128 PIGEONS AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



THE JACOBIN. 



THE above is another variety of pigeon, so beautiful, so 

 odd and so attractive generally, that it has its hun- 

 dreds of firm adherents, who stand by it year after year 

 and declare that no other fancy pigeon is its equal. 



Who can blame them ; for what bird more than the Jaco- 

 bin, shows what art can do. Who can say that it is not plain 

 "art" and not "good luck, " that produces these wonders of 

 to-day. Surely the hood is an object to be gazed on with 

 wonder, and especially by those who have seen only the old 

 style ruffle-necks. The coloring of the Jacobin is exquisite, 

 and the contrast always lovely, while the little head peering 

 out from the hood reminds one of some dainty maiden who 

 has pulled her high sealskin collar around her head, and is 

 setting forth to conquer hearts. 



Jacobins, like other varieties, are being bred down in size, 

 and the coarse, loose feathered birds with flaring hoods are 

 giving way to the tightly built, and close hooded birds, that 

 are now the accepted style. 



It is generally conceded, that the Jacobin of to-day must 

 be bred down as small as possible, just so it is able, in feather 

 length, to show up nicely the hood, mane and chain, which 

 are the three great points to be bred for. 



But we must not lorget that if we breed these three prin- 

 cipal points up to a high standard, and then succeed in 

 putting them on a nice trim body, we have made quite a 

 step in advancement. 



AVe must not forget either, while admiring the demure look 

 of the Jacobin, that it is quite a pugnacious variety and for 

 that reason cannot be bred successfully in a crowded loft. 



A Jacobin loft should be well supplied with individual 

 perches, so that, the chances for pitched battles may be few. 



