Chapter ML 



o< THE PIGEON HOUSE, LOFT, AND AVIARY. >o 



Wall Boxes. 



HE majority of pigeon fanciers, who com- 

 mence their pursuit when young, begin by 

 keeping a few common birds or flying tum- 

 blers in boxes fixed to some wall, out of 

 reach of cats or other enemies. This was 

 the way I began the fancy, and some narrow escapes I had 

 when up the ladder inspecting what was going on inside 

 my pigeon locker; and I would advise all guardians of 

 pigeon-keeping boys, who have no other means of housing 

 their pets than in wall boxes, to see that these are not only 

 properly secured — for I have known them to give way from 

 improper fastening — but fixed at no great distance from the 

 ground. Keeping really good pigeons in wall boxes is, 

 however, almost out of the question, for little control over 

 them can be exercised, and, sooner or later, if the young 

 fancier means advancement in his pursuit, he must find ways 

 and means for the better housing of his birds. 



When, however, no other means of keeping pigeons than 

 in wall boxes is convenient, then such should be made of 



