231 POUTING PIGEONS. 



them and the crop. It is only birds so formed that can be 

 very tall. The limbs ought also to be placed closely together, 

 and, when viewed from the front, continue to approach each 

 other down as far as the hocks; then, gradually separating, 

 the feet ought to be as far apart as the thighs are at their 

 junction with the body. The hocks must closely approach, but 

 not touch, each other, otherwise the pigeon cannot walk grace- 

 fully. In profile view, the limbs must form a very obtuse 

 angle at the hocks ; on this depends very much the height 

 of a bird. I have shown in my drawing, as nearly as I can, 

 the correct shape of the limbs from this point of view. 



While pigeons generally are in-toed, the Pouter must turn 

 his feet decidedly out. It is quite unnecessary to describe all 

 the faults in shape of limb usually seen in Pouters, every 

 other form from that described being faulty. Limbs too 

 straight and stiff, or too much bent and crouching, are frequent 

 faults, as also are those set too far forward in the body, or 

 widely placed, the latter often appearing quite bowed at the 

 thigh from a front view. A Pouter should show all his limbs 

 as far as the thigh joint ; but many have this joint concealed 

 in the feathers of the body, their thighs lying close to their 

 body, like a runt's, instead of standing well out. Finally, there 

 is the way the limbs ought to be feathered. The correct style 

 is known as stocking-limbed, or with the legs entirely covered 

 with short, soft, downy feathers. These feathers may over- 

 hang at the hocks as much as shown in the illustration. 

 The feathers on the toes must, however, be very long, spread- 

 ing out from each foot for 3in. or 4in. For a short time 

 after the annual moult these toe feathers remain perfect 

 in some birds, if care has been exercised; but they never 

 remain perfect throughout the season, and usually get broken 

 before they are full grown. They give such birds as have 

 them a very fine appearance, but very few are naturally furnished 

 with them in perfection, if the limbs themselves are just 

 completely stockinged, and not over-feathered. Pouters proper 



