26 THE PRACTICAL PIGEON KEEPER. 



between the two sexes. We may also remark in this place 

 that on rare occasions a cock has been known to pair with two 

 and even three hens, taking his turn in sitting with them all. 



When pigeons are left unrestrained it is a pretty sight to 

 see them courting ; and no one can better the description long 

 ago written by Mr. E. S. Dixon. " They begin/' he says, " to 

 go together in pairs, except when associated with the flock at 

 feeding times ; and when they are resting on the roofs or bask- 

 ing in the sun, they retire apart to short distances for the 

 purposes of courtship, and pay each other little kind attentions, 

 such as nestling close, and mutually tickling the heads one of 

 another. At last comes what is called ' billing,' which is in fact 

 a kiss, a hearty and intense kiss : as soon as this takes place the 

 marriage is complete, and is forthwith consummated. The pair 

 are now united, not necessarily for life, though usually so, but 

 rather durante bene placito, so long as they continue to be satis- 

 fied with each other. If they are Tumblers, they mount aloft 

 and try which can tumble best ; if they are Pouters, they emu- 

 late one the other's puffings, tail-sweepings, circlets in the air, 

 and wing-clappings; while the Fantails and Runts, and all 

 those kinds which the French call pigeons mondains, walk the 

 ground with conscious importance and grace. But this is their 

 honeymoon the time for the frolics of giddy young people. 

 The male is the first to become serious. He foresees that ' the 

 Campbells are coming ' better than his bride, and therefore takes 

 possession of some locker or box that seems an eligible tene- 

 ment. If it is quite empty and bare, he carries to it a few 

 straws or light sticks ; but if the apartment has been already 

 furnished for him, he does not at present take much further 

 trouble in that line. Here he settles himself, and begins com- 

 plaining. His appeal is sometimes answered by the lady 

 affording him her presence, sometimes not ; in which case he 

 does not pine in solitude very long, but goes and searches out 

 his careless helpmate, and with close pursuit and a few sharp 



