CHAP. li.J MODES OF PIGEON-KEEPING. 37 



pairing and rearing of the inmates, according to de- 

 terminate rules. This last mode, which may be made 

 equally profitable as regards the increase of stock, is the 

 only one which can prove satisfactory to the fancier, or 

 to the experimental naturalist. The first system is 

 slovenly and semi-barbarous, belonging rather to feudal 

 times, and a primitive state of agriculture, than to 

 the present day. The second plan may do to furnish 

 an ornamental addition to the outbuildings of a resi- 

 dence, or to accommodate a few children's pets, but is 

 otherwise unsatisfactory; and therefore it is, that of 

 this third mode of Pigeon-keeping we shall first and 

 principally give an account. 



The apartment in one's house or its append ages which 

 can be most conveniently appropriated as a Pigeon- 

 loft, is seldom open to much choice. Where a selection 

 can be made, a sheltered and sunny aspect is most 

 desirable ; a lofty situation is especially eligible for 

 town -resident amateurs. An adequate amount of win- 

 dow-light is wanted more for the pleasure of the owner 

 than for the requirements of the birds, which appear 

 naturally to prefer obscure retreats for their home and 

 breeding-place. Pigeons can see to feed late after sun- 

 set, when it is quite dusk, and when other domestic 

 birds would give it up. The power of sight which they 

 have to distinguish distant objects, seems extensible 

 also to those that are but faintly illuminated. Their 

 eye is convertible from a telescope to a night-glass. 



The main external feature of the Pigeon-loft is the 

 trap ; and none can be better than a projecting box ; an 

 old tea-chest has often served the purpose efficiently, 

 with the sides, top, and bottom either quite closed and 

 boarded in, or made of lattice-work, the back opening 



