162 DOMESTIC PIGEONS : Chap. V. 



which in the Latztaube 20 is in a nearly intermediate state between 

 a hood and a crest. The feathers of the hood are elongated. Both 

 the wings and tail are likewise much elongated ; thus the folded 

 wing of the Jacobin, though a somewhat smaller bird, is fully H 

 inch longer than in the rock-pigeon. Taking the length of the 

 body without the tail as the standard of comparison, the folded wing, 

 proportionally with the wings of the rock-pigeon, is 2i inches too 

 long, and the two wings, from tip to tip, 5| inches too long. In 

 disposition this bird is singularly quiet, seldom flying or moving 

 about, as Bechstein and Biedel have likewise remarked in 

 Germany. 21 The latter author also notices the length of the wings 

 and tail. The beak is nearly *2 of an inch shorter in proportion to 

 the size of the body than in the rock-pigeon ; but the internal gape 

 of the mouth is considerably wider. 



Group IV. 



The birds of this group may be characterised by their 

 resemblance in all important points of structure, especially 

 in the beak, to the rock-pigeon. The Trumpeter forms the 

 only well marked race. Of the numerous other sub-races and 

 varieties I shall specify only a few of the most distinct, which 

 1 have myself seen and kept alive. 



Race X. — Trumpeter. (Trommel tan be ; pigeon tambour, 



glouglou.) 



A tuft of feathers at the base of the beah curling forward ; feet 

 much feathered ; voice very peculiar ; size exceeding that of the 

 rock-pigeon. 



This is a well-marked breed, with a peculiar voice, wholly unlike 

 that of any other pigeon. The coo is rapidly repeated, and is con- 

 tinued for several minutes ; hence their name of Trumpeters. They 

 are also characterised by a tuft of elongated feathers, which curls 

 forward over the base of the beak, and which is possessed by no 

 other breed. Their feet are so heavily feathered, that they almost 

 appear like little wings. They are larger birds than the rock- 

 pigeon, but their beak is of very nearly the same proportional size. 

 Their feet are rather small. This breed was perfectly characterised 

 in Moore's time, in 1735. Mr. Brent says that two varieties exist, 

 which differ in size. 



20 Neumeister, ' Taubenzucht,' Tab. s. 26. Bechstein, ' Naturgeschichte 

 4. fig. i. Deutschlands,' Band iv. s. 36, 1795. 



71 Riedel, < Die Taubenzucht,' 1824, 



