CHAPTER XI. 



Mated Birds Defined 



There are two sources of definitions of the word, 

 "mate." Webster defines it as follows: 



Mate, n. — One who customarily associates with an- 

 other; a companion; an associate; an object which is 

 associated or combined with a similar objedt. Hence, 

 specifically, a husband or wife; and among the lower 

 animals, one of a pair associated for propagation and 

 the care of their young. 



FIG. 29— IN THE TAKD OF A MATING PEN. 



Mate, V. i. — To be or become a mate or mates, es- 

 pecially in sexual companionship; as some birds mate 

 for life ; this bird will not mate with another one. 



The second source of definition was adopted by some 

 dealers who buy birds and sell them at a good profit 

 to gullible patrons. Some of these dealers have writ- 

 ten their complaining customers that, "among pigeons 



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