I 



DOMESTIC PIGEONS 259 



Well-bred Jacobins have the sight obstructed by the hood, 

 so during the breeding season it is customary to trim the 

 feathers around the eyes, and also the longer ones about the 

 vent. 



The Pouters 



The Pouters are a very distinct group, apparently with- 

 out close relations, in which the inflation of the crop with 

 air, which is common in all pigeons, has been carried to an 

 extreme. There are several breeds, in all of which the crop 

 development is of paramount importance. 



The Pouter proper is a large bird, with slender, upright 

 body and long, slim legs. The latter are covered with 

 feathers which lie closely until the feet are reached, where 

 they spread out over the toes. The crop or " globe " should 

 be as round as possible when expanded, and stand well out 

 from the body. Narrowness of body girth, length and 

 straightriess of limbs and circular globe are the points most 

 sought. Pouters occur in most colors, with a crescent on 

 the crop, flights, underparts from a line just above the thighs, 

 and primaries white. A few small white feathers, known 

 as pinion marks, appear on the wing butts. Reds and yel- 

 lows commonly have the tail white as well. The Pouter 

 once was one of the most popular of pigeons, but has 

 waned exceedingly of late years. Just now it is enjoying a 

 wave of prosperity in this country, but how long this will 

 endure is a matter of doubt. 



The Pygmy Pouter is a perfect miniature of its larger 

 relative, and should resemble it in every particular except 

 size, which should be as small as possible. The Pygmy is a 

 particularly vivacious and friendly little fellow, and its 

 great popularity is readily understood. 



The Norwich Cropper is intermediate in size between 

 the two preceding and is clean-legged instead of booted. 



