Broiled Squab, and That Sort of Thing 145 



per month. He then decided that the time had come for 

 him to cease working for the electric company and de- 

 vote himself exclusively to the fortunes of Clarence Ray 

 King. He also decided to move the scene of his opera- 

 tions and interest some capital. His brother joined 

 him, making an investment of $8,000, and with this 

 they established themselves at Hay ward, 15 miles from 

 San Francisco, which is a particularly good market 

 for squabs. 



They purchased six acres of land for $6,500. Mr. 

 King pursued his labors as breeder and expert, soon 

 winning a high position in the craft, and becoming 

 president of the California Pigeon Club ; his brother at- 

 tended to the marketing. While they own six acres, 

 most of it is devoted to trees, and only about one and 

 one-half acres to the squab industry. Their "pigeon- 

 loft" as it is called in deference to custom, is not a loft 

 at all, but a low structure consisting of a collection of 

 pens built after the manner already described. It oc- 

 cupies a trifle more than one acre, and houses 14,000 

 birds. Its output averages 600 squabs every five days, 

 and its net earnings are something like $1,000 per 

 month, the greater portion of which is derived from 

 market squabs, though breeding stock also is sold, 

 not only to customers throughout the United States, 

 but often to foreign countries. 



The facts in regard to Mr. King's experience are 

 thoroughly authenticated, and might naturally inspire 

 many people to follow his example. Those so inclined 

 should follow all of it, not part of it. They are again 

 reminded that Mr. King started in a very small way, in- 

 tending to raise pigeons for home use, and as an agree- 



