256 Fancy Pigeons. 



is carrying the letter of the law too far. A white orntched bird should 

 doubtless lose a point or two in competition, but not be disqualified 

 altogether, unless the white about it is extensive. A merely white vented 

 bird, which does not show it unless when handled, should only lose to an 

 equally good bird free of white. Many good strains of carriers have 

 these smaU faults, which have not been considered a disqualification 

 hitherto ; but the question is one for breeders to settle among themselves. 



When the beak wattle of a carrier grows unequally, or when its eye 

 wattles become over-hanging, causing it to be beetle-browed, cutting and 

 carving them into shape is sometimes practised. Pigeons made up or 

 " faked " in this way ought, of course, to be disqualified if exhibited, the 

 object of all shows of fancy stock, such as pigeons, poultry, or dogs, 

 being to encourage natural, not artificial excellence. Carriers cut in the 

 eye wattles for spouts are, however, on a different footing. They have 

 undergone a necessary operation, which should not disqualify them in 

 competition. But, as it is an object to breed the true rose eye which will 

 not spout, one cut for that fault ought to be heavily handicapped in com- 

 petition, as being a bird likely to perpetuate spouting eyes in its produce, 

 and, therefore, not of a desirable type. 



Before concluding my notice of this pigeon, it may be interesting to 

 many to record how some of the best specimens lately seen were bred. 

 About twenty years ago, the London birds, though often well developed 

 in head points, were generally wanting in the style and symmetry neces- 

 sary to show off these properties. They were short in feather, crouching 

 in attitude, and devoid of the appearance known as "racy." At the 

 same time, the Plymouth strain of carriers, though not generally so heavy 

 in head properties, were upstanding stylish birds, beaiitifully shaped, and 

 of fine proportions. A well-known Plymouth breeder, Mr. Holman> 

 wishing to part with his stock about the year 1860, they were purchased 

 by two Scotch pouter breeders, Messrs. Ure, of Dundee, and Hnie, of 

 Glasgow, the latter making the journey to Plymouth in the middle of 

 winter to secure them. Those gentlemen then commissioned Mr. Fulton, 

 who at that time lived in Deptford, to obtain for them some stout birds 

 of the London strain. The amalgamation of these two strains produced 

 some of the best carriers ever seen, the character and quality of which 

 were quickly recognised, and I believe their blood remains in all the boat 

 birds of the day. 



