^0. — But not to detain yon any longer with the introduction, I shall in 

 the first place give an account in what manner to build your loft. 



THE METHOD OE BUILDING A LOFT. 



21. — A pigeon loft ought to be built to the south or south-west, the 

 sun lying warmest on them from those quarters ; but if you have not that 

 convenience, you may make a hole in the roof of your house, and there 

 lay your platform, smaller or larger as you think proper. A carpenter 

 that is used to such work will put you in a method, always remembering 

 to erect proper works to keep off those tormentors of the gentlemen of the 

 Fancy — the cats, for in one night's time they will make a very great 

 havock, and are generally observed to destroy those pigeons which you 

 most value ; so that 'tis better to be at some charge first, to prevent the 

 incursions of such dangerous and fatal invaders, who seldom or never give 

 any quarters.* 



22. — Let your loft be large enough to contain the number of pigeons 

 you intend to keep, always allowing at least two holes or breeding places 



opportunity to examine the bird they were describing), they have generally taken up at 

 random, and upon credit. He says, " I thought it in some measure incumbent upon 

 me to attempt a Natural History of this kind, and to this end I have not only 

 examined those birds of each sort which T keep myself, but have had recourse to, and 

 consulted most of the oldest and experienced persons that kept Pigeons, and dehghted 

 in this Fancy." He certainly adopted the most wise course he could pursue, to carry out 

 his object. The idea of disqualifying a pen of birds " altogether," simply because they 

 do not exactly match in Feather, although they can take six, seven, or eight properties 

 out of the ten, proves such a void of judgment on the part of judge or judges, that if 

 the Fancier or Fanciers were near a farm-house, where hay or straw bands could be 

 obtained, I think the ill-used and disgusted Fanciers would almost be justified in drag- 

 ing the judge through a horse-pond, which he knew he richly deserved for doing that 

 which he was incompetent to do, besides teaching him a lesson for the future. I shall 

 conclude these remarks, by a truly beautiful observation, taken out of a letter to me 

 by William Tonge, Esq. 



(ToNGE.) — ^With regard to the general appearance of a bird, it is really wonderful to 

 see how some (who call themselves Fanciers) are carried quite away, overlooking every 

 consideration^ save that of Feather, which it must be admitted is truly a fine finish. 

 But as everything must have a begining it must be infinitely better to attach the 

 greatest importance to that which constitutes the FOUNDATION, leaving all artistic em- 

 bellishments to a future season. Comparisons are sometimes odious and perhaps this 

 may be considered an instance, many a good bird is passed over without comment 

 simply because he is clothed in a bad skin, although, did he but possess his brothers 

 coat and " vice- versa," how great would be the change. 



21, (Eaton.) — At various times, as my judgment and observations have improved, 

 I have brought out three different diagrams of building or fitting up a Pigeonary in 

 an Aviary, Poom, Place, &c. &c. 



* 21. (Mayor, p. 2.) — Notwithstanding the cats are natural enemies to Pigeons, it 

 is a common thing to see one in most Pigeon lofts, which are put in there when young, 

 and by proper methods being used with them, such as sometimes beating them with a 

 dead Pigeon, and holding an egg, made hot, to their nose, which intimidates them 

 from touching the eggs, &c., they naturally become afraid of them, and will never hurt 

 either the eggs or Pigeons, provided they are constantly supplied with food ; they are 

 extremely necessary in a loft, by keeping it clear of rats and mice, which are full as 

 destructive to the Pigeons as the cats, by sucking their eggs, killing the young ones, 

 and even the old ones, &c. 



