THE PIGEON BOOK 



CHAPTER ONE. 



THE LOFT AND AVIARY. 



The beginner having decided upon the variety that he 

 intends to breed, must set about constructing his loft 

 accordingly. 



The size of the loft and its situation depend upon 

 the means at command. 



Pigeons will thrive under almost any conditions. Some 

 have ample space in their gardens where a neat wooden 

 loft can be built. But lofts over coach-houses can be 

 utilised for some of the more hardy breeds, and I have 

 known very successful fanciers who have used spare 

 garrets near the roofs of their houses, with an outlet 

 into a wire flight on the roof. In fact, so common is 

 pigeon-flying in Belgium that most of the houses in 

 some districts are so constructed that the upper part can 

 be used for the owners to indulge in their favourite 

 hobby. 



One of the most common forms of keeping pigeons 

 when they are simply looked upon as ornaments, and a 



