THE 



PeAOTICAI. PlGEOIf KEEPER. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE PI GEON-LOFT. 



It may appear strange, but is nevertheless true, that the 

 pigeon is a much more domestic bird than- the fowl. Tn other 

 words, although a bird of flight, it spends much more time in 

 the spot which it regards as its home ; and success in pigeon- 

 keeping will therefore depend very much on that home being 

 properly proportioned to the number kept, and fitted up in a 

 judicious mamiei". 



•As with nearly all pets kept in this climate, it is better, if 

 possible, that the loft should have a somewhat southerly aspect; 

 but if that cannot well be managed there is no need to be 

 anxious over it, provided it is a good open situation. Proper 

 space is of far more importance. Old Moore himself, the first 

 writer on pigeons, is very strong upon this point, and relates 

 that he knew a gentleman who could not raise three young 

 ones all the spring from nine pairs of breeding birds ; whereas, 

 eve n in the autumn, when moved into a larger place they bred 

 freely. Every experienced fancier can corroborate this ; and it 

 is of such importance that, if only a very small space can be 

 secured, we would strongly advise that only one good pair of 

 bii'ds be kept. From that one pair, well looked after, more 

 D 



