232 BIRDS 



produce; and those who keep pigeons because they like 

 them, and so give them the care and attention they should 

 have, without too close an eye on the account book. It is 

 to the last group only that we shall devote space here. 



Although fancy pigeon breeding is now a well-developed 

 art in this country, the tyro who ventures into higher circles 

 will soon find himself confused by the intricate mysteries of 

 breeding and selection, not too well understood by the elite 

 themselves. Because of their remarkable variations and 

 rapidity of reproduction, pigeons offer an excellent field for 

 the study of these questions, and the thoughtful person, 

 whatever his motive, will find much to repay his efforts. 



Pigeons are hardy creatures, and all but the most deli- 

 cate breeds can endure much privation. The flocks which 

 live untrammeled in our cities, spending their days in the 

 streets and their nights among the cornices of buildings, are 

 a familiar example. In spite of this fact, however, pigeons 

 of all sorts are better for suitable housing, and with the 

 finer breeds real protection is a matter of necessity. 



In building or arranging a pigeon loft, much depends on 

 the nature of the birds to be kept. Flying birds, such as 

 Tipplers, Rollers and Homers, naturally do not require the 

 loft space necessary for those which are always kept in 

 confinement. In all events, the loft must be light, dry 

 and tight enough to preclude danger of draughts. Artificial 

 warmth is unnecessary except in very unusual cases. It is of 

 the greatest importance that the loft be made, as nearly as 

 possible, rat and mouse proof. The former, especially, are 

 a menace, and their inroads are certain to be serious, if they 

 gain access. Individual perches, of the A or other similar 

 type, should be placed about the walls, thus preventing much 

 quarreling, causing the accumulation of droppings at cer- 

 tain points and avoiding the obstruction of the central 

 space. As the feet of pigeons are adapted for sitting on 



