grand Sooty Fawn buck, so well known in the show pen. The other winners were very good. Lop-ears, broken colours (eight entries). The two superb Tortoiseshell does, as first and second, were assuredly rightly placed; and the third, a perfect Blackand-white, was well worthy of that honour.

Angoras (eleven entries) were an excellent class. The cupwinner was faultless; scarcely less so, however, was the secondprizetaker. Mr. Garner's Crystal Palace cup Rabbit had here to content itself with third. The fact that the whole class with only one exception was awarded honours shows that the Angoras were all that could be desired.

Himalayans (twenty-two entries).-The contest in this class was very severe, owing to the number of meritorious Rabbits. The first-prize winner was a model of excellence, while the other successful candidates were quite worthy of their respective positions.

Dutch (ten entries) were not so numerous as they might have been, but, as in several of the other classes, quality made up for quantity. The exquisite Blue-and-white doe which obtained the cup was among the best Dutch ever exhibited. The Tortoiseshell which gained the second prize was a fine animal, but the Yellow-and-white or Grey-and-white of Mr. Boyle should have been in its place.

Silver-Greys (twenty-six entries). This, the largest and decidedly the best class of all, contained some Rabbits that have never been surpassed. The cup-receiver was nearly perfect in all points; the second and extra second beautifully shaded; and the third and extra third very fine, particularly the latter. The other badges of honour, which were very liberally distributed, went to some very good specimens. This class was one of the largest and finest ever seen.

The Any variety class (nine entries) was tolerably filled. The first, a valuable Belgian Hare doe, was unapproached by any of the class. The second and third were also Belgian Hares; very good ones too. Two fine Belgian Hares were highly commended; and a good Patagonian, Siberian, and Silver-Grey commended. The Selling class (seventeen entries) included nearly every popular variety, most of which were very praiseworthy. The first-prizetaker was a very large Tortoiseshell Lop buck, worth double the price required for him. The next in position was a beautiful Angora, which, had it been shown in the Angora class, would doubtless have been noticed. The third was a very good Grey Lop buck. Nearly all the other pens had honourable mentions, which they really deserved. Amongst these, two Black-and-white Lops (1028 and 1031), a Himalayan (1021), a Yellow-and-white Lop (1029), two Angoras (1024 and 1026), and a Blue-and-white Lop (1030) are worthy of special notice.

The Local class (eight entries) was poor in comparison to last year's. An exceedingly good Sooty Fawn Lop stood first, a nice Angora second, and a Silver-Grey third. Two good Lops followed in the rear. This class has generally been a principal

feature of the Show.

The arrangements were very good. All the Rabbits were well cared for, and liberally fed. Before concluding, I wish to call attention to the scarcity of entries this year. The last Show mustered 162 pens, against 114 this year.

DORKINGS (Dark, Grey, or White).-Cock.-1. H. Lingwood, Barking, Needham Market. 2. J. Lougland. Grendon, Northampton. 3, J. Watts, King's Heath, Birmingham. c, H. Mills, Dorking. Hen.-1, Henry Lingwood. 2, D. Gibson, Springhill, Barrhead. 3, J. Longland. hc, H. Mills.

COCHIN-CHINA (Cinnamon or Buff).-Cock.-1 and 2, W. A. Taylor, Manchester. 3, W. A. Burnell. he, T. Stretch, Ormskirk; Henry Lingwood; Major Bignold, Norwich; Mrs. E. Alsopp, Hindlip Hall, Worcester; H. Feast, Swansea. c, W. P. Ryland, Erdington. Hen.-Cup and 2, W. A. Taylor. 8, H. Tomlinson, Newark-on-Trent. hc. W. Mansfield, Cambridge; Mrs. Beasley; H. Turner. COCHIN-CHINA (Partridge or Black)-Cock-1, Mrs. J. Shrimpton, Leighton Buzzard. 2, T. Stretch. 8, W. A. Taylor. hc, W. A. Taylor; T. L. Nash; J. K. Millner, Cherbury, Blackrrock, Co. Dublin. c. T. Aspden. Hen.-1, W. A. Taylor. 2, T. Aspden. 3, T. Stretch. he, F. Wilton; W. A. Taylor; Mrs. J. Shrimpton. c, Hon. Mrs. Vernon; Capt. F. G. Coleridge.

COCHIN-CHINA (White)-Cock.-1, R. S. S. Woodgate, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells. 2 and 3, W. A. Burnell. hc, J. & T. Weeks. Hen-1, W. A. Taylor. 2, R. S S. Woodgate. 8 and hc, W. A. Burnell.

BRAHMA POOTRA (Light).-Cock.-1, M. Leno, Markyate Street. 2, T. A. Dean, Marden. Hereford 3, J. H. Butler, Erdington. hc, J. Bloodworth, Cheltenham. Hen.-1, R. P. Percival, Northenden. Manchester. 2, Horace Lingwood, Creeting. 3 and c, J. Bloodworth. hc, R. Bird, Fulham; J. H. Butler.

