184 Breeding Stock. 



is 



single pair, in the course of four years. 

 To class things of similar bearing together, 

 it has been calculated, but I know not by 

 whom, or in what practical ground, that a 

 single pair of rabbits may, in the samepon- 

 tion of time, namely four years, produce one 

 million, two hundred and seventy four 

 thousand eight hundred and foriy of their 

 kind, '"'\ 



The first step towards pigeon keeping, 

 is, undoubtedly, to provide a commodious 

 place for their reception, of which I shall 

 afterwards speak ; the next, to provide the 

 pigeons themselves. These will be had in 

 pairs, but if not actually matched, pains 

 must be afterwards taken, to that end, that 

 no time be lost ; indeed, they may be match- 

 ed according to the fancy of the keeper, for 

 the purpose of varying the colours, or with 

 any other view. But it is necessary to give 

 a caution on the subject of old pigeons, of 

 which a bargain may offer, since the diffi- 

 culty of retaining them is so great, indeed 

 insuperable, without the strictest vigilance. 

 Nothing short of cutting their wings> and 



