cutlack, jun. (Black Hamburghs). County and vhc, T. A. Wright, Great Yarmouth (Black Hamburghs). hc. 3. S. Rooth, Chesterfield (Malays): H. C. Naunton. Lynn (Pheasant); E. Branford, Swaffham (Malays); T. Marples, Blackburn (Sultanas). SELLING CLASS.-Cock.-1, W. White, Lowestoft (Black Spanish). 2, Mrs. G. Clarke (Dorking). 3, W. H. James, Fen Ditton Rectory, Cambridge (Cochin). 4, Major Bignold (Partridge Cochin). hc, J. Bone, North Elmham (Cochin); J. S. Pearson, Great Melton, Wymondham (Buff Cochin); T. H. Readman; T. M. Derry (2); Mrs. G. Clarke (Dorking); J. F. Walton. c, J. Watts; J. F. Sillitoe, Wolverhampton (Spanish). SELLING CLASS.-Hen.-1, W. Massey, Spalding (Buff Cochin). 2, J. A. Sleep (Dark Brahma). 3, Furness & Sudall. 4. C. J. N. Row (Golden-pencilled Hamburgh). vhe, J. Bone (Cochin); G. F. Bently (Buff Cochin); T. H. Readman. he. T. & H. Heath (White Cochin); H. T. Coldham (Silver-spangled Hamburghs); J. F. Pearson; T. H. Readman: E. M. Southwood (Coloured Dorking); Major C. J. Ewen (Black Spanish); J. Watts; J. F. Sillitoe (Spanish). c, J. Bone (Cochin); G. F. Bently (Buff Cochin); T. H. Readman; G. Clarke (Dorking). BARNDOOR OR CROSSERED.-Pairs.-1, W. Nicholson, Brisley Hall, Norfolk. BANTAMS (Any other variety except Game).-1, R. H. Ashton, Mottram. 2, G. DUCKS (Rouen).-1, Mrs. T. Wootton. 2 and County, W. Hoff, Wormegay. DUCKS (Any other variety).-1 and County, R. B. Leeds, Castleacre. 2, Mrs. PIGEONS. South; H. Yardley; W. Smith. DRAGOONS (Any other colour).-1 and 2, G. South. hc, Rev. H. H. Bridgwater, Snettisham. JACOBINS.-1, G. South. 2, J. Thompson. hc, G. South; F. Aldiss, Fakenham. ANTWERPS.-1, C. F. Copeman, Copt Heath, Solihull. 2, H. Yardley. SELLING CLASS.-1, H. Thurlow, Burnham Market. 2, J. Thompson. hc, H. Yardley. RABBITS. LOPS.-Buck.-1, F. Banks, Doughty Street, London. 2, C. Dodson, Lynn. Doc.-1, F. Banks. 2, F. J. Smith, East Dereham. he, F. Banks; C. Dodson, SILVER-GREY.-Buck or Doe.-1 and 2, B. W. Mason, Hull. vho, W. R. Cooke, Moulton, Spalding; S. Ball, Bradford. he, E. M. Royds, Rochdale; G. P. & R. Hackett, Haverstock Hill; F. J. Smith. c, E. M. Royds. ANY OTHER PURE BREED.-Buck.-1, W. H. Tomlinson (Himalayan). 2, A. C. Wiseman, Spalding (Belgian Hare). he, F. J. Smith (Himalayan). Doe.-1 and 2, B. W. Mason (Blue and White Dutch and Angora). vhe, F. J. Smith (Angora). hc, W. H. Tomlinson (Himalayan). HEAVIEST.-Buck or Doe.-2, J. Brown (Doe). SELLING CLASS.-Buck or Doe.-1, F. Banks (Lep-eared Doe). 2, F. J. Smith (Yellow Doe). hc, Master T. M. Nash, Brinkley, Newmarket (Himalayan). JUDGES. Mr. F. C. Esquilant, Mr. J. Dixon, Mr. E. Hutton. NEW BOOK. The Illustrated Book of Poultry, with Practical Schedules for Judging Constructed from Actual Analysis of the Best Modern Decisions. By LEWIS WRIGHT, Author of "The Practical Poultry-keeper," "The Brahma Fowl," &c. Illustrated with Fifty Coloured Portraits of Prize Birds, Painted from Life by J. W. LUDLOW. Cassell, Petter, & Galpin, London, Paris, and New York. MANY fanciers, like ourselves, have looked forward, each month of the last two years, with interest and pleasing expectation, to receiving a new number of Mr. Wright's "Illustrated Book of Poultry." So much have we ourselves grown accustomed to a square yellow number with two coloured portraits of birds, sometimes personally known to us, coming in with a new month, that we are almost sorry there are no more to come. Still, loose numbers are after all a little unsatisfactory, and a book is better, with title-page and index in their right places, and the pictures fixed for ever where they each ought to be. A book is more easily referred to than loose sheets; the places kept; the marked portions, marked by our pencils, sooner found. Now, at length, the "Illustrated Book of Poultry" is a book, a handsomely bound book, as all might see who were present at our great Crystal Palace Show. To attempt to give an analysis of so large a work would exceed, far exceed, the limits that can be given to a review in the columns of this Journal. First we would say, that comparing the pictures of this work and the account of the different breeds with former high-class publications of a kindred nature, there is a marked progress, coincident with the progress in the fancy, for progress in nearly all the varieties there has been. If this progress is not seen in some shows it is seen in others. It is easy to sit and dream-a habit of older fanciers-that birds were better in