148 THE POULTRY-BOOK. 



cated pigeon, it is difficult to give any useful instructions. 

 They have been cultivated to a great extent, and many distinct 

 varieties have been formed ; but the differences rest chiefly in 

 colors, and the special value of each lies in the taste of the 

 fancier. The leading varieties of fancy pigeons are known by 

 the names of the English Pouter, the Dutch Cropper, the 

 Horseman, the Unloper, the Dragoon, the Tumbler, the Leg- 

 horn and Spanish Runt, the Trumpeter, the Nun, the Fan-tail, 

 and the Capuchin. The peculiarities of some of these breeds 

 are very odd. The Tumbler, for instance, derives its name 

 from a practice of tumbling in the air while on the wing. 

 Instead of pursuing a steady, straightforward flight, it turns 

 over, or casts somersets backward, whirling round, heels over 

 head, as expertly as a first-rate rope-dancer does when he 

 makes the back spring. The Fan-tail derives its name from 

 the circumstance of its having a remarkably broad tail, which 

 it has the power of spreading out, like the tail of a turkey cock. 

 The prime quality of the bird consists in its ability to make its 

 tail touch its head, and surround it with a wide glory of 

 feathers. If it cannot do this, it is valueless to the fancier, no 

 matter how excellent are its other properties. Amusing as 

 this absurdity is, it is not so laughable as the qualities which 

 recommend the English Pouter to public favor. This bird, 

 which is a cross between a Horseman and Cropper, possesses 

 the remarkable property of blowing out its breast or crop to 

 such an extent that it rises to a level with its beak, and the 

 bird appears to look over the top of an inflated bladder." 



CARRIER PIGEONS. 



" Pigeons have been put to the remarkable purpose of acting 

 as carriers for letters, or other light objects. A particular spe- 

 cies, larger than common, is trained for the purpose, and in 



