SIXTH ANNUAL TRIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 31

SIXTH ANNUAL TRIP.

TV.— BALCLUTHA (Continued). By Terhor. Mr W^tt, an enthusiastic fancier whose "pitch" i& most advantageously situated on ■ the crest of the hill, looking from the north over the township, has two strains of white Leghorns of real merit. The first of these shown me was built upon Hunt and Sinclair lines, the blend getting cards at last season's shows — following Hunt only "jin honours. For the ensuing shows Mr Watt has both cockerels and pullets which promise to sustain the reputation of his yard. Strain No. 2 is derived from egrers of Wycroft's noted layers, obtained through Hillorest, a North Island breeder. These also are birds of excellent type — far nearer show ideals, particularly as regards size, than celebrated laying strums generally) prove to be. Mr Watt has good accommodation for hie birds, and given a year or two to work out his plans_ of breeding, will make a name -as a fancier. Mr J. Wilkins, though a breeder of many years' experience, is apparently as bound !up in the fancy as the freshest tyro. His present fancies are black Orpingtons, Minorcas, and white and brown Leghorns. Each breed has separate and very suitable accommodation, so that be the weather what it may, they can be in comfort always — covered in runs and plenty of bush shelter providing for this happy state of affairs. Mr Wilkins has been a show winner in the past, and it may safely be predicted that with such stock as I saw he will continue 'so at least for the near future. His black Orpingtons of both sexes are large, blackeyed birds of winning strains. A Minorca cock and two hens shown me as forming a breeding pen are splendid specimens, and a pen of brown Leghorns headed by a Paton oockerel (winner of first and second) are in every respect of modern type. I made no inquiry of this fancier as to the laying quality of his birds, judging' that his continuance in the fancy after many years'

of many

experience, his maintained faith in the pures, the ideal accommodation provided, and the fact that I caught him unawares feeding his birds before breakfast all went to show that results must be satisfactory.