cole] PIGEOXS 33 



only as much grain as the birds will eat up clean. It is well to 

 furnish a supply of charcoal, in small pieces, salt, and some sort 

 of grit. If sand is used to cover the floor, or if they have access 

 to other clean sand, the grit will not be necessary. Fresh water 

 is of prime importance. The water should not be given in an 

 open dish, but should be protected to prevent its becoming foul. 

 A small size of the ordinary poultry fountain makes a very good 

 watering dish for pigeons. Fresh water in a large open dish 

 should be supplied daily for the bath, but should be emptied im- 

 mediately after the birds are through bathing, in order to pre- 

 vent their drinking this water. 



Hemp seed should be fed sparingly. Pigeons love hemp seed 

 as children love candy, and it is very useful for taming them. If 

 one will carry a suppl\- of hemp seed in one's pocket and ofter 

 the birds a little each time he goes into the pen, they will soon 

 become verv tame and will come and alight on one's hand at 

 call. 



There are no external marks by which the sexes of pigeons 

 can be distinguished ; but the male can often be told by his be- 

 havior, especially at certain seasons when he shows a disposition 

 to strut about and to fight upon the least provocation. When the 



Fig. 2. White Jacobus. 



