BOOK OF DOVECOTES 



entrance-gate — a frequent case in Auvergne. 

 In one instance at least the pigeon-house sur- 

 mounted a well. 



French pigeon-keepers, like their Roman 

 brethren, found their flocks extremely subject 

 to attacks from vermin, and took various pre- 

 cautions to defeat the pest. Hence probably 

 the form of dovecote known as the colombier 

 a pied, already alluded to ; raised on four, or 

 sometimes eight pillars, there being nothing 

 but an open shed or hangar underneath. Each 

 pillar capital had a larmier or coping over it, 

 which it was almost impossible for rats or 

 similarinvaders to surmount. Another method 

 was to insert in the external surface of the walls 

 acourse or two of highly polished bricks or tiles, 

 which formed all round the house a band too 

 slippery for feet and claws to grip. This method, 

 not without value as an ornament, was fre- 

 quently employed in Languedoc. Still more 

 common was the application of a broad string- 

 course to the wall. 



The circular dovecote was longpopular, hav- 

 ing among other advantages that of adapting 

 itself to the introduction of the potence, so 

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