BRAHMA POOTRA (Dark).-Cock.-Cup, W. A. Taylor. 2 and 3, Horace Lingwood. he, W. A. Taylor; R. P. Percival. Hen.-1 and 2, Horace Lingwood. 3, W. Mansfield. he, E. Latour, Hexton, Ampthill; R. P. Percival; J. S. Clarke, Oundle; J. Harvey, jun., Thannington; J. Watts. c, H. Feast; M.Leno. FRENCH-Cock.-1, D. Gibson. 2, Rev. N. J. Nidley, Newbury. 3, W. Harris, Penyfar, Glamorganshire. vhe, Mrs. J. Cross, Appleby Vicarage, Brigg. he. F. Feast Hen.-1, J. J. Malden, Biggleswade. 2, H. Feast. 3, E. Latour. hc, R. H. Ashton, Mottram.

SPANISH.-Cock.-Cup, J. Palmer. Acton, London. 2, J. Leeming, Broughton, Preston. 3. H. Brown, Putney Heath. hc. Mrs. Tonkin; Nicholls Bros., Camberwell. e, F. James, Peckham Rye. Hen.-1. J. Leeming. 2, T. Moore, Cardiff. 8, E. Brown, Sheffield. hc, F. James; Mrs. Tonkin, Bristol; J. T. Parker, Northampton (2); Mrs. Allsopp; H. Feast.

GAME (Black-breasted Red).-Cock.-1, J. Mason, Worcester. 2, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. 3, B. Cox, Moulton. Hen.-1, S. Matthew. 2, E. Winwood, Worcester. 3. J. Mason.

GAME (Any other colour).-Cock.-Cup, S. Matthew. 2, J. W. Thornton, Bradford. 3, J. Leeming. he, T. Mason, Lancaster; D. Gibson; F. Sales, Crowle; J. Chester, Nantwich. c. E. Winwood. Hen.-1,J. Richardson, Loughborough. 2, J. Leeming. 3, S. Matthew. he, B. Cox (2).

HAMBURGHS (Golden or Silver-spangled).-Cock.-Cup and 8, T. Aspden. Church, Accrington. 2, H. Feast. he, T. Boulton; T. Love, Kingsthorpe; C, Parsons, Wolverhampton; P. Hanson, Stonehouse: J. Ward. Ashby-de-laZouche. Hen-1, P. Hanson. 2, H. Turner, Sheffield. 8, J. Ward. hc, J. McAndrew, jun., Carnoustie; J. Clarke; T. Aspden.

HAMBURGHS (Golden or Silver-pencilled).-Cock.-1, W. Speakman, Dodding2, R. Dickson. 3, J. Smith, Lincoln. hc, H. Feast. ton Park, Nantwich. 2, R. Dickson, Selkirk. 5, H. Feast. Hen.-1, T. Aspden.

ANY OTHER VARIETY.-Cock.-1, W. A. Taylor (Silver Polish). 2, T. Boulton, Handford, Stoke (Black Hamburgh). 3, J. S. Rooth, Chesterfield (Malay). he, A. Silvester, Sheffield (Gold Foland); Miss Jacomb, Abbots Langley (White Leghorn) (2); G. W. Boothby, Louth (Gold Poland); Capt. F. G. Coleridge, Wargrave (Poland); E. C. Howard; J. Robinson, Garstang. c, Rev. N. J. Ridley (Malays); J. J. Watkins. Hen.-1 and 2, W. A. Taylor (Silver Polish). 8, A. Silvester (Gold Poland). hc, H. Ball, Dresden, Longton (Black Hamburgh); Miss Jacomb (White Leghorn); C. Bloodworth (Silver Poland); H. Feast; J. Robinson. c, Mrs. B. M. Arnold (Light Malay); G. W. Boothby (Gold Poland).

SELLING CLASS (Any variety except Bantams and Ducks). Cock.-1, J. W. Thornton (Brown Red). 2, T. Love (Golden spangled). 3, P. Collins, Daventry (White Cochin). hc, J. S. Clark (Dark Brahma); Major Bignold (Buff Cochin); W. A. Burnell, Southwell (Partridge Cochin); Nichols Bros. (Spanish) Hancock, Northampton (Brown Ked). c, T. L. Nash, Sproughton (Buff Cochin); J. S. Rooth (Malay).

SELLING CLASS (Any variety except Bantams and Ducks).-Hens.-Cap, J. T. Parker (Spanish). 2, J. Watts. 8, J. Longland, Grendon (Dorking), he, Mrs. Peet, Sharnbrook (Light Brahma); W. Stevens, Northampton (Dark Brahma and White Cochin); Miss E. Browne, Chardleigh Green (Silver-spangled Hamburgh); R. Dickson (Gold-pencilled Hamburgh); F. James (Spanish); R. P. Percival (Dark Brahma); T. L. Nash; J. Atkins, Bedford (Gold-spangled Hamburgh); Nichols Bros. (Spanish); W. R. Bull, Newport Pagnell; J. Watts; M. Leno (Silver-pencilled Hamburgh)._c, H. Brown (Spanish); T. Whittaker, Melton Mowbray (Game Pile); Mrs. E. Allsopp.

