THE PIGEON BOOK 35 



Where it is so necessary to retain physique, as in the 

 racer, as I have pointed out the practice of in-breeding 

 must be guardedly resorted to. 



La Perre Deroo, one of the greatest French authors on 

 pigeons, states that consanguineous alliances are not harm- 

 ful ; in fact, that they assist the progress of the race. 

 Gigot, of Belgium, holds the same opinion. On the other 

 hand, Rodenbach, Wittouck, Gits, and many other suc- 

 cessful fanciers are opposed to the practice. 



In my opinion, a fancier must use his own discretion as 

 to the method he adopts. Directly the least semblance of 

 deterioration is to be seen from the practice of in-breeding, 

 whether in the exhibition bird or the sporting variety, 

 crossing must be resorted to to counteract the effect of 

 this. 



It must be borne in mind that in the case of an epi- 

 demic in a loft, if all the birds are of the same blood 

 they will be more prone to the attack. 



I am sure from practical experience that continual 

 in-breeding enfeebles the blood of the progeny. In the 

 case of the sporting pigeon, when the bird is valued ac- 

 cording to the work performed the training pannier will 

 rid the loft of such encumbrances. 



From full brother and sister mated together I have 

 produced game and good workers, but I seldom carry the 

 in-breeding beyond this. Still, I must confess closely 

 in-bred birds have thrown me some of the gamest and best 

 racers I have owned. 



On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that the 

 present fine specimens of the many breeds are the result 

 in nearly all cases of direct crosses made by the skilled 

 fancier who is continually seeking to improve, and it is 

 doubtful if such improvement is possible without the aid 

 of an occasional cross. 



