The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1893-05-03
POULTRY SHOWS.

Ls.sons Learned at These Exhibitions-In-
cubators-Different Breeds.
An increased and widespread interest
ir well bred poultry is attested by 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 to
one estimate, was attended by II 900 per-
sons; the aggregate sales amounted to
$4,000 and the premiums to 81, 122 in
general prizes and 81 800 in special prizes
These poultry exhibitions are decidedly
instructive to an observant attendant,
for here are congregated the finest types
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 OF
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
universal recognition. The incubators
manufactured by trustworthy makers
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 his
standpoint.
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 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 see
full entries at the winter shows. The
golden penciled Hamburgs, probably the
handsomest of all domestic fowls, are be-
ing carelessly handled and show signs OF
deteriorating.
Leghorns have held their own, espe.
cially the brown variety. The white
Leghorns are equally fine in points, but
it seems to us that 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 24C
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 Houdan is again looming up The
La Fleche is still confined to too few
breeders. 1t is one of the best of table
fowls. also prolific layer of large white
eggs. Creveceurs are occasionally seen,
but not as often as their merit deserves
Dorkings barely hold their own, while
Red Caps seem to have dropped almost
entirely Both are breeds of SURPRISING
excellence from a practical standpoint.
The Java fowl will soon become extinct,
unless more attention is paid to its good
points. Games are again becoming pop
ular. This is due to the efforts of the
Game club and fanciers.