PIGEOXS AXD ALL ABOUT THEM. 85 



SHOWING BIRDS. 



THIS is a point 011 which a whole book might well be 

 written. Disguise it as we may, deny it as we may, 

 the fact still remains that the show room is the Mecca 

 of all our efforts in the fancy. 



Even the sedate fancier, who loves birds for themselves 

 alone, who rarely sells one and can therefore never expect to 

 make his hobby self-supporting, will find himself ever and 

 anon sending a few of his birds to some nearby show " just 

 to show the boys what he can turn out. ' 



No matter what the result of his first attempt, we are cer- 

 tain to see him again at further shows; for, if he is beaten 

 the first time, he comes bravely to the front next time to 

 " show the boys that they can't do it again." Or if he wins, 

 he tries it again to "show the boys that he still has winners 

 and can breed them. " 



A desire to excel is inherent in us all, and that is what 

 makes the show of the present a matter that is thought of 

 and talked about from one year's end to the other, by en- 

 thusiastic fanciers. 



Showing successfully is based on just three things. First, 

 good birds. Second, good condition, and third but not 

 least in having birds trained. There are some birds that 

 need little training, but any bird, and I care not what its va- 

 riety, will gain several points in the estimation of the judge, 

 if it is at home in the pen and is not afraid of him. Now let 

 us take an example, and, as the pigeon is a pet, we will take 

 by way of comparison, that greatest of pets, the dog. 



Suppose a friend shows you two dogs exactly alike in 

 weight, shape and color, and everything else ; in fact so much 

 alike that you cannot tell them apart. He asks you which 



