DOMESTIC PIGEONS 247 



are made periodically, but concessions to the laws of beauty 

 must come before advance toward the old status can begin. 

 Most fancy pigeons bear little practical value ; their only 

 excuse for being must be an appeal to the aesthetic sense. In 

 such an aspect their cultivation is desirable and beneficial. 

 As soon as ugly abnormalities become uppermost in the 

 standards of a breed, so that only the expert can see its 

 points, its doom is sealed. This fact is evident in every 

 group of domestic animals, and should not be lost sight of 

 by those who cherish them. 



The Homers 



Of all our modern breeds, the Flying Homer is probably 

 the closest to the Rock Dove. In appearance the chief 

 modification is in the head, which generally presents a 

 straight, well-filled line from crown to tip of beak, with 

 fairly large wattle. There is generally more increase in 

 the size of the eye-cere. In the true flying bird, however, 

 which is bred for strength and speed, appearance is of little 

 importance. It is strong and light-feathered, with thick, 

 rounded shoulders and tapering body. In attitude it is 

 always bright and alert, giving the impression of a race- 

 horse awaiting the word to start. 



Flying Homers are bred chiefly in blue, black and red 

 chequers, and all of these colors pied with white. Self 

 blacks and whites are sometimes seen, but color is given 

 little attention among these birds. 



Pigeons have been used as messengers, from remote an- 

 tiquity. The present homing race was perfected in Belgium, 

 by just what crosses is something of a mystery. It is sup- 

 posed, however, that the Owl and the Cumulet, and probably 

 others were concerned. The formation of the head and the 

 frequent appearance of a frill suggest the former, and the 

 high-flying tendency the latter. Speed, endurance and the 



