Peafowls and Pigeons 277 



children and an interesting bird to adults. The 

 hen is modest appearing and unattractive in color- 

 ing. The cock is generally troublesome in the 

 poultry yard on account of his disposition to kill 

 other kinds of poultry, particularly young chick- 

 ens and ducks. Cocks have been known to attack 

 mature fowls and even children and adults. The 

 male does not acquire his most brilliant and per- 

 fect plumage until he is more than three years of 

 age. The peacock is disliked by some on ac- 

 count of his loud screeching voice, which he is 

 inclined to use freely. 



PIGEONS 



While pigeons are not usually mentioned among 

 the various kinds of profitable farm stock, yet 

 the possibilities of profitable returns are so great 

 that a somewhat full discussion of pigeon-rearing 

 is warranted. However, only a short discussion 

 will be devoted to the business as yielding money 

 returns on the investment. To lovers of animal 

 life, pigeon -rearing offers a most fascinating field, 

 particularly to the boys and girls who delight 

 in caring for stock that they may call their own. 

 Many a farm boy has become interested in ani- 

 mal life and has learned many things which have 

 been of great use to him in after years, that he 

 acquired by caring for and studying the needs of 



