THE PIGEON BOOK 51 



high and low temperatures, and the effect on pigeons fed 

 on it has been, most marked. 



Therefore, to ensure the food retaining its good 

 qualities it should always be stored in the driest possible 

 part of the house. 



On the appearance of any disease in the loft at once 

 look to the food and water, and see if the cause is 

 traceable to this source. 



Many fanciers use covered fountains to store the water. 

 These will keep it cool, but bear in mind that closed foun- 

 tains, unless gritty matter is used to clean and thoroughly 

 scour them out, are apt to accummulate slime, and, there- 

 fore, it is absolutely essential that they should be 

 thoroughly cleaned. For this reason, I like fountains 

 in two parts, in order that you can thoroughly clean the 

 part holding the water regularly. 



Either water or food fouled by excretions is the worst 

 thing you can possibly give to pigeons. 



Fanciers in the habit of throwing small seed on the 

 floor of the loft promiscuously to their pigeons should 

 bear this in mind. The seeds fall on the top of recent 

 deposits of excretions, and eaten by the birds do serious 

 injury. 



Invariably clean the floor on the part of the loft you 

 use as a feeding-ground before distributing rice and small 

 seed. 



Dampness in the loft is also fatal to success, and will 

 cause wing disease, rheumatism, catarrh, and various 

 diseases of the respiratory organs in addition to feather 

 rot. 



A dry, well-ventilated loft is essential to success. 



Another important matter is the necessity for proper air 

 space for the number of birds kept. 



Sunlight and air must permeate the loft, but even this 



