The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-04-29
POULTRY SHOWS.
lessons Learned at These Exhibitions-.r,
cubators-Different Breels

cubators--DifferentB ree5s
An increased and widespread interest
in well bred poultry is attested bv the
frequency and Importance OF the poultry
shows north, south, east and west. For.
merly poultry was grudgingly allotted
restricted space at the agricultural fairs
and regarded as a second rate sideshow.
The last New York show, according 1,
one estimate, was attended by II 900 per
sons; the aggregate sales amounted t.
$4,000 and the premiums to Sc. 1879 i,
general prizes and 81, 500 in special prizes.
These poultry exhibitions are decidedly
instructive to an observant attendant
for here are congregated the finest tvpes
of the standard breeds, as well as rare
and curious birds that delight the fancier.
Here, too, is ample opportunity for not.
ing the comparative merits of incubators
and breeders and learning many nice
points in the successful management al
the same. Incubators, by the way, may
now be selected just as one would choose
sewing machine or any other nipple
ment the usefulness of which has gained
dlllfCIbdl IcCOSu1blO llG lnCuDHLOrs
manufactured by trustworthy maker
and handled by well known firms are all
good. 1t remains for each buyer after
comparing the mechanical construction
etc., to decide which is best from hi
standpoint III
The different breeds exhibited at the
poultry shows during the past season af.
ford food for reflection. Some breeds
show improvement, while others show
deterioration. Here is a summary Of the
subject as presented by The Fanciers'
Journal:
Probably the greatest disappointment
to true fancier is the poor quality and
small entries of white faced black Span
ish seen at our shows. The breed is one
of the Oldest, handsomest and best in the
poultry world and deserves better sup
port. The beautiful race of Polish fowls
is being neglected. Rarely do we Sc
full entries at the winter shows. The
golden penciled Ham burgs, probably the
handsomest of all domestic fowls, are be-
ing carelessly handled and show signs OF.
deteri6rating. Ia
Leghorns have held their own, espe.
cially the brown variety. The white
Leghorns are equally fine in points, but
it seems to us that a little more size
would be desirable. The buff Leghorns
have improved wonderfully and now
rank among our standard fowls.
Silver Wyandottes have improved;
golden need looking after; white are as
good as ever, while the buff Wyandottes
promise to lead the entire family in pop
ularity. being handsome and practical
fowl Plymouth Rocks are still extreme
ly popular The white variety is well
preserved. The new buff Plymouth
Rocks promise well.
Buff Cochins show wonderful improve
ment, and the magnificent entry of $40
birds at New York will long be remem.
bered. Indian games need attention.
Breeders are drifting away from the
original type and paying too much atten
ton TO color in males instead of seeking
true form or shape
OF the French breeds the good and use
full old IIonllall is again looming up The
La Fleche is still confined to too few
breeders It is one of the best of table
fowls. also prolific layer of large white
eggs. Crevecnurs are occasionally seen,
but not as often as their merit deserves.
Dorhings barely hold their own while
Red Caps seem to have dropped almost
entirely. Both are breeds Of surprising
excellence from practical standpoint.
The fay.t fl1,-l will aoos, l.san,,,oa a--ti,1ct
unless more attention is paid to it's good
points. Gaines are again becoming pop
ular. This is due to the efforts Of the
Game club and faneiers