14 THE PRACTICAL PIGEON KEEPER. 



add that either the whole should be well painted, and afterwards 

 periodically scrubbed with carbolic soap, or thoroughly white- 

 washed inside with hot lime about twice a year. We may, 

 however, repeat in stated terms an opinion we have virtually 

 expressed already, to the effect that, were unlimited space at 

 our disposal, we should prefer to add to the number of six-feet 

 divisions than to increase the size. A number of moderate- 

 sized compartments are superior to one or two large ones in 

 every respect, as well as infinitely more convenient. 



CHAPTER II. 



FOOD AND FEEDING. 



PIGEONS have one great advantage over other pets, that they 

 give less trouble than almost any, with the exception of a few 

 of the most highly artificial varieties. They need no particular 

 delicacy in handling, as small birds do ; and as the old ones 

 can, and do in most varieties, take the entire care and respon- 

 sibility of the young ones till these are old enough to feed 

 themselves, they do not demand the constant care and attention 

 necessary with rabbits or chickens. It is only needful to 

 understand their nature and habits, and the reasons which make 

 certain simple matters necessary, to have very little trouble 

 with them. 



We will begin with the food ; and as we have to start by 

 advising different diet for summer and winter, it is well to 

 explain why this is so. In winter the birds are not breeding, 

 and the principal dangers to be guarded against are colds and 

 diarrhoea. It will be readily understood, then, that at such a 

 time of year solid, rather heating, and slightly constipating 

 diet may act as a safeguard; and that, moreover, the food of 



