99 PIGEONS OF COLOUR. 



of tlie Mondains (common K-unts), and can scarcely be dis- 

 tinguislied from tliem, except by tlie striking beauty of their 

 plumage. Tliey never have a cere round the eyes, and are 

 generally yellow in the iris. 



*' Pigeon Miroite Rouge is the colour of the red blood 

 of an ox, interrupted at two-thirds of an inch from the ends 

 of the flight and tail feathers by a grey-white bar, half an 

 inch broad. The ends of these feathers are of a red colour, 

 a little clearer than the rest of the body; eye, yellow iris. 

 This charming variety, of medium size, produces well, and 

 merits, by all accounts, the care of amateurs. 



" Pigeon Miroite Jaune. — This pretty bird only differs from 

 the preceding by the ground of its plumage, which is yellow ; 

 moreover, it is miroite the same on the flight and tail 

 feathers. It has the same fecundity. 



" Pigeon Petit Miroite. — Similar to the preceding, but much 

 smaller — about the size of the Rock Pigeon. This charming 

 bird is a good breeder." 



Brent says the word miroite is difficult to translate. He 

 was informed that it meant, composed of three colours, of 

 which two were blended in one. A French gentleman has 

 informed me that Qiiiroite means flashing — e.g., the neck of 

 the Blue E/Ock Pigeon is said to be miroite. The Miroite may 

 therefore take its name from its great metallic lustre, or it 

 may be a technical name, derived from the blending of the 

 colours in its tail and flight feathers. The Miroite Pigeons 

 may be had in Paris. I was recently offered some by the 

 Parisian dealer, M. Yallee. 



The Hyacinth and its Sub-varieties. 



The Hyacinth Pigeon stands at the head of a French breed 

 which is found in various colourings, and which are all 

 included under the name of Pigeons Mailles (Mailed, Armoured, 

 or Speckled Pigeons). They are large, smooth-headed, and 

 clean-legged pigeons, and have been classed by French 



K 2 