SELLING CLASS (Any variety except Bantams and Ducks).-Cock and Hen.1, E. C. Howard, Peckham (Spanish). 2, J. Watts. 3, T. A. Dean (Buff Cochin). hc, Mrs. Peet (Light Brahma); W. Stevens (White Cochin); Miss E. Browne (Silver-spangled Hamburgh); W. A. Taylor (Cochins); J. Leeming (Spanish); J. Longland (Dorking); J. Mansell, Longton (Spanish); R. W. Richardson Beverley (Dorking); Nicholls Bros. (Spanish); J. T. Parker (Spanish); J. S. Rooth (Malay); Miss M. J. Nelson (Game); H. Yardley, Birmingham. c, T. Kingsley, Tring (Geese); P. Passmore, Northampton (White Cochin). LOCAL CLASS (Any variety).-Cup. W. Nottage, Northampton (Spanish). 2, W. Stevens (Dark Brahma). 3, P. Passmore (White Cochin). he, W. Nottage (Spanish); T. Howard (Brown Red Game); J. T. Parker (Spanish); J. Clayson. DUCKS (Aylesbury or Rouen).-Drake.-Cup, J. Hedges, Aylesbury. 2, Hon. Mrs. Vernon, Kettering. 8, J. Rodwell, Maidsmorton, Bucks. Duck.-1, J. Robinson. 2, T. Holton, Buckingham. 3, J. Watts. hc, T. Kingsley; M. Jones, Wellingborough; J. Harvey, jun.; J. Hedges.

DUCKS (Any other variety).-1 and 8, M. Leno. 2, H. Yardley. hc, A. Umpleby, Boroughbridge (Carolina).

SELLING CLASS (Ducks).-1, T. Kingsley (Aylesbury). 2, Mrs. J. Cross (Mallards). 8, D. Gibson (Aylesbury).

ton.

GAME BANTAMS (Black-breasted Red).-Cock.-Cup, G. Anderton, Accring2 and 3, Capt. T. Wetherall, Loddington, Kettering. Extra 2, W. F. Addie, Preston. hc, T. Dowell, Sunderland; W. Adams, Ipswich; Miss M. J. Nelson, Cockshaw, Hexham. Hen.-1, G. Lucas, Hitchin. 2, D. Gibson. 8, Capt T. Wetherall. he, Capt. T. Wetherall (2); N. Hill, Ealing.

GAME BANTAMS (Any other colour).-Cock.-1, J. Eaton, Grantham. 2, T. Barnett, Walsall. 8, Hall & Ashmore, Brinington, Chesterfield. hc, Miss M. J. Nelson (2); Miss R Frew, Kirkcaldy. Hen.-1, Miss R. C. Frew. 2, W. Murray, Hexham. 8, E. Southwood, Fakenham. hc, T. Barnett; W. Adams, St. Clement's, Ipswich.

BANTAMS (Any variety not Game).-Cock.-1 and 2, R. H. Ashton. 3, M. Leno. hc, N. Hill; C. Reed, Cambridge; H. Draycott, Leicester; Miss B. P. Frew, Kirkcaldy. c, J. Watts; M. Leno. Hen.-1, M. Leno. 2, Miss J. M. Frew. 8. J. W. Corner, Whitby. hc, R. S. S. Woodgate, Pembury, 1 unbridge Wells; W. A. Taylor: J. Bloodworth; C. Reed; H. Draycott; M. Leno. c,J. Law, Birmingham; H. Yardley. SELLING CLASS (Bantams).-1, T. W. Anns, Clapham. 2, T. Holton. 8, J. Watts. hc, M. Leno (2). PIGEONS.

POUTERS (White).-Cock.-1, H. Pratt, Knowle. 2, F. W. Zurhorst, Bellville, Dublin. 3, R. Ashton. hc, Mrs. Ladd, Calne. Hen.-1,-Ladd. 2, R. Ashton. 3, L. Watkin, Northampton. hc, R. W. Richardson. c, W. Nottage. POUTERS (Black or Blue).-Cock.-Cup and 3. H. Pratt. 2, N. Hill. he, H. B. Massey, Spalding. c, J. Hairsine. Hen.-1 and 2, H. Pratt. 8, N. Hill. he, H. Yardley. e, L. Watkin.

POUTERS (Any other colour).-Cock.-1, N. Hill. 2, A. Heath, Calne. 8, W. Nottage. Hen.-Cup, N. Hill. 2, H. Pratt. 3, Miss C. Dows, Boston. CARRIERS.-Cock.-Cup and 8, W. Nottage. 2, J. E. Spence, Broughty Ferry. hc, E. C. Stretch, Ormskirk; H. Yardley; G. Beckwith, Sunderland. Hen.-1, H. Yardley. 2, T. Chambers, jun., Northampton. 8 and he, W. Nottage. c, G. Beckwith. Young-Cock or Hen.-1, H. Yardley. 2, C. H. Clarke. 8, A. Billyeald, Nottingham. he, W. Sefton, Blackburn (2); E. C. Stretch; J. T. Hincks, Humberstone; C. H. Clarke. c, J. E. Spence.

BARBS.-Cock or Hen.-1 and 2, H. Yardley. 8, G. W. Dutton, Chester. TUMBLERS (Short-faced).-Cock or Hen.-Cup and 3, H. Yardley. 2, G. Beckwith.

TUMBLERS (Any other variety).-Cock or Hen.-1, J. Watts. 2, W. Stevens. 3, A. Silvester. hc, T. Chambers, jun. (2); J. Watts.

OWLS (Foreign).-Cock or Hen.-1, Withheld. 2, R, W. Richardson. 8, T. Chambers, jun.

