274 BIRDS 



size. All are essentially utility birds, but they are now being 

 adapted to show-room standards. 



The Runt, contrary to the suggestion of its name, is the 

 largest of pigeon breeds, good specimens often weighing 

 two and one-half pounds. The bird is of the common pigeon 

 type, but is so enormously enlarged that its body, head and 

 beak appear comparatively stout. Runts have been much 

 used by squab breeders, but the present tendency seems to 

 be toward Runt crosses or the smaller breeds. Runts are 

 found in all solid colors. 



The Hen Pigeon, while considerably less than the Runt 

 in size, is a large bird. It is curiously shaped, the body 

 being short and the narrow tail pointing upward. The 

 neck is long and parallels the tail, giving a curious effect. 

 The old-type birds are now becoming more refined and 

 slender. Hen Pigeons occur in all the solid colors. 



The Carneau, while large in size, is still very active. It 

 is rather reachy in neck and limbs, but retains good body 

 size. This breed has been much favored by commercial 

 squab producers because of its unusual ability as a pro- 

 ducer of large numbers of heavy squabs. Carneaux are 

 bred chiefly in solid red and yellow, also mottles and rose- 

 wings. 



