Chapter IX. 



VARIETIES OF DOMESTIC PIGEONS. X> 

 Scheme of Description. 



N describing the numerous varieties of domes- 

 tic pigeons with which I am acquainted, I 

 shall commence with those least removed 

 from the original type, from which, as I 

 believe, all varieties descend. Many of them 

 are identical in conformation with the wild blue rock pigeon, 

 and others have the addition of turned crowns, or feathered 

 legs and feet. From them I shall proceed to the inter- 

 mediate class, which will include varieties such as the runts, 

 with their extraordinary size; the frizzled, frillback, and lace 

 pigeons, with their curious plumage ; and the ringbeater, 

 lowtan, and tumbler, with their peculiar flight or movements. 

 I shall then conclude with a description of what are called 

 high-class pigeons, the favourites of the most exacting pigeon 

 fanciers, the birds that come up but seldom to the standard 

 of excellence laid down for them, because they have not only 

 abnormal conformation, but carriage of body or style of 

 movement, and beauty of feather as well, and so combine 

 in themselves such a sum of excellence, when anything like 



