PIGEONS AXD ALL ABOUT THEM. 77 



and place it on a chair in front of the open stove oven. A 

 washed bird looks terribly at first; but soon begins to change. 



The average amateur will be disappointed at first, and 

 think he has made a mistake ; but "it all comes out in the 

 wash" as -he will find. 



One cannot take the bird out and let it flutter too often, 

 that is, as long as it don't chill for this soon gets the fibre 

 into condition. After the bird is thoroughly dry, a little 

 rubbing with a silk handkerchief, the right way of the feath- 

 er is quite a help. Unless the weather is very warm it is 

 better to keep the bird in a warm room for at least two hours 

 and longer if possible. When every feather is in place, and 

 the bird has recovered its natural body heat, the change in 

 appearance is wonderful. 



Sponge the head carefully. In making the lather dissolve 

 about an ounce of castile soap to two pints of water. Don't 

 use too much blueing. A few drops is enough. Some use 

 glycerine in the third wash ; but I would not advise the 

 amateur to try it. 



