387 PIGEON LITERATURE. 



plates with coats of arms. They are often very much cut 

 down, but I have one fine uncut copy, which measures 8fin. by 

 5fin., illustrated with fifteen plates, those of the Almond and 

 Mottled Tumblers, that differ in some copies, having been added. 



The author, who was an experienced pigeon fancier, says in 

 his preface: "In regard to the model of this treatise, we do 

 not offer it to the public as an entire new work, but have 

 proceeded on the plan of Mr. Moore, have corrected some 

 errors, and made many additions. And, as Mr. Moore's essay 

 is very deficient for want of cuts to convey a just idea of the 

 different species, in order to supply that defect we have pro- 

 cured engravings from the best hands, at a very great expence, 

 in order to illustrate this work, all which are done from the 

 life, and very masterly executed, under the inspection of the 

 author, and other fanciers." 



He refers to " a kind of standard, calculated for the better 

 judging of Almond Tumblers, lately published by some of the 

 admirers of this fancy, elegantly engraved on copper-plate, at 

 the top of which is an Almond Tumbler, very finely executed 

 from life, the outlines being inimitably well performed, and by 

 much the best I ever saw, and at so reasonable a price as six- 

 pence." A copy of this "standard" is given in Eaton's 1858 

 book, at page 186. It is entitled "Ordinances established by 

 the Columbarian Society, at the Globe Tavern, Fleet Street, 

 respecting the perfections and imperfections of Almond or 

 Ermin Tumblers, 1764." Its illustration is the one found in 

 some copies of the Treatise with the words " Simpson, sculpt.," 

 on it. The author also refers to " the standard now published 

 and in use among the Columbarians " for judging Pouters. 

 This is uniform with the " Ordinances " for judging Almond 

 Tumblers. It is a large sheet, headed by the same portrait 

 of a Pouter which the Treatise contains. 



The author says, with reference to his own experience in the 

 fancy, that he had kept pigeons for many years, " having been 

 possessed (I believe I may venture to say without vanity, of 



2 L 2 



