The Feather's Practical Pigeon Book 



placed here and sheltered from wet, and in this way the 

 loft left for breeding and shelter alone. In this connec- 

 tion I might call the attention to the water supply, 

 which should always be pure and fresh. The addition 

 occasionally of a small piece of quicklime, also, at 

 times a little of the Douglas mixture so highly recom- 

 mended for poultry, is very beneficial. 



The Douglas mixture is made after the following 

 recipe: One-half ounce sulphuric acid, five-eighths 

 pound green vitriol or copperas dissolved in two quarts 

 of hot, soft water ; when cold add two quarts cold water, 

 making a gallon. A tablespoonful to a pint of water is 

 about the right proportion to use. Some poultry writers 

 have decried this mixture and pronounced it of no ac- 

 count, but experience has taught me that its occasional 

 use is beneficial, and that, in the spring particularly, it 

 has proved an excellent tonic. It imparts a slight chaly- 

 beate taste to the water, and all know that iron is fre- 

 quently of great benefit to an impared system. In addi- 

 tion to what has been said regarding the grain fed to 

 pigeons, I would add that whatever you buy, have it 

 good, sweet, and well cured. Poor grain is dear at any 

 price, and for high-class pigeons is dangerous material 

 to use. The screenings of good, sound grain are not 

 objectionable as a change, but grain that is weevil- 

 eaten or musty is not economical, and in many cases 

 acts like poison. Beware of it. 



so 



