PIGEOXS AXD ALL ABOUT THEM. 143 



MAGPIE STANDARD. 



SIZE Small, from actual measurements, good average 

 specimens, in good condition, weight for cocks from 9 1-2 to 

 10 1-8 ounces, hens from 8 1-2 to 9 1-2 ounces; and when 

 standing in a natural position measure from sole of foot to 

 top of head from 8 to 9 1-2 inches in height, the length from 

 tip of beak to end of tail, without stretching, from 12 1-2 to 

 14 inches. 



SHAPE Apparently long, slender and snake-like, chest 

 full and round, but not broad, the body round, thin, and 

 gracefully tapering from front to vent, with no approach to 

 owl or tumbler form, shoulders well defined, but not carried 

 prominently as in the dragoon, legs set well -back to show 

 breast. 



CARRIAGE Is a very important characteristic of the Mag- 

 pie, but if the shape be good and true, the proper carriage 

 is almost sure to follow; it should be smart, sprightly. The 

 body well poised on the graceful and slender limbs, the neck 

 and body forming a continuous easy curve, but the neck 

 must not incline backwards, head and beak carried hor- 

 izontally, flights and tail neatly folded. 



HEAD Must be long and thin, round on top of skull, show- 

 ing a soft easy curve in every direction the term snake- 

 headed is often used, but does not apply, as many snakes are 

 flat-headed, which is quite a reverse of what is wanted in 

 the Magpie as nearly even in substance throughout as pos- 

 sible, not wedge-headed, no stop at junction of head and 

 beak, but rising with a gradual curve from front to back, 

 fine and neat at back of skull, lean face, with no approach 

 to owl or short-faced tumbler form. Junction of head with 

 neck to be neat and almost imperceptible without throatiness. 



BEAK Should be long, thin, and nearly equal in substance 

 throughout, with slight hook at end of mandible, but no dip 



