THE COLUMBINE, OR PIGEON GKOUP, 133 



We may here leave the commou dovecote, 

 01' farm-yard pigeon, and proceed to take a 

 brief survey of the principal varieties, some of 

 them of great antiquity, which naturalists 

 generally agree have resulted from long cul- 

 ture in a state of domestication. These 

 varieties are extremely numerous, and by 

 inter-crossing, others are from time to time 

 produced, to the delight or disappointment of 

 the fancier, as he may succeed or fail in the 

 accomplishment of his wishes. 



The Carrier, or Horseman. — We do not 

 separate between these birds, because we know 

 of no difference between them : at all events, 

 if any originally existed, it has become lost, 

 and we believe the terms carrier and horse- 

 man are by most fanciers of the present day 

 used synonymously. The carrier exceeds most 

 other varieties of domestic pigeons in size ; 

 and is remarkable for the elegance of its 

 shape. It is among pigeons, what the high- 

 bred racer is among horses, and has been long 

 celebrated for its rapidity of flight. It is 

 evidently of eastern origin, and was known to 

 the ancients. 



The plumage of the carrier is close and firm, 

 and the quill feathers remarkably rigid ; the 



