The Norwich Cropper. 299 



English Pouter, even if it wonld measure Tin. A large English Pouter, 

 with thick girt and hog-backed. Style is a grand thing, and the Pouting 

 Horseman is the English Pouter in miniature, retaining all its properties." 

 As I have explained, croppers are nothing like 6iin. in limb ; but Eaton, 

 if he ever measured any, was probably unwilling to write what, at the 

 time, would have been regarded as something very heterodox. How well 

 he goes on to describe what maybe seen at any show of pouters : " How 

 often it happens at a grand show of these remarkable, fine, large, 

 English Pouters, after having been previously prepared for showing, that 

 is separating each cock and hen, and not allowing them to see a Pigeon, 

 show well in their own pens ; but when put into the show pen, a male 

 bird, expecting it will show, it stretches forth its head and neck, 

 apparently taking a sight of all the Fanciers in the room, almost as much 

 as to say to some of them — you owe me something j some may show to a 

 certain extent. It is very disheartening to Gentlemen Fanciers of the 

 Enghsh Pouter when this takes place, after forwarding their birds miles, 

 &c., to give their brother Fanciers a treat, as it was supposed ; it does not 

 always turn out to be so, owing to their not showing, as it is called. 

 Nevertheless, it often proves a treat to see what length of body and 

 shape, length in leg and beautiful in feather. It is otherwise with the 

 light (not heavy) merry spirited Pouting Horseman cock, when put into 

 the show pen, always up and ready for hia work, not long in stripping 

 himself, putting himself in attitude, and suiting the action to the word, 

 display that fine action of showing which is well understood by the Gentle- 

 men of the Fancy ; giving infinite satisfaction with regard to being a merry 

 pigeon, &o. ... I have this week bought two pretty little Pouting Horse- 

 man cocks ; I am informed they come from Norwich. I am given to under- 

 stand they fly tremendously, with very large crops. . . . The Gentlemen 

 Fanciers of the English Pouter may assume that I admire the small Pouting 

 Horseman more than the large English Pouter. The contrary is the fact ; 

 I never have and never shall advise the young and inexperienced Fancier 

 to attempt to breed a second-rate bird, while he has the opportunity to 

 breed a first-rate bird, therefore I shall not advise him to breed the 

 Pouting Horseman, while he has the opportunity to attempt to breed the 

 English Pouter, any more than I shall advise him to breed a Skinnum, 

 Dragon, or Horseman, while he has the opportunity to attempt to breed 

 a Carrier, for degeneracy will do that, in spite of the efforts of the 



