CHAPTER LXI. 



THE F ANT AIL PIGEON. 



Writers on pigeons, both British and foreign, agree that Hindostan 

 was the birthplace of the fantail pigeon. It is certainly there where it 

 is found in the greatest numbers. That such a curious and beautiful 

 domestic bird would be early taken by traders from where it originated 

 into distant lands, there can be no doubt ; but it is impossible to fix 

 any time for its arrival in Europe. The Romans, in all probability, would 

 have it from India, if it existed there 2000 years ago. I often think that 

 there must be old manuscripts existing that would be of great interest 

 to pigeon fanciers, and some day or other old lore on the subject of 

 our domestic pigeons may come to Ught when least expected. In 

 Calcutta the fantail is the commonest variety found for sale, and I 

 think I am well within the mark in saying that from 200 to 300 

 pairs of them annually leave that city, in vessels bound to the different 

 ports connected with it by trade. PantaUs have existed for at least 

 two centuries in England, as we find from Willughby, who refers to them 

 as "Broad tail'd Shakers — called Shakers because they do almost con- 

 stantly shake or wag their heads and necks up and down. Broad tailed, 

 from the great number of feathers they have in their tails ; they say 

 not fewer than twenty-six. When they walk up and down, they do for 

 the most part hold their tails erect, like a hen or Turkey Cock. These 

 also vary much in Colour." It is also necessary, for the better under- 

 standing of what I shall have to say, to quote Moore's description, 

 who also terms the bird the broad tailed shaker. " This Pigeon has a 

 beautiful long thin Neck, which bends like the Neck of a Swan, leaning 

 towards the Back ; it has a frequent tremulous Motion, or shaking in 

 the Neck, especially when salacious, which is the Keason they are called 

 Shakers. It has a fuU Breast, a very short Back, and a Tail consisting 



