51 EXHIBITING. 



tlie events of the year in the pigeon fancy, and determine 

 who are the owners or breeders of the best specimens of 

 each variety. Fanciers look forward to them as opportunities 

 for meeting such as are like-minded with themselves; where 

 they may compare their own stock with that of others, 

 dispose of the good birds they have for sale, and purchase 

 such as they may be in need of themselves. A visit to at 

 least one of the chief shows in each season is beneficial to 

 the fancier in many ways, and may either confirm him in 

 his good opinion of his own birds, or enlighten him as to 

 their demerits ; for it is often the case, when one stays too 

 much at home, that he insensibly contracts exaggerated ideas 

 of his own birds, having no opportunity of seeing the pro- 

 gress made by others. 



There are now a great number of pigeon shows held 

 annually in this country, where valuable prizes are offered 

 for the best specimens ; and there can be no doubt that, 

 owing to this fact, good birds have year by year increased 

 in value, till the sum of £100 has been paid on more than 

 one occasion for a choice specimen. Sums varying from £25 

 to £50 are by no means uncommon for really first-rate birds 

 of the high-class varieties ; and, indeed, it is only the very 

 best birds that are worth buying for exhibition purposes, 

 as they alone have any chance of repaying their cost. 



Show Boxes. 



Pigeons may be sent to shows in boxes or baskets. Boxes 

 are liable to breakage, and when made extra strong and 

 heavy are expensive in the way of carriage. Baskets are 

 lighter, but, from their openness, are not so desirable in cold 

 weather, unless lined with canvas. Both boxes and baskets, 

 capable of holding from one to a dozen birds, are made in 

 compartments. Fig. 11 illustrates a box, of a pattern long 

 in use in Scotland, for holding two pouters. It measures 

 16in. long by Sin. wide, and Sin. deep inside. It is divided 



F 2 



