15 



THE HOUSE OR LOFT. 



some kind of durable wood, and well jointed, so as to allow 

 the wind no entrance except from the holes at which the 

 birds go in and out; and they ought to be fixed in the most 

 sheltered position available. The box space necessary for 

 each pair of all small pigeons, such as tumblers and turbits, 

 is about 12in. by 12in., and lOin. high. This is the measure- 

 ment inside, and, in addition, there is the landing board, 

 which will project about 4in. Unless each pair is provided 

 with two such apartments, there will be little peace in the 

 -colony, for pigeons do not like to lay in their last nest. 



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FIG. 1. PIGEON HOUSE FOR FOUR PAIRS. 



They usually go to nest when their young ones are about 

 three weeks old; they therefore require two nesting places. 



Fig. 1 represents a wall dovecote suitable for four pairs, 

 each pair having two apartments, in which they will nest 

 alternately. The young ones will leave their nest when 

 between three and four weeks old, but can easily be pre- 

 vented going into the adjoining apartment and disturbing 



