336 PIGEONS. 



ordinary, they are apt to gorge themselves, and when this occurs, 

 put the bird, feet downwards, into a tight stocking, smoothing up 

 the crop, so that overloaded as it is, it may be kept from hanging 

 down ; then hitch up the stocking on a nail, and keep the bird a 

 prisoner until its food is digested, supplying it with a small quan- 

 tity of water now and then. When the bird is taken out of the 

 stocking, it should be put into an open coop or basket and fed scantily 

 for some little while. 



If the birds are lame, or the balls of their feet become swelled, 

 whether from cold, or from being cut with glass, or any accident, the 

 most effectual remedy is a small quantity of Venice turpentine spread 

 on a piece of brown paper, applied to the aggrieved part. 



LAWS RELATING TO PIGEONS. 



By Act of Parliament of 7 and 8 Geo. IV. c. 27, it is enacted, 

 that if any person shall unlawfully and wilfully kill, wound, or take 

 any house-dove or pigeon, under circumstances not amounting to 

 larceny, upon being convicted thereof before a justice, he shall for- 

 feit over and above the value of the bird any sum not exceeding 

 forty shillings. But it has nevertheless been determined that the 

 owner of land may kill such pigeons as he may find devastating his 

 corn. 



CONCLUSION. 



As many pigeon-dealers are in the habit of playing off innumerable 

 tricks upon youthful, inexperienced fanciers, it is highly necessary to 

 have the advice of some person well acquainted with pigeons, when 

 making a purchase, especially if a select stock is required. 



It is a good plan, before having a flight of pigeons, or at least of 

 letting them leave the loft, to know what character the neighbouring 

 pigeon -keepers bear, for the fancier must never expect to have a good 

 flight if his neighbours are adepts in the art of enticing birds into 

 their own aeries. True enough, he may do the same with theirs if 

 he has the chance; for according to the old saying, " what is sauce 

 for the goose is sauce for the gander. " 



