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either do or may hereafter delight in the contemplation of this innocent 

 part of the creation ; that by comparing any bird with the characteristics 

 here given, they may be able to determine not only the species itself, but 

 to form a tolerable judgment whether it be of the better sort or not : and 

 to this end I have not only examined those birds of each sort which I 

 keep myself, but have had recourse to, and consulted most of the oldest 

 and most experienced persons that kept pigeons and delighted in this 

 fancy. 



say sweet, instead of weet ? They do not understand them, whereas, a Bird Fancier 

 Would remain quiet and listen to their song and execution. 



(Eaton.) — Whenever I attend Ornamental, Domestic, Poultry, and Fancy Pigeon 

 Shows, after viewing the Pigeons, my attention is called to Fowls of whatever variety. 

 Not keeping Fowls, I know little or nothing about them, as they ought to be known ; 

 my attention wotdd be directed to those Fowls that had taken 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize 

 of the different varieties. I have obtained the best Works, not that I know anything 

 more about them. As every one has a beginning, I cannot in my conscience help think- 

 ing that of obtaining the best Work, as laid down by the Gentlemen of the Poultry 

 Fancy to guide me is the first step in the right path, to obtain knowledge of the 

 standards of the various Fowls that obtained the greatest ntimber of points, or pro- 

 perties, as laid down ; say five for argument, or seven or nine, it being necessary to 

 have an odd nttmber, otherwise the two best birds might eqtially divide the properties, 

 then the prizle could not be awarded. I said five for argument ; supposing one bird to 

 obtain shape and feather, two beautiful properties ; but the bird shewn against it, ob- 

 tained the other three properties, whatever they may be, the prize must be awarded by 

 the judges to the bird that obtained the three properties, notwithstanding the other 

 bird possessed shape and feather, which, as I observed before, are truly beautiful pro- 

 perties ; if, on the contrary, the prizes are awarded to the general appearance of the 

 bird, it is a clear proof there is not any standard laid down, (it is high time there was) 

 which leaves the Judges and Fanciers in the dark, not knowing what they are aiming 

 at. Surely, it is not the work of a Naturalist to lay down a standard, but the work of 

 Fowl Fanciers. 



(Eaton). — As we are on the Fancy and Shows, we are generally called together by 

 the bUl of fare, viz., " A Grand Show of Ornamental, Domestic, Useful, and Fancy 

 Poultry and Pigeons, &c. &c." Poultry has its fashions like other things, a few years 

 ago Cochins were the fashion, now the Spanish ; the Game Fowl will never be forgot, 

 the Dorkings are always in ttlne with belly Fanciers, of which there are an amazing 

 quantity, who cannot see any beauty in a Pigeon, except it is roast or in a pie, these 

 belly Fancies complain two Pigeons take off the sharp edge of their appetite ; they are 

 great Fanciers of the large Runts that will weigh two and a quarter pound each. Of 

 all the Fowls, as regards fancy Fowls, none ought to rank so high, nor have so high a 

 prize awarded them, as the truly beautiful pretty little Lilleputian consequential aristo- 

 cratic and game Bantams. It is the only single Fowl that there is a society of the first 

 men in the country. It is held at the Gray's Inn Coffee House Tavern, London, to 

 improve their beautiful properties and raise them to a higher standard of perfection. 

 This society has existed for many years, and was presided over by the eminent and 

 spirited Fancier the late Sir John Sebrigh. 



(Eaton.) — I am of opinion I shall dwell rather long on the subject I am about to 

 take in hand. You may omit reading it for the present ; read it at your leisure, and 

 proceed to the Pigeons at once, provided you think fit. 



(Eaton.) — To the disgust of Gentlemen Pigeon Fanciers, unfortunately there are 

 some few men to be found who take upon themselves the onerous duties of awarding 

 prizes to Pigeons, which they know they are incompetent to do, not knowing the pro- 

 perties of the different varieties of Pigeons — in fact, to speak plain, comparatively 

 know no more about Pigeons than Pigeons know about them. My knowledge" of 

 Gentlemen Pigeon Fanciers, with their knowledge of Fowls, I feel convinced they are 



