Chapter XXVI. 



X VARIETIES ORIGINALLY TUMBLERS. X 



| EYERAL varieties, long bred for colour and 

 marking, in which the tumbling propensity 

 no longer remains, are considered, from their 

 formation of head and beak, size, and shape, to 

 have been derived from the common Tumbler. 



The Nun, Magpie, and Helmet Pigeons, may be included in 



this category. 



The Nun Pigeon. 



This beautiful breed, from its striking contrast of colours, 

 has always held a high place among fancy pigeons. It is 

 supposed to derive its name from the arrangement of its 

 marking, but in France it is the Jacobin, with its coloured 

 body and white head, that is called a Nun (Nonnairi). The 

 French call the Nun, Pigeon Coquille Hollondais, or Dutch 

 Shell Pigeon, from its shell crown; and the Germans, Das 

 Nonnchen, or little Nun,, to distinguish it from a somewhat 

 similarly marked variety. Neumeister says that, although 

 hitherto considered as belonging to the field, or dovehouse, 

 type of pigeons, the Nun is an undoubted Tumbler in forma- 

 tion, and in this I agree with him. Having been bred so long, 



