SIXTH ANNUAL TRIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2665, 12 April 1905, Page 31

SIXTH ANNUAL TRIP.

Bt Teheor.

V.— KAITANGATA.— (Continued.)

Mr C. Bisset (brother of my conductor) has parted with his beautiful Brahmas,upon which I reported on the occasion of my last visit, and in lieu thereof has taken up with silver Wyandottes. Of these I was shown a number of very fine birds as regards size and shape, but hard to criticise otherwise owing to heavy moulting. Mr Bisset was able, however, to point out some evidences of good lacing, and the fact that he has some of Mr King's (Stirling) strain speaks volumes for their actual quality. I was shown some prize-winners, both in hens and cocks.

Dr Fitzgerald has> an extraordinary collection of birds, both fowls and ducks, evidently kept for table purposes. It is not the ordinary miscellaneous flock of mongrel crosses, but samples of pure breeds, and, judging by the doctor' 3 reputation for geniality, love of sport, kindness, and unremitting attention to his professional duties amongst all classes, I gather that what I saw was, in the main, evidence of the district's response-. I just fancy that if the doctor, on his round of visits, admires a patient's bird 0~, say, a flower, the result is that a sitting or a cutting is bound in due course to find its way to his back door ; but, as far as the fowls are concerned, I ti-ust and have hope (for the doctor is just one of those who would put backbone into the fancy) that Dr Fitzgerald will at least draw the colour line. With the excellent accommodation afforded, and the attention given, a uniform lot of, say, buffs, whites, or blacks would not only prove quite as useful, but certainly mor e ornamental. Notwithstanding the lack of uniformity, I was not the least surpriseu to learn that the doctor gets eggs in plenty/ and at all seasons, for neither ducks nor fowls could well restrain themselves from laj'ing under such circumstances. Dr Fitzgerald, I learned when at Balclutha, is a prominent cricketer, but, once in his house, I soon discovered that photography is his pet fancy. He was kind enough to show me some of his work, and in every instance I saw evidence not only of mechanical skill and knowledge, but also, and far more important, of really wonderful taste in design : an infinitesimal fraction of which, bestowed upon the mating up, say, of buff Orpingtons or silver Wyandottes, would unfailingly soon place him high up in the fancy.

Mr E. M'Fadyen being away from home, I was able only to get a glimpse of — indeed, was only taken to see — one bird, a very nice silver Wyandotte pullet. She

is correct in markings, has nice head and legs, and, providing she grows, should make a good bird. Mr Andrew Jarvie has silver Wyandottcs, black Orpingtons, and crosses. The silvers represent, amongst others, the celebrated winning strain of Warren, New South Wales, and the Orpingtons that of Morton, Waihola. Of both of these breeds I saw some very nice specimens, but Mr Jarvie' s object being eggs, I was glad to learn from him that he has not bee-n disappointed, his birds having in every respect proved profitable. He speaks very highly of the laying qualities of some Indian runner ducks, of which he had procured a strain from Mr Reilly. Mr W. Duncan, the last of the Kaitangata fanciers to whom I was taken, has runner ducks, buff Orpingtons, and white Wyandottes, all of fair qualftv, and apparently proving remunerative. This fancier was not at home when I called, so I was unable to obtain particulars of his experiences. Returning to Balclutha I called on Messrs W. G. and R. O. King, at Stirling, to see their celebrated silver Wyandottes, and was well repaid for my thoughtfulness ( !) by the sight of some really magnificent specimens. These fanciers have this season quite a galaxy of beauty in the matters of shape and feather in their pens of advanced pullets and cockerels. In both sexes I saw unmistakable evidences of sound lacing, though only in the bud, and a scrutiny of the adult breeding birds - used in their production prx>ved an excellent object lesson in the art of mating for results. Inclusive of about 20 goldens, this Stirling collection consists in all of about 80 birds, excellently housed and otherwise properly accommodated. A record of the prize winnings of these fanciers is a long one, and I am glad that the reputation of the firm is such that it is needless in their interest for mo to recapitulate their achievements. Suffice it to say that there is as good quality ia their yards now as there ever was, and that the ensuing show season will feel its influence.

Next week I shall speak of an Owaka fancier, and generalise- about some fanciers whose names I am not permitted to mention.