former years than now; but if the comparison could be made with the eye, the error, except as regards some few varieties, would be seen at once. Now, it is a great thing to have a book in picture and description up to the day, and Mr. Wright's book is up to the present day. No artist is to be blamed for representing birds a few years since different to what All we ask of artists is they now are, for points have varied. to represent birds as they are at the time a work on poultry is issued, and this Mr. Ludlow has done. A glance through the index reveals the vast bulk of the knowledge accumulated in the book. The best men in each variety have done their best. Schedules of judging are given by those who actually judge; and hence fanciers have correct guides for mind and eye, for Mr. Ludlow has been most careful to represent points in his pictures. The book is, as it lies before us, an ornament to any library— handsome outside, and handsomer inside. As to its contents, they may be summed-up thus: To the general reader they will be found to be interesting, to the poultry fancier they will be valuable, to the exhibitor simply invaluable.-WILTSHIRE RECTOR. BREEDING CANARIES IN A ROOM UNCAGED. My little ones have some Canaries, and we have a spare attic facing due south. Will the Canaries breed well flying about the room? How many hens may they put to each cock? Would it be advisable to put Linnets or Goldfinches in with the Canaries, or birds of any other sort? Would a small tree in the centre CARRIERS-Cock-1 and 2, W. Minson, St. Ives. hc, W. Massey, Spalding; of the room be useful, and, if so, what sort would be the best? J. Thompson, Bingley. Hen.-1, W. Minson. -ST. EDMUNDS. Kindly advise a family who, if such a thing is possible, are completely demoralised by those naughty men "WILTSHIRE RECTOR," Mr. W. A. Blakston, and other writers to papa's first piece of reading, on getting home off his journey, "our Journal." [Who that has children but would feel interested in the spare attic, facing due south, with its prospective pleasures? It is quite refreshing after the turmoil of the exhibition season to be asked such a string of interesting questions. They savour of coming spring, fresh-turned earth, green moss, budding primroses and sweet-scented violets, warm sunshine and lengthening days; and they speak, too, of the early spring time of life, with its happy present and rosy future. May the lessons to be learned in the spare attic, its joys and sorrows, hopes fulfilled, and bitter disappointments, not be lost on "my little ones." The Canaries will breed famously if turned loose in the room; and where no single variety is kept and no particular excellence aimed at, there is no better plan, or one more adapted to furnish the largest amount of pleasure at the smallest amount of trouble or expense. The bird has more scope for freedom of action in a room than in a box 18 inches square, though he is as happy in the one as in the other, and his life approximates more nearly, yet still only very remotely, to what it is in an unconfined state. I would not like to say how many hens are the proper share for each cock in such an agapemone. Though, to some extent, all things will be shared in common, yet each cock will pair with some particular hen and pay her special attention, at least till she is sitting, when the chances are he will court some new flame; but he will not neglect his first love, and will continue to feed her on the nest, though, under the circumstances, he will become general in his attentions. And it is strange how hens in an aviary will sometimes behave. I have seen two sitting on the edge of the same nest feeding as assiduously as if each claimed the young ones for her own. Turn-in the stock at once, and see how things work. By all means introduce Linnets (cocks), and Goldfinches, either cocks or hens. Hen Linnets will breed in rooms only under special treatment, and then very rarely; but a hen Goldfinch will build, sit, hatch, and feed as well as a Canary. The produce will be Linnet and Canary Mules, and Goldfinch and Canary Mules, and will in all probability be dark self-coloured birds. The hens will be useless, but the cocks excellent songsters. You might add a hen Bullfinch or two. There is no knowing where the blessing might fall. I would not confine myself to one tree in the centre, but place several round the walls. The best for the purpose are small fir trees (such as are used for