672 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



which in time will destroy the appearance and value of the birds. The floor of the pigeon 

 loft should therefore be frequently cleaned and kept well sanded. Keeping dishes of water 

 set about on the floor of the loft is also objectionable, for the birds wet their feet in the water 

 and then track about over the droppings, which adhere to their feet, or else they upset the 

 water and make the place wet. Pure, fresh water should always be kept by them in watering 

 tanks of such a construction that they cannot be easily overturned. Pigeons drink early and 

 often, and unless provided with a good supply of clean water will not thrive. A breeder of 

 pigeons gives the following advice with respect to the food: 



&quot; In the matter of feeding, great care should be exercised, and only what food the birds 

 will eat up clean and with an apparent appetite should be given. Sloppy food should never 

 be given. When feeding moistened meal, or scalded meal, do not feed in such quantities that 

 a lot is left on the floor, to heat and to cause the production of worms and insects innumerable. 

 &quot;When feeding moistened food, it is best to use a small, shallow, wooden trough, from which 

 the pigeons can readily take the food. 



Almost all kinds of grain are relished by pigeons, such as wheat, rye, oats, barley, buck 

 wheat, etc., while whole corn, though it is best not to feed too often or in large quantities, is 

 much liked. Stale bread, moistened in fresh milk, is one of the best kinds of food for 

 pigeons, keeping them looking sleek and glossy, while those breeds which are so short-billed 

 or soft-billed as to eat whole grain with difficulty can readily eat this food. Lettuce is some 

 thing of which pigeons are very fond. It should be hung up where they can peck at it at 

 will, and should be freshly gathered daily for them. When possible, those who have the 

 ground to do so should keep a supply growing all the year round, in the hot beds and cold 

 frames, and the family as well as the pigeons can enjoy it. &quot;By keeping the birds tame, which 

 every true fancier will do, there is no trouble in catching any of them when necessary, 

 while they thrive far better than when kept wild.&quot; 



Always give good, sound grain, and when corn is fed it should be that of some small- 

 kerneled variety. Vetches or tares, small white pease, turnip seed, and millet are also good 

 food for pigeons. Occasionally, though sparingly, hemp seed may be given. They should 

 have finely-broken oyster shells kept by them at all times. Some breeders recommend that 

 a large lump of rock salt be kept in the loft where they can have access to it, and which 

 should occasionally be immersed in water for a moment or two and then left in its usual 

 place. It is a good plan to have the nest boxes large enough to make two nests side by side 

 in one box, since they frequently commence laying again before the young birds are ready to 

 leave the nest. Tobacco stems make excellent material for building their nests, as they aid 

 in exterminating vermin. Sulphur strewn in their nests is also excellent for the same 

 purpose. 



