94 FANCY PIGEONS. 



and the beak is inclined to a flesh tint. It has the shape 

 and style of a common pigeon. The yellow-breasted dun is a 

 combination of colours found in various breeds, such as the 

 Swift and Golden Dun Short-faced Tumbler. 



The Nilrnberg Lark Pigeon is another of the same family. 

 In this variety the yellow colour extends from the breast 

 to the neck and head. The wings and tail ought to be 

 very light, approaching to white as nearly as can be 

 got. 



The Fire Pigeon. 



Die Feuertaube, or the Fire Pigeon, is a variety I have 

 never seen. It is mentioned by Friderich, the German 

 ornithologist (1863), and by Neumeister (1876), whose descrip- 

 tion is as follows : " It reminds one very strikingly of a strong 

 Tumbler, and is of the size of the medium Field Pigeon. The 

 head is unhooded, the feet smooth, the colour of the whole 

 plumage black, with an extremely bright copper red sheen. 

 This metallic lustre is with the Fire Pigeon more intense than 

 with any other species, and not only on the neck, but spread 

 over the whole body, with the exception of the flights and 

 tail. In the sunshine this pigeon reflects so splendidly that 

 it actually irradiates, and then looks almost copper red. It 

 is exceedingly rare, and seldom or never comes into the 

 market." 



As the Archangel itself is not excepted in the above 

 description, the lustre on the Fire Pigeon must be a sight 

 for a pigeon fancier to behold. If not extinct, this variety 

 must be rather scarce and secluded, as it is never offered 

 for sale in this country, or even mentioned in the reports of 

 shows. It would make such a splendid addition to our 

 feather varieties, that it would be worth the while of any- 

 one having opportunities of acquiring the German Toys, to 

 see if some specimens of the breed can still be got; but, 

 as Herr Priitz does not, so far, refer to it in his new 



