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Poultry Pages Home >> Poultry Articles >> Chicken Keeping the Old Way >> Poultry Book Two, Set1

Chicken Keeping the Old Way -
The Poultry Book Two, Set 1

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These pictures were taken from a downloaded copy of The Poultry Book by W. B. Tegetmeier, F. Z. S.; with colour illustrations by Harrison Weir Published in 1867, it is subtitled "Comprising the breeding and management of profitable and ornamental poultry; their qualities and characteristics."

The author William Bernhardt Tegetmeier (1816 - 1912) was a noted naturalist and correspondent with Charles Darwin.
This book superceded the 1850 edition of the Poultry Book

Grey Shanghae (Cochin)

By the time this book appeared (1867) the name Cochin was taking over from Shanghae - a rose by any other name!

"The Cochins possess one great recommendation as sitters, in the soft and abundant supply of downy feathers that so specially distinguish their race; for under no other hens to the eggs appear to maintain a higher or more constant temperature."

Her Majesty's Cochins

Imported in 1843 for H M Queen Victoria. Whilst our queen is most noted for her corgis, Victoria was a poultry fancier. I can't quite imagine her scraping out the house on a cold morning or spraying for red mite. One assumes the under footman's poultry assistant undertook such tasks!

It's a shame a colour version of this engraving isn't available but you can see the quality of the birds anyway.

Light Brahmas Presented to H M Queen Victoria in 1853 by Mr G Burnham

One assumes Mr Burnham was very proud to have is gift to the Queen accepted and these would be exceptional specimens.

Mr George P Burnham was a resident of Boston, Mass. USA and had the birds shipped across the ocean to the Zoological Gardens addressed to the queen. She of course replied:-

"Dear Sir: I have received the commands of Her Majesty the Queen, to assure you of Her Majesty's high appreciation for the kind motives which prompted you to forward for her acceptance the magnificent ' Grey Shanghae ' fowls which have been so much admired at Her majesty's aviary at Windsor.

Her Majesty has accepted, with great pleasure, such a mark of respect and regard , from a citizen of the United States.

I have, by Her Majesty's command, shipped in the 'George Carl' to your address, a case containing a portrait of Her Majesty, of which the Queen has directed me to request your acceptance.

I have the honour to be,
Sir, your ob't and humble servant,
C B Phipps"