312 NATURAL HISTORY. 



again, continued advancing at the same height as before ; 

 this inflection was continued by those behind, who, on ar- 

 riving at this point, dived down almost perpendicularly to a 

 great depth, and rising, followed the exact path of those that 

 went before." 



DOMESTIC PIGEONS. 



The above group comprises the most conspicuous varieties 

 of the Domestic Pigeon. All these birds, except the Carrier, 

 the Pouter, and the Tumbler, are very similar in their habits, 

 and need no description. 



The TUMBLER is a very little pigeon, and derives its name 

 from its singular habit of falling backwards when on the wing. 

 Pigeon fanciers assert that a flight of twelve Tumblers may be 

 covered with a handkerchief. 



The POUTER is a large pigeon. It stands particularly erect, 

 and seems exceedingly vain of the swollen crop which gives it 

 the name of Pouter. The bird is enabled to inflate its crop 

 with air, until the head is almost hidden behind it. This 

 inflation sometimes causes the bird to lose its balance, and 