Christmas trees), which can be got at any nursery, and, if carefully lifted and suitably potted, will remain fresh for a long time. The birds will pull them about, and by the end of the summer they will be done for, as they cannot be expected to put forth their new leaves under such circumstances. If, in addition to these, you can get any old roots, or any such rough material, to place against or hang on the wall, you will find the birds will soon select the snug corners and begin to build. Give a supply of moss, soft hay, any bunch of fibrous roots you may meet with, or similar material (with which they will build the foundation of their nests), and plenty of soft doe-hair, which you can get-I don't know where. We get it from the carpet factories. Add some Rabbitdown, with which they will put the finishing touch to a nest, which will make "my little ones" look on with amazement, and wonder how such an article can be fabricated from such materials without hands. Having got thus far, notice when any hen is beginning to build; then sit quietly down in a corner and watch the operation. She will not at all object to your company. When you have a nest of eggs send the announcement to 171, Fleet Street, and I will do my best to show you how to rear the young ones. --W. A. BLAKSTON.] STRAY NOTES ON THE CRYSTAL PALACE CANARY SHOW. LAST year and this I visited the Show with feelings of anything but satisfaction. You ask me why? Well, I cannot say, but "I did not like the Palace Show, The reason why I do not know, But I didn't like the Palace Show." It's well we don't all look at things with the same eyes, and I am glad to find that a first visit has warmed-up our friend "WILTSHIRE RECTOR" into two columns pleasant report of general impressions of this the final gathering of the eventful season of '73. I, too, enter from the west end, and to me, who seldom see the Palace more than once in a year, the impression of surrounding beauty is as fresh, as novel, and as sensibly realised as when I first flung open the swinging doors and entered the fairy structure, leaving the outside world behind in a way you can do nowhere else. But in the "Arabian Night-like pavilion" I could see no beauty; indeed, what I did say to a friend who performs the annual pilgrimage with me was, "What a den of a place!" With the tent, as a tent, I have no fault to find, nor with the internal arrangements (excepting the staging of the Belgians), but the tent itself is a mistake. I am not alone in my opinion, and am perfectly satisfied that if an appeal were made to the entire "constituency," the result of the poll would show a decided "reaction" in favour of the tropical department (with all risks of deaths) and clear sunlight. Birds which have not been coddled-up, but which have been knocking about the country for the last six months chanting their evensong in a railway station, and matins in the guard's van, are not afraid of the temperature of the Crystal Palace. At night the green-baize covering could easily be turned up over the cages, and everything would be as snug as possible. Pretty as the birds may look, to the uninitiated, in the subdued light, and though, as Mr. Wilson agreed with me, it is as fair for one as for the other, it is fair to none, neither to exhibitor, seller, nor buyer; and I am bold enough to say that nineteen out of every twenty casual purchasers who claimed a bird under the tent would not recognise it in clear daylight. If it be the best arrangement the Crystal Palace can offer, then, I say, despite all its beautiful surroundings, it is a bad arrangement. I think also that the staging of the Belgians might be better arranged. The Crystal Palace Show is not an ordinary affair, and with the appliances and resources at command one naturally looks for a model show. It surely could not disarrange or throw things out of gear to have a niche set apart for these remarkable birds-some quiet corner in which each bird could be perfectly isolated, and be "put up" at pleasure. It is most unsatisfactory to see a row of these specimens; and beyond the fact that this one is ticketed first, this second, and that third, there is no possible means of arriving at any accurate conclusion as to their merits. And it must be specially mortifying to a keen fancier and thorough judge of this variety to know that in some instances the awards are flagrantly wrong, and yet under the circumstances the superior bird cannot stand up and