Chapter XXVII. 



<X THE SHORT-FACED TUMBLER PIGEON. X> 

 The Almond. 



OON" after the death of Moore, a variety of 

 Tumbler called the Almond became in great 

 estimation in London, and supplanted the 

 Pouter and Carrier in the lofts of many 

 breeders. We are enabled to trace its history 

 with some degree of accuracy. There is no doubt that its culti- 

 vation began before Moore wrote, as will be seen from the fol- 

 lowing passage from his book. He says, in writing of Tumblers : 

 "But amongst all, there is Mixture of three Colours, vulgarly 

 call'd an Almond, perhaps from the quantity of Almond 

 colour'd Feathers that are found in the Hackle: Others 

 call it an Ermine, I suppose from the black Spots that are 

 generally in it; however I am sensible the Name is not com- 

 patible to the Term so call'd in Heraldry, which is only 

 white spotted with black; yet as the Gentlemen of the Fancy 

 have assign'd this Name to this mottley Colour, I shan't 

 quarrel with them about a Term: if the three Colours run 

 thro' the Feathers of the Flight and Tail, it is reckon'd a 

 very good Almond, or Ermine, and is much valued. 



