NOTES BY FANCIER.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9834, 17 September 1897, Page 2

NOTES BY FANCIER.

1 Weekly Press and Referee."

DENBY AND CO., WINCHESTER

A representative of this journal recently had the pleasure of inspecting the yards of the above fanciers at their place in the charming little English-like township of Winchester. Two breeds are kept, both tjood sorts, namely—Andalusians and the good old English Dorking. In pen 1 1 was shown an imported Andalusian cockerel, and with him were five pullets, making a very pretty pen. No. 2 contained a cockerel and four pullets of the same breed and likewise quality. No. 3 contained more Andalusians, there being four pullets and a cock. The latter has won several first prizes. In No. 4 I was shown four Andalusian cockerels, two of which are beautifully laced and carrying fine strong combe. In pen 5 I was shown four Dorking cockerels, and in pen 6 a Dorking cockerel, three hens and a pullet. The cockerel weighs 101b and though out of feather at Timani Show he was awardod h.c. The pullet is a sera and scored second at Oamaru. Pen No. 7 evidently contains the Dandy of the flock, and" hia owner picks him up and handles him like a pet cat. He is a Dorking cockerel, winner of first at Oamaru show' and second at Dunedin (when out of condition), but is now the picture of health and beauty and should certainly score it exhibited now. He has a perfect head and comb, large breast, short legs and very fine carriage, and altogether is a credit to the establishment. No. 8, Dorking cockerel, also a prize taker, but not as good as No. 7. No. 9, is a pen of Andalusian hens and sitters. The whole of the birds look strong and healthy and have evidently not been pampered. Mr Denby informed mc he has six distinct strains in the Dcrkings and five in the Andalusians. He has great faith in the laying qualities of the latter breed, and in proof thereof instanced a pullett now twelve months old that has laid 186 eggs, having commenced when five months of age, and is still laying. Tho Government are taking a large number of eggs from this breeder.