OWLS (English).-Cock_or Hen.-1, H. Yardley. 2, J. Watts. 8, W. G. Henry, Sandymount, Co. Dublin. c, J. Chadwick, Bolton.

TURBITS.-Cock or Hen.-1, H. G. Poole, Bradford. 2 and 3, W. J. Rumley, Ballinacura Co. Cork. hc, T. Howes, Lower Sydenham. c, E. A. Seale; G. South, New Bond Street, London; W. J. Rumley.

DRAGOONS (Blue or Silver).-Cock or Hen.-Cup, L. Whitehead, Drury Lane, London. 2, W. J. W. Pass, Manchester. 3, W. Bolshaw, Northampton." hc, L. Whitehead (2); L. Watkin: G. south. c, H. Yardley; G. South.

DRAGOONS (Any other colour).-Cock or Hen.-1 and 2, G. South. 8, G. J. Lenny. he and c, J. Chadwick.

JACOBINS.-Cock or Hen.-1, E. C. Stretch. 2, T. W. Swallow, Northampton. 3, J. Stanley. he, G. South; E. A Seale, Kilgobbin; H Yardley; A. Heath. FANTAILS.-Cock or Hen.-1 and 2, F. A. Seale. 8, J. F. Loversidge, Newark, c, W. H. Morton. Kingsholm; H. Yardley; J. E. Spence.

ANTWERPS.-Cock or Hen.-1, A. Damarell, Exeter. 2 and c, J. Wright, Manchester. 3, J. F. While, Birmingham.

ANY OTHER VARIETY.-Cock or Hen.-Cup, J. K. Milner. 2, H. Yardley. Extra 2, J. T. Hincks (Magpie). 3, H. W. Webb, Lower Sydenham (Archangel). hc, J. Atkins (Hyacinths); H. Draycott (White Frillback); R. While, Manchester (White Scanderoon). c, A. Silvester; O. E. Cresswell (Archangel); J. Atkins (Hyacinth); N. Hill (Volante) (2); H. Yardley; H. W. Webb (Archangel); J. Stanley, Blackburn.

SELLING CLASS (Price not to exceed 308).-Cock or Hen.-1 and 8, E. A. Seale. 2, L. Watkin. hc, O. E. Cresswell (Ice); G. J. Lenny, St. Ann's, Lewes (Dun Carriers); W. Nottage; J. Nash (Carrier). c, R. W. Richardson (Black Barb); N. Hill (Pouter).

SELLING CLASS (Price not to exceed £5).-Cock or Hen.-Cup, W. Nottage. 2, C. T. Higgins. 8, H. Yardley. hc, L. Watkin; C. H. Clarke. Old Sneinton, Nottingham (Black and Dun Carriers); Mrs. Ladd (Carrier); H. B. Massey; J. Nash (Carrier); H. Yardley. c, F. R. Edwardson, Fairfield, Liverpool (Dun Carrier); C. H. Clarke (Black Carrier).

SELLING CLASS (Price not to exceed 408.).-1, J. Nash (Dragoon). 2, E. A. Seale. 3, H. Yardley. hc, J. Walker; E. A. Seale; C. F. Staunton, Sandymount, Co. Dublin (English Owls); H. Yardley; W. Nottage; W. H. A. Miller. c. R. White; L. Whitehead (Pigmy Pouters); L. Allen, Southwark (English Owls); P. R. Spencer, Hereford.

English-bred specimens. The most conspicuous fanciers of this breed who have exhibited successfully are Messrs. A. H. Easten, Hull; S. Ball, Bradford; and J. Boyle, jun., Blackburn. HIMALAYAN have been well upheld at all the shows of the season. The blackness of the points, so necessary in an exhibition Rabbit of this variety, have been often shown to perfection. The principal breeders of prize-winners are Messrs. B. S. Rothwell, S. Ball, J. W. Harling, Burnley; H. White, Rochdale; W. H. Tomlinson, Newark; and G. T. Hutton, Bradford. ANGORAS have hardly kept pace with some of the newer introductions, still they have certainly improved. Seldom is that straight, clodded wool seen; the more silky texture of the fur has long displaced it. Angoras have many supporters, whose names are already familiar; amongst others I may mention W. Whitworth, jun., Manchester; and G. S. Hutton, Bradford. DUTCH have now become general favourites. At nearly all the leading shows the Dutch have had a class to themselves, and even where they have not, have generally carried off the majority of the prizes in the class they competed in. The new style of marking has become general, in fact the old has almost disappeared from the show pen. This new marking may be handsome, yet I think its precedent far handsomer, and hope that with the new season it will return to its previous estimation. The breeders of the novel variety, who have more or less distinguished themselves by their Rabbits, are Messrs. J. Boyle, jun.; J. Mason, Hull; and W. Whitworth, jun.

BELGIAN HARES are rapidly gaining favour, chiefly on account of their size, and partly by the unceasing endeavours of some fanciers to establish them in this country. Three shows have already given a separate class to them-viz., Boston, Edinburgh, and the Crystal Palace, which have always been well filled with good specimens. To enumerate the many fanciers who have given this breed their attention would be very difficult; I can only name a few of them. Messrs. W. Whitworth, jun.; J. Boyle, jun.; W. Massey, Spalding; and Messrs. G. P. & R. Hackett, London, have had perhaps the lion's share.

