The Feather's Practical Pigeon Book 



birds when commencing to fly sometimes fail in their 

 attempts at making a complete somersault ; such birds 

 can be assisted sometimes by the removal of one or two 

 of the central tail-feathers, or by cutting off a portion 

 of the tail. If even after such treatment it is found that 

 they can not get over, they should be discarded if the 

 object is to establish a flock composed entirely of good 

 performers. It is necessary that they have exercise at 

 least once each day when weather permits, otherwise 

 they become fat and disinclined to both soar high and 

 tumble. Where kept in constant practice they show well 

 at any time when let out, and as to display their abilities 

 to visiting fanciers is one of the pleasures of their keep- 

 er, by keeping them always in good trim they are in con- 

 dition to satisfy their owner's pride at all times. Among 

 all the pretty varieties for this purpose none surpasses an 

 assorted lot of Bald Heads. They are not only pretty 

 to look at in the loft, but are handsome and attractive 

 while on the wing. It is no easy matter to collect such 

 a flock, but time will accomplish it, and when gathered 

 together with the qualities already described they are a 

 "joy forever." 



Many are satisfied with a promiscuous lot, caring 

 nothing about color so they fly well and tumble ; such 

 a flock it is less difficult to establish, and while pot as at- 

 tractive as a selected lot of Balds, still affords an im- 

 mense amount of satisfaction and amusemnt. Our Eng- 

 lish brethren have flocks of high flyers that they place in 

 competition with one another, the same as do Antwerp 

 flyers, the birds flying the longest winning the prizes. 

 Little, if anything, has been done in this way in Amer- 

 ica, and herein lies a source of amusement for our fan- 

 ciers that will give fully as much satisfaction and be less 

 expensive than Homing Pigeon races. The English pa- 



