Impassioned orators arose here and there in the audience demanding recognition for beef scraps, charcoal, round corn or buckwheat.

Foods were regarded from various standpoints: as general invigorators, growth assisters, and egg producers.

A very handsome young farmer carried off final honours, and proved to the satisfaction of all the feminine poultry-raisers that green young hog bones fresh cut in the Banner Bone Breaker (of which he was the agent) possessed a nutritive value not to be expressed in human language.
{The afternoon session was most exciting: p82.jpg} Phoebe was distinctly nervous when I rose to say a few words on poultry breeding, announcing as my topic "Mothers, Stepmothers, Foster-Mothers, and Incubators." Protected by the consciousness that no one in the assemblage could possibly know me, I made a distinct success in my maiden speech; indeed, I somewhat overshot the mark, for the Countess in the chair sent me a note asking me to dine with her that evening.

I suppressed the note and took Phoebe away before the proceedings were finished, vanishing from the scene of my triumphs like a veiled prophet.
Just as we were passing out the door we paused to hear the report of a special committee whose chairman read the following resolutions:-- _Whereas_,--It has pleased the Almighty to remove from our midst our greatest Rose Comb Buff Orpington fancier and esteemed friend, Albert Edward Sheridain; therefore be it _Resolved_,--That the next edition of our catalogue contain an illustrated memorial page in his honour and _Resolved_,--That the Rose Comb Buff Orpington Club extend to the bereaved family their heartfelt sympathy.
{Not asked to the Conference: p84.jpg} The handsome young farmer followed us out to our trap, invited us to attend the next meeting of the R.C.B.O.

Club, of which he was the secretary, and asked if I were intending to "show." I introduced Phoebe as the senior partner, and she concealed the fact that we possessed but one Buff Orpington, and he was a sad "invaleed" not suitable for exhibition.