M Conclusion, i^ 



INCE writing about the Persian treatise on 

 pigeons on page 404 I was agreeably surprised 

 to learn that the work was still in existence. 

 Sir Walter Elliot found a translation of it 

 when arranging his papers, and sent it to 

 me. The work is a practical one, treating of the breeding 

 and management, and describing the varieties, of fancy pigeons 

 known to the author. It also contains critical marginal notes 

 by a fancier who had possessed the original. The Preface, 

 written in a conventional style common in the East, inter- 

 spersed with verses, may interest and amuse the British 

 reader, so I transcribe it. The names Khubin and Wali are 

 short names, such as Jack or Bob. The author gives his 

 proper name at the end of the Preface. 



"KABUTAR ISTAMAH (History of Pigeons). 



"In the name of God the Gracious and Merciful. 



"Preface. 



"When Khubin asked a love-gift from his friend, 

 Wali this Treatise on the Pigeon penned. 



"Boundless praise and infinite Glorification are due to the 

 Creator who hath caused the Pigeon of the human heart in 