PATAGONIANS have, I regret to say, been much neglected for their rival, the Belgian Hare. I will not here attempt to discuss the merits of this breed, but simply state that it is deserving of more patronage than it at present receives.

WHITE PATAGONIANS are now to be found in England. Of the other varieties I have little to say.

The SIBERIAN has slowly advanced, but certainly not to the extent it should.

POLISH have almost disappeared.

The new introduction, FLEMISH GIANT, has scarcely been noticed, which, considering its immense size, is to be regretted. The longest-eared Rabbit yet bred is Mr. J. Cranch's, its ears measure 24 inches; the widest-eared, Mr. G. Phelps's, measuring 6 inches. The heaviest Rabbit of the season was fed by Mr. W. Canner, of Leicester, and weighed 17 lbs. 6 ozs.; this was run very closely by Mr. T. Davis, of Southwell, with his 17 lbs. 4 oz. Lop doe.-A RABBIT FANCIER.

THE WEST RIDING ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY.-An attempt is to be made by this Society to establish an annual exhibition of Pigeons, Cage Birds, Cats, and Rabbits on the 7th and 8th of April, and in a note now before us the Secretary says, "We hope to make it a great success-that it may become as permanent as the Leeds Smithfield Show." It is under the patronage of the Mayor and members of the borough of Leeds. The entries close on March 28th, and the Show will be held in the Music Hall, within five minutes' walk of the railway stations.

CRYSTAL PALACE BEE AND HONEY SHOW. I AM Sorry to find it is only intended to be a local show, and chiefly in the interest of fancy-hive makers, because there is such a division and sub-division of the same thing, that the prizes are so cut down that no one from a distance will be likely to compete.

One hundred pounds in prizes! First-rate, and quite sufficient to attract apiculturists from all parts of the kingdom if properly divided. I have looked the schedule through, and have wondered why in the hive classes there is not a class for the best hive for honey and for profit. They are all for the "most improved" of this kind and the other kind, and who is to say which is the "most improved," unless those particular kinds and particular improvements have had a fair trial in competition with other kinds? I can only think that it has been drawn up carefully to avoid the exhibition of the best and most profitable kind of hive. In the bee classes I see there is to be a prize for the most beautiful progeny of a queen, but the queen herself is not to be taken into account; and why not? I do not know, but think if any profitable advantage (which I doubt) is to be derived from beauty, the queen should be of the first importance instead of the second. Then comes the largest breed of bees. I suppose it is thought they will be stronger if large, and able to carry more honey, forgetting that if so they will be likely to consume

more. But then this lot may be from any nation, and I wonder who will bring bees from abroad for the chance of winning £2. But perhaps some one has something extra in this line already imported, and not far off from the scene of exhibition. In the honey classes A and B appear to me to be the best arranged if the amount of the prizes had been more liberal. Who will take a lot of supers, say ten or twenty, to London for the chance of winning £2?' It ought to have been £5 at the least. Then the ten classes from C to M inclusive might very well be put into three-viz., glass, wood, and straw supers, and for the best of each kind. To classes N, O, and P I have no objection, but wonder why Q should have crept in. Is honey either better or worse for being got out of the comb by the extractor? I am glad to see a chance for cottagers, and hope they will come up in full force if there are any cottagers in the vicinity of London who keep bees. In the miscellaneous classes all is very good except the essay department, which I think will not do any good, and will be simply £8 thrown away, besides the valuable time of those who may venture to compete. The fertilisation of queens by selected drones must of necessity be profitless and uncertain, and the cure of foul brood is simply impossible.

I believe a common straw hive is the best for honey-gathering purposes; another believes a bar-frame is, another the Stewarton, another the collateral. But one fact is worth a dozen theories; and I will suggest, as the best hive for profit is left out of the schedule, that a fair trial be made during the coming summer. -T. BAGSHAW, Longnor, Buxton.

OUR LETTER BOX.

In

BRAHMA CATARRHED (D. J.).-Your cock is suffering from cold. almost any other breed it would turn to roup, but Brahmas are not subject to it. Give him a tablespoonful of castor oil every other day for fourteen days, and let him have two feeds of toasted crust soaked in old strong ale every day. He will recover.

FATTENING BRAHMAS (R. J. S.).-You should have only the_natural difficulty, which is, that part of the food you give must go in growth. Fretting, like ill-temper, prevents putting on fat, and we know nothing that will induce the unhappy mood more certainly than to be in confinement with the opportunity of seeing others at liberty. Prevent it. Exercise, again, is against fattening; prevent it. Put your birds in a small coop, such as is described and drawn in Baily's "Fowls," and allow them only as much room as is necessary to stand up and sit down again. Put this coop in a dark outhouse away from the door, and let the coop be covered with sacks or old carpet; not only to keep out light and draught, but to ensure warmth. These need only be removed three times per day for the purpose of feeding. They will soon be fat enough to draft.

POULTRY YARDS (H. B.).—You have ample accommodation for two breeds, but if you have no other object in view than you describe we cannot imagine why you want a cross. You have every convenience for two breeds, and plenty of room. You can keep three. During the breeding season you can well put a cock and six hens in each of the smaller yards. The northern aspect will not interfere with or affect them. Be content with two breeds. Keep Brahmas and Dorkings. Let the former have two of the smaller runs. Let that joining the large run be allotted to the Dorkings, and let them have the large run as well. This should also be devoted to the chickens as soon as they are hatched. For some months of the year all the birds might run together, say from August till November; after that they should be separated, on account of the approach of the breeding season. Taken on the whole, we know no more useful fowl than the Dorking; but it must have a run. Next in our estimation is the Brahma. They bear confinement well. You need not doubt the fertility of your eggs. If you are bent on a cross, put a Brahma cock to Dorking hens. You have plenty of room for thirty fowls. If you do not wish to keep so many, keep a cock and eight hens of each breed.