assert the incompetency of the judges, or any error or oversight which may have been committed. Mr. Wilson reasoned that it would be injudicious to legislate for any particular class of birds. The fact is, every class is legislated for except Belgians, and they are not adequately provided for. The display of Norwich birds was very fine, and the separation of the "hot" ones from those moulted under the old régime a judicious arrangement, which might have been carried out on a more liberal scale. It was hardly fair to classify the one special in extenso and to crowd the others into two classes. prize was given by Mr. Barnesby to the winner of the greatest number of points in the not-high-coloured classes; but what will "WILTSHIRE RECTOR" and everybody else think when I say that every individual bird which helped to win that prize was a bona-fide "hot" bird? Surely the Judges know nothing about them when they see them! Mr. Bemrose was in the Show on Monday, and considering the "peppering" he has received, was in rare form. It was a great triumph for him to win such laurels on the scene of his last year's attempted disgrace. Truly has he kept his promise made last year when smarting under the opprobrium of implied dishonesty, and already before the advent of another moulting season has his prophecy been fulfilled that they "all would do it," for even in the "hot" classes he was opposed by late-hatched birds, and beaten too. In one or two partially-moulted specimens the new high-coloured feathers came out in marked contrast to the pale nest feathers. It will, perhaps, be needless to say that Mr. Bemrose will not accept the special prize, but hands it over to the Derby Ragged School. With regard to "WILTSHIRE RECTOR'S " hope that this new method of feeding may make a like advance in Almond Tumblers or other Pigeons, I see no reason why it should not. The theory that judicious feeding can affect colour in feather, if administered while the blood is in circulation in the feather, being now established beyond doubt, opens a wide field for experiment. I still maintain that Mr. Bemrose, having borne the brunt of tion, deserves the substantial thanks and acknowledgments of the fight and overcome blundering ignorance and wicked opposithe feather fancy generally. And I ask "WILTSHIRE RECTOR," who, I know, is ever willing to support all that is gentle and true, and Howarth Ashton and others whose names once adorned the fancy, but who have retired from it simply because they could no longer remain in it with pleasure, to help me to give effect to this. Mr. Bemrose, disgusted, retires from public competition, bequeathing this legacy to future fanciers. So, one by It ought not to be. one, we lose our best men. I cannot now notice many individual specimens, but among the not-high-coloured birds, Mr. W. Walter's two Clear Buffs (121 and 122) were great, and among the "hot" birds, Bemrose and Orme's Clear Buff (251) stood alone. I was much amused at overhearing two of his admirers' remarks. "Why, if here oint old Cherrybum!" It really is a cherub. There never was such a bird. London Fancies seem on the decline. Try the cayenne, Mr. Waller ! Lizards, as a class, were poor, but the names of Watson and Fairbrass are quite sufficient guarantee of the excellence of their specimens. Mr. Dove's Golden-spangled bird, 441, I liked much. Mr. Fairbrass's 462, Broken-capped Silver, was a gem; only two minute specks in his cap. Broken-capped birds really are worth a meed of praise. The very best will throw them, and foul-capped birds and even birds with no cap will throw perfect specimens. As a rule they are generally well spangled, and a broken cap is only an excess of spangle. But pied wings and tails!-that is quite another thing. Save me from them. Cinnamons were numerous and good. Mr. Adams's first-prize birds were fine, but I think I liked 492, second, better than 493, first. The judging in the next two classes was one of those things nobody can understand. First, in the Marked or Variegated Cinnamons first and second prizes were withheld, and third awarded to a "hot" specimen of Bemrose & Orme's; but behind were 571, 572, and 573, three birds of Mr. Luke Belk's, of which 571, & Jonque, and 572, a Mealy, at least were gems of the first water. There are not six such in England. Then in "Any other variety" the performance was eclipsed. First and third were withheld. Second went to-I have omitted to note what, but I think a