150 SHOOTI^'G. 



As pigeons are required to be bred for the purpose of sbooting. 

 matches, a few words on the best modes of doing this are requisite. 

 The fii'st thing is a commodious place to rear and protect them. 

 This, of course, will necessarily be yaried according to the circum- 

 stances and position of the pigeon-breeder. But whatever be the . 

 size or shape of the dove-cote, it must have two holes or rooms to 

 ■nest in. Without this arrangement is made, there_ will be con- 

 stant confusion, and the eggs wiU get broken continually. If a 

 dove-cote can be entirely isolated, it will prove m.ore secure than 

 any other, as vermin will then find it difficult, and in some cases 

 impossible, to shelter themselves in it. When pigeons are kept in 

 a room, and they have to lay their eggs on the floor, they are hable 

 to be destroyed by rats. 



It is recommended that every dove-cote should, if possible, have 

 a south-west aspect ; and if a room be fixed upon for that purpose, 

 a hole may be made in the roof of the buildiag for the passage of 

 the birds, and which can be closed at convenience. A platform 

 should be constructed at the entrance for the pigeons to ahght 

 upon, and with some defence against strange cats, v/hich will often 

 destroy a whole dove-cote in a single night. If cats can be reared 

 to be familiar with pigeons, then they may be of important use, ia 

 guarding the dove-cote from the intrusion of rats and mice. This 

 platform should bp painted white, this being a favourite colour with 

 the birds, and it is likewise conspicuous as a mark to enable them 

 to find their way home. The boxes should also be coloured, and 

 renewed whenever necessary, for which purpose lime and water 

 ■will be sufiicient. 



Cleanliness is of great importance in a dove-cote • the want of it 

 will soon render the place a complete nuisance, and the birds will 

 become covered with vermin. The place should be thoroughly 

 cleaned once a week._ Water to pigeons is of great moment. 

 They have an instiuctive anticipation of rain, and wiU remain on 

 the_ house-tops, spreaduig their wings, and patiently waitiag its 

 arrival. Wlien they are confined in a room, they should be allowed 

 a wide pan of water ; and this should be often renewed, as a bath; 

 which cools, refreshes, and assists them to keep their bodies clear 

 of vermin. In attendance on pigeons, caution is requisite 'with 

 respect to their fighting, to whicli they are more prone than might 

 be expected, often to the destruction of eggs and young. 



The common baiTcl dove-cote is known to every one, and there- 

 fore needs no formal description. It is adapted to almost every 

 situation and locaHty. 



Pains must be taken to pair the pigeons properly; this is a 

 matter of some nicety. This may be done according to the fancy 

 of the keepers, for the purpose of varying the colours, or with any 

 other view. Old pigeons are difficult to retain securely; they are 

 apt to take flight on every opportmiity of gaining their freedom. 

 It is better to have what is called squakers, or such as have not yet 

 flown : these, being confined, in a short time, well fed, and gradually 