BRAHMAS LAYING SOFT EGGS (A. P.).-There is something amiss with one or two of your hens. It will come right; but if you can discover which it is, you will help considerably if you give a tablespoonful of castor oil. You mention only two meals per day. Give the same quantity in three feeds. Give meal morning and evening; whole corn at mid-day. Do not increase the quantity. Over and improper feeding were never so rife as they are now.

COCK'S BEAK DIVIDED (4. 8. B.).—We fear the beak will not do well if let alone. We advise you to cut away the outsides of the two pieces into which it is split, as long as you cut only horn. You must not make it bleed. You must then bring the ends of the two pieces together, but it will always be a deformed beak. It will not interfere with him for any useful purpose.

SHELL-LESS EGGS (I. K. L.).-Your fowls are well cared for, and we

imagine the shell-less eggs to be accidental, arising from temporary derange ment of the egg-producing organs. If you can discover the offenders, we have no doubt a couple of doses of castor oil given at twenty-four hours' interval will prove a cure. We will offer a few suggestions which will, we hope and believe, be found useful. Give the barley meal slaked in the morning; discontinue the sharps and Indian meal. Let the mid-day meal be of whole cornbarley, or oats and maize. Feed on barley meal, or better still if you have them, on ground oats. Discontinue the potatoes; they are bad food, and we should not be surprised if they have not much to do with causing your complaint. Throw down a barrowload of bricklayers' rubbish in their haunts. You cannot depend on their picking the mortar from the walls.

BRAHMA POOTRAS (Idem).-They are good useful family fowls, making large size at an early age. They are not as good table fowls as Houdans. We do not like crosses much, and we always object to mingling sitters and nonsitters. Taken as a whole for an ordinary run where a hardy bird is wanted, and one that requires no great care at any period of its life, we know nothing better than the Brahms.

COCK HEN-PECKED (4. V. L.).-All hens like to pick any raw and bleeding place they see in themselves or in the cock. They particularly like to eat the cock's comb, and he seems to have no objection; he will stand still during the operation, only flinching now and then when one gives a harder peck or

pull than common. We have always found it quite safe to put a cock back when the wounds were quite healed, but not while any trace of them remained. As a rule it is principally done by one hen. We advise you to watch them or to have them watched. You will see, after they are fed and have satisfied their hunger, one of them will stare about without any apparent object, and then walk deliberately to the cock, who will, if necessary, facilitate operations by lowering his head. It may be that two do it; remove them both; if you do not, all the others will learn the habit. As it more frequently arises from their inability to find something of which they stand in need than from mischief, it is as well to try every remedy. The first will be to supply them with a barrowload of bricklayers' rubbish; the second to supply them, daily if possible, with large sods of growing grass cut with plenty of earth to them, also to give all the garden rubbish, refuse green food, path-sweepings, &c. They are clever at finding food among these things, and they keep them employed. If all these fail, you must allow the cocks to run with them for a couple of hours only in the morning, and then remove them till the next day. It is a habit they forget after a time.

TURKEY ON COMMON HEN'S EGGs (Turkey Hen).-There is no difficulty in sitting Turkeys on fowl's eggs. One will cover twenty-four or thirty. Hen Turkeys sit well, but they are the worst possible mothers. If you want to rear table poultry you will not require their help. There is no mistake so great as to hatch all your chickens at the same time. This is the cause of the common complaint in country houses-that they have nice tender poultry for a couple of months, and then not an eatable fowl. In a very short time it will be the number, not the lack, of broody hens that will annoy you. We know not what your consumption is, but say you wish to have six fowls weekly for table purposes. To be sure of the number put down now three hens on thirteen eggs each. They will come out early in April. They will be fit for the table in August. Put down the same number in April; they will be fit in September, and so on, providing for each month. In July you may put down a larger number, as chickens do not arrive at maturity or grow as fast in the winter months. You will find this a simple and easy method; and if you will be careful to kill off one brood before you begin another, you will never be disappointed in the quality of your poultry.

BRAHMA PLUMAGE (E. C.).-The Brahma cock entirely black and brown is not a pure Brahma. The only brown that can be allowed in a Brahma cock is one or two brown feathers on the wing. They are better without even these. They will never moult them out. From your description none of those you mention are worth keeping. It would seem as though they had some Cochin blood in them.

FOWLS WITH DUCKS (Julius).-It is always considered bad work to keep Ducks and fowls together in a confined space. We advise you to give up the Spanish and to keep Brahmas only, giving the hen-house and run at the end of the garden where they can have grass. You may keep which Duck you like, but only one. Let them have the small space. You may keep the Pigeons where you like, as they will roost above the other birds, and are fond of perching high.

BUCKWHEAT (M. B.).-Buckwheat or brank may be obtained of any London agricultural seedsman. It is grown in the eastern counties of England, and would grow in Yorkshire.