Coppy. However, there remained 589, John Martin, a grand Coppy; 593, Mr. Hawman, a long Green, a champion bird; 605, Mr. Baxter, another splendid Coppy, and 606, Mr. Baxter, the only Scotch Fancy in the Show, and a champion bird too! Now, if birds of this stamp are not considered worthy of prizes in the "Any other variety," tell me what are. Poor encouragement indeed for men to send their specialities from the far north to be so little appreciated, or so little understood. Goldfinch Mules, with the exception of Mr. Doel's, were nothing extra. Mr. Doel brings his birds up to the mark in rare condition. In this respect he is almost unequalled. His Jonques were fine birds, but he has shown others in previous years which would have distanced them. His first Mealy was a beauty; size, colour, quality, delicacy of wing-markings (but I have seen a thousand times better eyes), were all there. But I was very much disappointed at not seeing my Buff friend of last year, the bird with the "tail feathers all told!" It's only a few weeks ago that Mr. Doel published that it was the "second best Buff Mule in England," and really I did not think he was the man to have deprived the world of the sight, or to have parted with such a gem with the Crystal Palace Show so near at hand. When I say that Selfs were good, and that Mr. Walter occupied his usual place of premier among the sixes in the Norwich groups, I have finished my grumble.-W. A. BLAKSTON. MODERN BEE-MANAGEMENT. THE man who reforms abuses or who makes decided improvements in any industry may truly be regarded as a public benefactor. Whoever improves upon any system generally gets his share of abuse; but if he has the courage in the face of sneer and sarcasm to keep steadily on in the path of common sense and duty, he will in the end be sure to have a large number of followers. When a man stands before the world advocating a system which he has thoroughly tested, he does so with confidence, at the same time knowing that he is laying himself open to criticism; this he does not shun. When anyone thus comes forward, and plainly and clearly sets forth his views, and attacks long-seated custom and deep-rooted prejudice, he is certain to have a swarm about his ears. We all know how hard a matter it is to batter down the walls of prejudice. My father did so and so. What was good enough for him is good enough for me." "My mother used the brimstone rag; if she had not done so we should have had bees enough to have stocked a kingdom. I want none of your new-fangled notions ;" and so thousands of valuable lives have been destroyed for want offa little knowledge. Some years ago, in many parts, it was not thought possible that bees in straw hives could be deprived of their honey without destroying them. Another idea deeply stamped upon the old bee-keeper's mind was that if you could take the honey, the bees would die of starvation. Feeding and uniting were not thought of, or if so, deemed impracticable. These ideas had to be assailed, and combated with commonsense arguments resting upon practical experience. Who would sound the charge, come to the front, do battle for the humane system, and advocate a different method without materially augmenting the expense? Was there a man who would come forward and do this? Yes. We have that man in Mr. Pettigrew, who has a larger following than perhaps he himself is aware of. When he published his "Handy Book of Bees" he let in a flood of light upon many rural districts; the walls of prejudice have crumbled before it; destroying bees is going out of fashion; many bee-keepers of the old type are using their small straw hives as super-covers, and are adopting the large hives. I have tried almost everything that Mr. Pettigrew has recommended in the second part of his book, and have found all practicable and easy-artificial swarming, driving, the use of surplus queens, &c. There is this merit in the book-that it is written for the "benefit of those who are entirely ignorant of the subject on which it treats." So plainly and clearly is the subject treated on, that anyone with nerve, without any other teaching, may manipulate his hives; swarm, drive, or spoon his bees to his heart's content. Far be it from me to disparage wood and fancy hives; but the price alone would deter many from keeping bees if they had to purchase these costly boxes. The straw hive is within the reach of most people; and now that Mr. Pettigrew has made it clear that it can be so easily handled, I doubt not that his system of management will be gradually extended throughout the length and breadth of the land. If we want pure run honey, or if we want beautiful supers, we can get them from straw hives as well as from the most expensive boxes. An old bee-keeper told me that if he had known of Mr. Pettigrew's system before, "it would have been pounds in his pocket."