253 POUTING PIGEONS. 



of the "Powting Horseman," which I have already quoted. 

 Eaton took it for granted that the Norwich Cropper was 

 identical with the Horseman, and evidently could not see, 

 though he had had birds direct from Norwich, that they 

 were a pure and distinct breed, having nothing to do with it. 

 His remarks on their fine style, in comparison with that of 

 the Pouter, are, however, well weighed, and very conclusive. 



It is about six years since the foregoing account of the 

 Norwich Cropper was published in the first edition of this 

 work ; and, in the interval, the taste for this engaging pigeon 

 has spread widely, and it is now kept in districts where it 

 was previously unknown. Some shows have lately given 

 classes for them, which have been well filled; and I expect 

 that, with the steady increase of the pigeon fancy in general, 

 and keen competition in most of the better known varieties, 

 the Norwich Cropper will gradually take a prominent place 

 in the principal exhibitions, which it is well entitled to. 



That well-known fancier and writer, the Rev. Alex. Headley, 

 of Chippenham (" Wiltshire Rector "), some time ago described, 

 in enthusiastic terms, a flight of these lovely birds which he had 

 got together since reading my account of them. Others, also, 

 who like pigeons of beautiful appearance, merry ways, and great 

 power of flight, have found all this in the Norwich Cropper, 

 regarding which I once wrote : 



He springs from his trap, he sails through the air, 



Loud clapping his wings as he goes, 

 Now he's down on the roof, playing up to his hen, 



See how neatly he trips on his toes ! 

 They're off now together, and as they wheel round 



You may hear the wind sigh through their wings, 

 Like the zephyrs so sweet through ^olus his harp 



As they murmur their song through the strings. 



The Pigmy Pouter Pigeon. 



The English pied Pigmy Pouter is a modern breed, which 

 ought to agree in every respect, except size, with the large 



