64 AMERICAN SQUAB CULTURE 



and very full breasted. For this purpose it is used with the 

 Runt more than any other breed and probably one-third of the 

 squabs raised on the Pacific coast are from this cross. These 

 squabs range in weight from twelve to eighteen pounds to the 

 dozen. I have raised a few that weighed twenty-two pounds at 

 four weeks of age. This cross, and in fact any cross in which 

 the Maltese is used, make strong and healthy breeders and 

 feeders. 



Quite a few of the Homer breeders, especially breeders that 

 have white birds, are crossing them with the Maltese. This 

 makes an ideal cross, being fast producers of fine-shaped squabs 

 which weigh from eleven to thirteen pounds to the dozen. Wo 

 have crossed the red and the yellow Cameau, which results 

 in a fine-looking bird, and produces squabs that weigh from 

 twelve to fourteen pounds to the dozen. This is about the only 

 successful cross one can make with the Carneau on account of 

 the danger of dark-skinned squabs, but by crossing with the red 

 or yellow Maltese one is sure to produce white-meated squabs. 



From the fancier's standpoint, the Maltese is considered one 

 of the most difficult birds to breed to perfection. First-class 

 specimens must be 'well up' on legs, short back, long neck, 

 carry wings folded in front of tail and must be of good size but 

 not "beefy." Fanciers of this variety consider themselves lucky 

 if they can produce one or two top-notch specimens in a season's 

 breeding, and it is usually from the stock pairs that the best 

 results are obtained. First-class show birds are quite scarce 

 and bring good prices, ranging from $15 to $50 per pair. First- 

 class utility stock ranges from $3 to $6 per pair." 



SWISS MONDAINES 



The Swiss Mondaine is a pigeon larger than a White King 

 and smaller than a Runt. They are of longer le^s and neck 

 and are more graceful looking than either and are indeed a 

 very beautiful bird. They are becoming very popular in Ameri- 

 ca both as squab breeders and show birds. Those who breed 

 them claim they are among the best as squab producers, hearty, 

 thrifty and exceedingly domestic. 



It is claimed that the Swiss Mondaine came from Switzerland, 

 but be that as it may, the breed is now recognized and they have 

 a recognized standard. There is a Swiss Mondaine Association 



