Chapter XX. 



« THE FANTAIL PIGEON. >o 



History and Literature. 



RITEE-S on pigeons, both British and foreign, 

 agree that Hindostan was the birthplace of the 

 Fantail Pigeon. It is certainly there where it 

 is found in the greatest numbers. That such 

 a curious and beautiful domestic bird would be 

 early taken by traders, from where it originated, into distant 

 lands, there can be no doubt ; but it is impossible to fix any time 

 for its arrival in Europe. The Romans, in all probability, would 

 have it from India, if it existed there 2,000 years ago. I some- 

 times think there must be old manuscripts existing that would 

 be of great interest to pigeon fanciers, and, some day or other, 

 old lore on the subject of our domestic pigeons may come 

 to light when least expected. In Calcutta, the Fantail is the 

 commonest variety found for sale, and I think I am well 

 within the mark in saying that from 200 to 300 pairs of 

 them annually leave that city, in vessels bound to the different 

 ports connected with it by trade. Fantails have existed for 

 at least two centuries in England, as we find from Willughby, 

 who refers to them as " Broad tail'd Shakers — called Shakers 



