31 MANAGEMENT. 



suffer in consequence. When floor space is not available for 

 storage of grain, it should be changed from one bin to another 

 as often as convenient, or, if kept in sacks, they should be 

 shaken up now and then, with the object of destroying moths 

 and other insects, which will assuredly find their way amongst 

 it if it be left long undisturbed. 



Wheat may be used more freely in the summer than in the 

 winter. Pigeons are fond of it, and, when given them to the 

 extent of one-fourth of their supply, it is beneficial during the 

 breeding season. 



Barley is good food for pigeons, and I use it to some extent 

 all the year round ; indeed, I have known of good results from 

 pigeons fed on nothing else. It is generally the cheapest of 

 all pigeon food, and cheapness is an object with many; but 

 the birds are not very fond of it. 



Maize, or Indian corn, is generally as cheap a grain as 

 can be had, and, being highly nutritive, is in every respect 

 suitable for pigeons. The small round kind, known as 

 Hungarian, or Black Sea maize, is generally dearer than 

 the flat American, but not more valuable as food; however, 

 the flat kind is not so suitable for the smaller breeds of 

 pigeons, being apt to stick in their throats and choke 

 them. 



Peas are of various kinds, such as white, blue, and mottled. 

 The small white, or rather pale yellow, Canadian peas, are 

 good food for pigeons. The dark brown mottled kind, known 

 as partridge peas, are also very good ; and the small Baltic 

 feeding peas, which contain a mixture of white, blue, and 

 mottled, are serviceable, and generally cheap. 



Beans are of various kinds, such as the small tick bean 

 and the medium -sized Egyptian both good for pigeons. 

 The larger varieties are not suitable, being apt to choke 

 the birds. 



Tares either the small foreign or large Scotch are suit- 

 able food, and may be mixed with the foregoing. 



