Harris.] 358 [January 3, 



the type of the race — the white marks determine the vahie of the 

 specimen. There should be a crescent beneath the bill regularly- 

 defined in its form, and on the first joint of the wing a cluster of 

 white feathers called the "rose pinion." The Pouter is one of the 

 highest prized and most valuable varieties. The parent birds from 

 which this specimen was reared, were valued at one hundred dollars 

 by their owner. 



The fourth group, the Carriers, and those allied, have perhaps as 

 large a claim on our attention as any. The individual in the cage is 

 borrowed for the occasion. I long since banished them from my 

 collection, on account of their wild and untamable character. They 

 are very tall, with immense length and power of wing, slender and 

 tapering body, the beak and eye surrounded by a rough fleshy wattle, 

 the size of which greatly adds to their value. 



I apprehend that there is a very general misunderstanding as to the 

 traits of this variety. They fly but in one direction when at large — 

 always to their homes, and are, of course, useless so far as transmitting 

 messages is concerned, except always in that direction. Their supe- 

 rior size and strength, as well as their peculiar build, so well adapted 

 for rapid flight, are the only advantages they possess over any of the 

 larger varieties when employed as messengers. 



There are several other species, closely allied to the Carriers, but 

 as they probably had a comnaon origin, it is not necessary to name 

 them here. 



In the fifth group, for convenience, I have placed all the other vari- 

 eties. I can mention only a few of the prominent ones, leaving the 

 others peihaps for another occasion. 



The Turbit deserves the first place. It is in Germany, I believe, the 

 favorite bird. The combinations of colors are very curious ; I have 

 here two specimens difiering totally in color, and these are only two 

 of many. The distinguishing marks are the frill or double row of 

 reversed feathers on the breast, the cap or hood, the short, firm beak, 

 and sprightly, upright carriage. 



The Swallow is a beautiful and prized variety. The specimen in 

 the cage is much more perfectly marked than the average. It is a 

 shy, retiring bird in its disposition ; the very reverse of the Turbit. 

 In color the body is always white, the top of head, entire wings and 

 boots (which should be very heavy), either black, blue, red or yellow. 

 The cap or hood, too, should never be missing. 



The Ruff or Jacobin is a very beautiful variety. The one in the 

 Society's collection is a very good specimen of the yellow. 



The Trumpeter is a singular variety. It is booted, capped, and 

 has a long, upright tuft of feathers at the root of the beak. This 

 latter peculiarity is almost missing in the stuffed specimen owned by 



