CHAPTER XIX.

THE FOURTH FOWL-SHOW IN BOSTON.

This show (in September, 1852) was the fifth exhibition held in Boston, but the _fourth_ only of the Society with the long name.

The Report commences with a congratulation (as usual) that the association still lives, and has a being; and, after alluding to the general state of the affairs of the concern,--without touching upon its financial condition,--it thus proceeds:

"Your Committee would call your attention to the fact that among the numerous fowls exhibited this season,--as upon former occasions,--a very unnecessary practice seems to have obtained, in the mis-_naming_ of varieties. Crossbred fowls have been called by original cognomens, unknown to practical breeders; and a host of birds well known to the Committee, as well as to poulterers generally, have been denominated by any other than their _real_ and universally conceded ornithological titles. This savors of bad taste; it leads to ridicule among strangers who visit our shows from abroad; and should not be sanctioned by your Society. Errors may creep in among your transactions, in this particular, and many honest, careful breeders may be deceived; but the multiplying of _unpronounceable and meaningless names_ for domestic fowls is entirely uncalled for; and your committee recommend a close adherence, hereafter, to recognized titles only.

"In this connection, it may be proper to allude to a case in point. The largest and unquestionably one of the finest varieties of domestic fowls ever shown among us was entered by the breeders of this variety as the 'Chittagong;' other coops of the same stock were labelled 'Grey Chittagongs;' others were called 'Bramah Pootras;' and others, 'Grey Shanghae' and 'Malays.'

"Your Committee are divided in opinion as to what these birds ought, rightfully, to be called,--though the majority of the Committee have no idea that 'Bramah Pootra' is their correct title. That they are not 'Malays' is also quite as clear. Several of the specimens are positively known to have come direct from Shanghae; and _none_ are known to have come originally from anywhere else. Nevertheless, it has been thought proper to leave this question open, for the present; and the Committee, believing that this fowl originates in and hails directly from the East, are content to accept for them the title of 'Grey Shanghae,' 'Chittagong,' or 'Bramah Pootra,' as different breeders may elect,--admitting, at the same time, that they are really a very superior bird, and believing that if carefully bred they may be found decidedly the most valuable among all the large _Chinese_ breeds, of which they are clearly a good variety."

* * * * *

"A large sum of money was expended at this exhibition, by visitors, amateurs and breeders,--one gentleman investing upwards of $700 in choice fowls; another, from the South, purchasing to the amount of $350 for extra samples; another bought $200 worth, etc. The highest figures ever yet paid on this side of the Atlantic (for individual purchases) were realized at this show.

"Samples of the China stock originally imported from Shanghae were very plentiful on this occasion, and the high reputation of this blood was fully sustained in the specimens exhibited. Very superior fowls, bred from G.P. Burnham's importations of Cochin-Chinas, were also numerous, and were sold, in four or five instances, at the very _highest_ prices paid for any samples that were disposed of."

Among the premiums awarded to the _Chinese_ fowls by this "Committee," were the following:

"CHINA FOWLS.--To H.H. Williams, best cock and two hens (of Burnham's _Canton_ importation), $5. To C. Sampson, West Roxbury, best cock and single hen (Burnham's _Canton_ importation), $3. To H.H. Williams, third prize, for same stock, $2. To C.C. Plaisted, Great Falls, N.H., the Committee awarded a first prize, $5, for what he called '_Hong-Kong_' fowls; these were of Burnham's _Canton_ stock, also. To A. White, E. Randolph, for six best chickens (Burnham's importation), $2.

"COCHIN-CHINA.--To H.H. Williams, West Roxbury, best cock and two hens (splendid samples, of extraordinary size and beauty), first prize, $5. To A. White, E. Randolph, best cock and single hen (of Burnham's importation), $3. To A. White, for six best chickens (Burnham's importation), $2."

* * * * *

The Committee then allude to the _prices_ which were paid there for fowls, "_not because they advocate the propriety of keeping them up_" (O, no!), "but rather to show that the welfare of the Association is by no means derogating.

"The three prize _Cochin-China_ fowls were sold for $100. The two prize _Grey Shanghaes_, or 'Bramah Pootras,' were sold for $50. Three chickens of the same, at $50. A pair of Burnham's importation of _Cochins_, at $80; another pair, at $40; another trio (chickens), at $40. Six Black Spanish chickens (Child's), at $50. Six _White Shanghae_ chickens (Wight's), at $45. Three hens, of same stock, at $50--and several pairs and trios of other varieties, at from $25 each, to $25 and $30 to $40 the lot."

* * * * *

At a subsequent meeting of the Trustees, Mr. George P. Burnham, on the part of the Judges at the late exhibition of the Society, presented their _Report_, whereupon it was

"_Voted_, That the Report of the Judges on the recent show of poultry in the Public Garden be accepted."

And this was the end of _that_ ball of worsted! I rather have the impression, now,--as nearly as I can recollect (though my memory is somewhat treacherous in these matters), but I _think_ I sold a few fowls, just after that fair. "I may be mistaken,--but that is my opinion!"

The Report was duly accepted, in form, and I had the satisfaction of seeing my "extraordinary" and "superb" stock again lauded to the very echo, at the expense of the old-fogyism of the "Mutual Admiration Society."

The consequence was a renewed activity in my sales, which continued delightfully lively and correspondingly remunerative for several months after _this_ exhibition, also, where I did not enter the first fowl!