bird to that of the present time ; 

 they had shorter beaks and broader 

 across the chest, most of them being 

 red badges and red mottles. These 

 kinds have gradually gone out of 

 date, and there is scarcely one to be 

 seen. Black, white wings, and bad- 

 ges are now the chief colours. 



THE PIGEON LOFT. 



The pigeon loft should not be 

 small ; but convenient room is re- 

 quired. About twenty birds is suf- 

 ficient to receive proper treatment. 

 The loft should be about seven feet 

 square, with convenient light, and 

 very day, or the birds will be subject 

 to roup or the cramp. It is essential 

 to have the room fitted up on one 

 side with shelves, say about one foot 

 square, and perches on the other 

 side. The place must be cleaned 

 regularly once a day, and a fresh 

 supply of clean sand is necessary. 