-J. OLIVER, Hartington, Derbyshire. THE BEE-KEEPER'S CALENDAR FOR MARCH. stocks of bees. The hives are rather small and old-fashioned in MR. B.-I have taken your advice, and bought a couple of shape, but no others could be found on sale in our neighbourhood. MR. P.-If the stocks are in good condition, they will be ready to swarm early in May, when the swarms could be put into hives not only of greater size and symmetry, but more suitable as and June every bee-keeper may transfer his bees into any kind habitations for bees and storehouses for their honey. In May of hive he may prefer, and do it without making any sacrifice. By-and-by you will see how simple and advantageous the process is of ridding our apiaries of hives that are unsuitable in shape and materials, and giving to the bees houses that afford their industry. Meanwhile, let us examine the hives you have them space for their breeding powers and the accumulations of bought. Lift them gently off their boards, and turn them up, so that we can see in what condition they are. cost-the bees would sting me to death if I did. MR. B.-I would not venture to turn them up for twice their at this season stir much before we shall have seen whether they MR. P.-Oh, no! If the hives are healthy, the bees will not please to notice how easily and quietly it can be done. Do you have bees and honey enough. Let me turn up the first one, and see the bees sitting closely among the combs in the centre of the hive? This hive contains what is technically called four the size or breadth of a tea-cup saucer, and separated by three seams of bees-that is, four lots of bees may be seen, each about combs. This hive is apparently a good one, and in an ordinary season it will swarm early in May. Now, Mr. B., please to turn up the other hive, that we may see whether it is in as good condition as this. MR. B.-I never saw bees handled and looked at in that way, and I am astonished that they have not punished you for disturbing them. I suppose I shall have to manipulate my hives sometimes, and therefore may as well begin now. MR. P. The combs in this (second) hive are very black, and it contains only three seams of bees-it is not equal in value to the other one. But let us examine them more minutely. Here is a bit of old corduroy rolled together; please to hold the end of it against a red-hot cinder till it smokes. Now blow the smoke into the hive we first lifted till you hear the bees making a noise. Turn it up. See how the bees are running in all directions. The smoke has mastered them. Blow a little more on that cluster in the centre of the hive covering the brood. Look! I see two patches of sealed brood about the size of the mouth of a tea-cup. These patches are at least ten days old, for brood is always about nine or ten days old before it is sealed-up or covered with lids. Doubtless there are in the hive eggs and younger brood which we cannot see at present. These patches of brood become larger and more numerous till they reach to the extremities of the combs. MR. B.-Well, if I had not seen with my own eyes how hives can be handled and examined with ease and safety, I would hardly have believed it possible to do so. How peaceable the bees are! Here is a comb with larger cells than the rest; and on the edge of the comb against it I see two cells quite different in form from all the rest-are these royal cells ? MR. P.-Yes, that is drone comb, and these are queen cells. I am glad, Mr. B., that you have already so much courage as to examine for yourself. By examining your hives thus every now and then you will soon understand the mysteries of bee-keeping, and become an expert in the manipulation and management of your hives. By using liberally the smoke from old corduroy or fustian you may do anything you like with your bees. If they ever become courageous while you are at work, give them an extra dose of smoke, and this will take the courage and friskiness out of them. Give this hive a few puffs more, and then carry it round the garden open and exposed, while I get some |