DORCHESTER POULTRY SHOW.-Mr. E. Martin, of Trethowel, St. Austell, was commended for Black Reds, and was second for Duckwings, and not Mr. Martin, of Sculthorpe.

BROMLEY POULTRY SHOW.-Mr. C. W. Gedney, Hon. Sec. of this Show, writes to us that we charged him and those associated with him as being swindlers; then that we "manufactured a series of paragraphs," stated that the managers connived at theft, that they gulled and swindled the exhibitors, and palmed off upon them a prize card at one shilling each. All that we have published were bond-fide letters from correspondents and our reporter; and as we do not know Mr. Gedney, so certainly we never attributed to him dishonesty; and what our contributors have written was directed against instances of mismanagement in the Show.

PIGEONS IN CANADA.-Mr. Herbert, of Ottawa, writes: "I sent £2 to W. Crook, of Swansea, who advertised in our Journal. I have heard nothing of money or Pigeons since I sent the money, May 9th. In November I sent to H. Yardley for two pairs of High-flying Tumblers, for which I paid 338.. they arrived here in good condition; they can fly about as well as tame Ducks."

PIGEON TRAP (W. Randall).-If you mean one to keep your own Pigeons in as you may wish, there is a fair sketch of one in "Dixon's Dovecote," page 88.

BEES EATING ROASTED BIRDS (R. P., Subscriber).-You say that "there is no mistake whatever about giving bees roasted sparrows to eat, and that the bees do eat them;" yet you say you have "not seen them do so yourself, nor have you ever taken the trouble to give your bees such food." Now we must confess ourselves to be altogether sceptical on the subject. Such food is wholly unsuited to bees, and foreign to their nature. But our advice to you is, Try yourself whether or no roasted sparrows will feed bees; "seeing is believing." If you find they devour them up let us know, and we will try the evidence of our own senses on the subject. As we are at present utterly incredulous, and believe that stones are as suitable food for English men as roasted sparrows for Irish bees, we feel indisposed to give our cook the trouble of preparing this unusual bee-food, and running the risk of our sons taking out a commission against us de lunatico inquirendo. The trial will do your bees no harm, for their own sagacity will save them from any risk of danger in that direction.

STOCKS OF BEES DEAD (4 Young Beginner).-It is difficult to say positively why your bees have died. But most probably they lost their queen last summer, if they have not suffered from foul brood, or been unable to get out of doors through the choking-up of the entrances. Starvation is out of the question this mild winter, as they had several pounds of honey in each hive. BEE-KEEPER'S DRESS-HIVE VARNISHED-MANAGEMENT (A Monmouthshire Lady Bee-keeper).-We really know of no better material than leno for a bee-dress. Anything which confines the air must needs be hot, but leno is as good as anything for the purpose. We fear you must submit to the inconvenience from which we ourselves have often suffered. By all means scrape off the varnish if there is any smell, or else your bees will make to themselves wings and fly away, especially your swarms. Fresh paint is equally bad. never think of using anything but the native wood or straw, taking care to cover well. Your bees will doubtless often find their way in by the side opening you speak of, but you might keep them out by means of a veil of leno, which would withstand a considerable current of air. Now is the very best time to shift your bees if they are actually in the observatory hive, but it will

We

hardly do a week later. If it is now tenantless we should prefer to wait for a swarm to hive in it in May. By all means keep a thick cloth or flannel cover over your glass hive. Bees will work in the light, but it is not their custom, and, besides, it is important to prevent the escape of as much warmth as possible. In shifting hives as you propose, with a view to artificial swarming, it is advisable to have your stocks as far apart as you can, else they will often disappoint you by the bees going into the wrong hives. No doubt you could raise an "artificial queen "in your glass hive, but we should prefer to raise her in some other stock. Observatory hives are good for little else but observation. When searching for the queen you may shift it on one side as you propose; but the queen is not looked for in the open air.

PETTIGREW'S HIVES (T. C. H.).-Mr. Pettigrew's hives are round with flat tops, 16 and 18 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, sides perpendicular. The holes in the centre of their crowns for supering are 4 inches wide, and the doors on the flight boards are 4 inches wide and 1 inch high. Four and five cross sticks are put in each hive.

WEARING A BEE-DRESS (Beaten but not Dismayed).-In examining hives Mr. Pettigrew never wears a bee-dress. In summer, or when the bees are actively at work, it is necessary to use smoke from fustian rags in all examinations and operations. By using plenty of smoke the most timid and inexperienced bee-keeper may become courageous and expert in the most difficult operations of bee-management. The removal of the hive from the board does not hinder honey-gathering.

4th.-Rather dull morning, and till noon, then pleasant, though not much sun. 5th. Another thick morning, but a very pleasant day, at times very bright, and very little wind. 6th.-Slightly damp in the morning, but soon cleared off, and very bright by noon. A remarkably fine "mackerel" sky just before sunset; during the day the sun was hot, but the wind cold.

7th.-White frost in morning, but followed by a beautiful spring-like day. 8th.-Fair but foggy early; a very fine bright day, but with a cold wind and rapidly falling barometer.

9th. Slight rain in early morning, dark and snowing before noon for more than an hour, but not remaining on the ground; after that fine, but snow again in the evening, and which remained all night. 10th.-Very bright morning, but heavy snow before noon, and still heavier in the afternoon. A complete wintry day; the snow fell very thickly, some "snowballs" fell, and some of the fiakes of ordinary snow were unusually large; bright star-lit night.

