29 SELECTION OF STOCK. 



varieties at a time, if it is expected to breed any of them 

 to perfection. Each distinct kind of pigeon is a study in 

 itself ; still, in addition to the favoured kind, and without 

 detracting from the attention it may require, one or two 

 other breeds may be introduced into the loft, when room 

 can be afforded them, as a sort of by-play. 



Homing Pigeons. 



In addition to the breeds that are strictly fancy pigeons, 

 there are those known as homing or racing pigeons, in the 

 breeding and training of which many find great enjoyment. 

 The dragoon, long-faced beard, and skinnum, were formerly 

 used in England for this purpose, but of late the Antwerp 

 carrier is almost exclusively employed for flying long matches. 

 The flying fancy is a branch of the pigeon fancy by itself, 

 and may be more properly denominated as racing, though 

 in the management of the birds themselves there is no 

 difference from that necessary for the generality of fancy 

 pigeons. 



