CHAPTER VI 



The Pleasure of Pigeon Keeping . 



According to our population, the proportion that ap- 

 pears to love and enjoy the keeping and breeding of 

 fancy pigeons is small. This is perhaps owing to the 

 fact that we are such a practical people and want to see 

 money returns in all our investments. And every one 

 who indulges in this lujfury knows that the cash returns 

 for the money invested and the time and care devoted 

 to such an amusement do not cover the expense. 



If every pigeon raised were worth its weight in gold, 

 the breeders would be like the leaves of the forest. 

 With their attractiveness and beauty, it would seem as 

 if every country home at least should have its place for 

 pigeons ; and no doubt if the pleasure derived from 

 watching and caring for them were understood, it would 

 be a recreation more generally indulged in. Blit the 

 ignorance displayed among country towns and villages 

 concerning the habits, beauties, and lovable qualities of 

 these choicest of pets is astonishing and lamentable. 

 Nowhere is it more frequently made apparent than at 

 our fall shows. The judge, in performance of his du- 

 ties, is called upon to answer the most absurd questions 

 and listen to most amusing comments, such as "What 

 makes that bird blow his breast out like that ? I should 

 not think he could see to eat. Does it make him fly any 

 better?" and "Oh, John! just come here and see this 

 pigeon — how mad he is ; he raises the feathers upon his 

 neck just like a cat!" and "Do those birds with the big 

 tails have to carry them that way all the time ? I should 



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