PIGEONS. 107 



with them. When any strays are taken in the trap, they are 

 killed for the table, unless called for and claimed by their 

 owners, within twenty-four hours after their capture, and a 

 trifling sum may then be demanded for trappage. 



To ensure the purity of any particular kind, the young males, 

 as soon as they show symptoms of maturity, which may be 

 known by particular gesticulations and their cooing notes, are 

 placed apart in a chamber appropriated for the purpose, with a 

 female of the same variety. Here they remain till a mutual 

 attachment has taken place, after which, they may be returned 

 to the general aviary, or dove house; for, when once an 

 alliance is effected, it generally continues undissolved and 

 inviolate till the death or removal of one of the parties; on 

 which account many different varieties may be kept in the 

 same aviary, or associated together in one building, without 

 much apprehension of having a contaminated breed. 



For mating, or coupling pigeons, it is a good plan to build 

 two cots, divided only by a lath partition, by which means the 

 birds will see each other, and may feed out of the same little 

 vessels ; when, by giving them plenty of hemp seed, they will 

 soon be fit for mating. When the hen sweeps her tail, put her 

 in the cock's pen, and they will readily agree. Where it is 

 not convenient to make this probationary pen, and you are 

 obliged to place them both in one coop, put the cock in a few 

 days before his mate, that he may get accustomed to it, and 

 feel himself master, especially if the hen be high spirited ; else 

 they will quarrel so fiercely, that their disputes will terminate 

 in a total dislike to one another. 



When the pigeons are comfortably matched, allow them the 

 full run of the loft, to select a nest for themselves; or choose a 

 nest for them, and inclose them in it for several days, .by means 

 of a slight lath railing, giving them an abundant supply of 

 food and water during the whole time. Both male and female 

 engage in the construction of the nest, and relieve each other 

 in the task of incubation. Tvv eggs only are laid, and the 

 young are hatched blind, naked, and helpless, and sedulojsly 

 fed and cherished by both parents. Several pairs of young 



