120 On the domestic Pigeons of Spain. 



First Sub-division. 



The character of the class No. 1. is known by its deno- 

 mination, as the feathers are curled and elevated, and not 

 smooth and joined together like those of the other classes, 

 which occasions their flight to be extremely difficult and 

 troublesome, because the air passes through their wings. 

 We find in this class, in regard to size, colour, and quality, 

 very great differences. There are some white, which are a 

 little larger than turtle doves, and which, on account of their 

 separated and curled feathers, are absolutely incapable of fly- 

 ing : there are some of variegated colours, nearly of the same 

 size as. wild pigepns, having a crest, and the feathers less 

 curled, &c. In general, they are reared rather on account 

 of their singularity than their utility, because their broods 

 seldom succeed. Amateurs are in the habit of povering their 

 eggs with other pigeons. 



In regard to the colipavas, No. 2, the most esteemed are 

 those which have 36 feathers in the tail, although they also 

 prize those which have but 34 and 28 ; but those that have 

 less are held in no consideration. This large tail embar- 

 rasses their flight a liftle j it gives them, however, a magni- 

 ficent aspect when they make love, and are in their pride. 

 In this situation they extend it round towards the front like 

 peacocks, and, lengthening the neck, they join their head 

 to it, and often remain a minute in this forced attitude, 

 during which all their body undergoes a tremulous motion*. 

 Their colours are much variegated, and their young rarely 



succeed. 



Second Sub-division. 



The two classes, Nos. 1 and 2, of this sub-division, are 

 clumsy, and almost as large as common hens. 



They vary parlly by the large or small tubercles of the 

 beak, and partly by the existence or the want of the flesh- 

 coloured skin which surrounds the eyes. They possess an 

 infinite variety of colours; they are extremely fruitful ; and 

 it i$ remarked^ that the youqg take mare frequently the co- 



♦ Thence comes it that they also give to the peacock pigeon the name of the 

 trembling pigeon. — Note of the French Editor. 



lour 



