25 



or eight hours over the chimney- 

 pots, and anyone not understanding 

 their hahits would think they were 

 going to drop every minute. A 

 great deal of one's own judgment 

 must be exercised in pigeon-flying. 

 Feeding, keeping the loft clean, and 

 fresh water daily should be strictly 

 and regularly attended to, and it is 

 necessary to have fresh sand daily. 



These trifles are half the battle, 

 and is the only way to keep your 

 stock strong and healthy. It is im- 

 possible for a kit of birds to fly any 

 length of time unless they are at- 

 tended to regularly. For myself, I 

 never care so long as they eat their 

 meals hearty, for then I can depend 

 on them flying a long time. Birds, 

 as a rule, are very scanty eaters when 

 in good condition, and they take a 

 good deal of persuading in the morn- 

 ing. In spring they require a bath 

 twice a week a pancheon is most 

 suitable for washing purposes. 



