PEEFAOE. 



The following work on the subject of Fancy Pigeons was commenced in 

 November, 1878, in aerial form, in the pages of The Bazaar, Exchange 

 and Mart. During the progress of its publication I have been brought 

 into communication with many well-known fanciers in Europe and 

 America, whereby I have added, as I am always endeavouring to do, 

 to the knowledge I previously possessed on the subject. I have described, 

 according to my promise in the Introduction, many varieties of pigeons 

 hitherto unknown in this country ; while others, which were only known 

 to the present generation from the record of their names in our old 

 pigeon books, have been recognised in varieties existing abroad. Enough, 

 however, has been written to show how old and how widely spread the 

 pigeon fancy is, and though it may ebb and flow, like all kindred 

 pastimes, it is undoubtedly gaining ground and extending throughout 

 the world. As John Moore, author of the " Columbarium," and father 

 of the fancy in England says in the preface of that work : ' ' Thus 

 we see how the Knowledge of these Birds has been propagated and 

 encourag'd in most Parts of the World at a very great Eipenoe ; " and 

 I may conclude in his words, " not being insensible that I shall leave 

 much Eoom for others to make great Improvements, if any shall here- 

 after think it worth their while to foUow that Track which I have only 

 pointed out to them." 



JAMES C. LYELL. 



Monifieth House, Forfarshire, 

 Jomuart/, 1881. 