Temperature about 4° lower than last week, the 10th being very cold, ground covered with snow.-G. J. SYMONS.

HEDGES, AND THE PLANTS TO MAKE

THEM WITH.

F the objects on which cultivation is brought to bear there is, perhaps, none that presents a greater diversity in the results sought to be attained than that most indispensable of all fences, the hedge. Timber, brick and stone, with or without mortar, as well as the varied forms that wrought and cast iron are made to take, all more or less compete with the living hedge as a boundary between properties and protection against cattle, but the hedge still survives, and imparts a degree of clothing to a district which artificial objects fail to do, also in most instances affording more shelter than the hand-made structure has any pretensions to do. My object, however, is not to contrast the merits of a live fence with those of a dead one, but to ascertain which are the most suitable plants for hedges, and to point out how one that was brought before the public some years ago as likely to be useful for the purpose, has failed, and is now but rarely met with; in fact, it now only occurs in the back shrubberies, or other out-of-the-way places. Before drawing attention to the merits of other plants let us take a glance at this, and see how far it is entitled to the high character given of it many years ago.

Maclura aurantiaca, or Osage Orange, is a deciduous shrub of rather formidable appearance in consequence of the prickles with which it is armed, neither is it deficient in habit nor in hardiness for the purpose of making a fence capable of withstanding cattle; but somehow it has not found its way into general use, neither am I acquainted with any extent of hedge formed of this plant-in fact, I am not certain that I have seen it used at all in this capacity since 1857, when a hedge of it was pointed out to me at Fairlawn, in Kent, that was fully exposed on one side at least to the tender mercies of sheep and cattle, and it seemed to answer pretty well, was well clothed with foliage, and in other respects was a formidable closely-trimmed fence. It was clipped at about the usual height for Thorn hedges, and when I saw it (September) it was a good rival to the Quickset. As I have not seen it since that time, and only heard of it indirectly, I have but an imperfect idea how it has answered the expectations formed of it since that time; but the fact of the Maclura being so little used would imply that it is in some way deficient in the requisites of a good hedgeplant. My impression at the time, confirmed by what I have noticed of some single plants here, was that the later growths of the season do not ripen, even in hot dry summers like that of 1858. Growth continues so late that the tips rarely harden sufficiently, and, like the Fuchsia, always die-off, more or less, during the autumn or winter.

The plant seems to be well furnished with branches, and an abundance of very formidable thorns, much more so than the Quickset-in fact, when growing amongst other shrubs, I do not know of anything more likely

No 677.-VOL. XXVI., NEW SERIES.

to keep out intruders. The foliage also is bright, shining, and on the whole attractive, and the growth of the plant in all the cases I have met with is as rapid as need be wished for in a hedge-plant. I have been told that in some parts of the Canadian Dominion it is used for hedges where the climate is too severe for the Quickset; so that we may fairly place it amongst the hardiest of plants. Yet there may be a difference between an English and a Canadian summer that may enable the Maclura to endure the winter of Canada better than that of this country; for in all probability the fine sunny autumns of North America ripen the tips as well as the Hawthorn ripens with us. Now, how has it comported itself in hard winters in this country, such, for instance, as those of 1860-61 and 1866-67 ? Possibly it may have succumbed under the severities of these, and its claim as a hedgeplant been extinguished for the time, but of this I would like to hear more from those having experience of the plant.

Colutea horrida.-I will now glance at another plant, not, I fear, plentiful enough to form hedges to any great extent, but I will ask, Has anyone used Colutea horrida for that purpose, for which its touch-me-not character would seem to fit it well? I believe it to be sufficiently hardy for most situations that are tolerably dry, and it is not so shy a grower as some plants are. It certainly has not the fault of growing so late in the autumn as not to ripen the ends of the shoots; for the growth being moderate and the habit good, it seems well adapted for a hedge or fence almost without training or pruning of any kind, and the shoots being always of a rich green hue, the appearance must be good. I should certainly think it must make a sturdy fence, as every bit of it is pointed, and I should say as difficult to approach by man or beast as any plant I know, unless it be some of the Cactus tribe. I have a strong impression that if it can be made to answer it will drive even the all-important Quickset out of the field, and some one having a favourable position should try it. Furze has no chance with it in keeping out intruders.

Colletia cruciata is a not less interesting object for hedge-culture. It differs widely from the Colutea, but its spines are scarcely less formidable. The plant, I imagine, is also much less hardy, and of slower growth; it may be advantageously grown for its curious character, and its white flowers are likewise attractive, being in some seasons produced in great abundance; it is not yet plentiful enough to become a competitor with other plants to form hedges, although its habit and appearance entitle it to notice.

It is not intended in this article to enumerate all the numerous plants used for hedges. The most common are Holly, Yew, Box, Arbor-Vitæ, Privet (both alone and mixed with other plants), several Cypresses, Laurels, and the like. The term fence cannot well be applied to many of these, although they make highly ornamental hedges, but I believe that Berberis Darwinii might be advantageously tried for the former purpose; it is of sturdy growth, and if sheep and cattle could only be prevented eating it,

No. 1329.-VOL. LI., OLD SERIES.