8o THE PIGEON BOOK 



at the condition in which many birds have been penned, 

 condition being totally disregarded. In my opinion the 

 least semblance of disease, no matter what the variety, 

 should be a disqualification. At dog shows a veterinary 

 passes dogs before entry, and I hold that pigeons suffering 

 from diseases should be inspected in the same manner. 

 Frequently birds are penned side by side, one water-pot 

 serving for two birds. Roup and kindred diseases can be 

 spread wholesale in this manner. The judges are in a 

 measure to blame, for I have seen birds suffering from 

 catarrh and other diseases taking prizes over sound pigeons. 



In the chapter on diseases I point out the distinguishing 

 characteristics between health and disease. 



The eye is a very important indication of health — a 

 watery eye and a wet snout often indicate incipient roup. 



The lustre of the plumage, colour of the sheen, clean- 

 ness of the wattles, cleanliness of the legs and feet are 

 all points that count, and even though a bird may be good 

 in general points, condition in the eyes of most judges adds 

 beauty to the beautiful. 



In a smoky town a fancier cannot keep his birds as 

 clean as those living in the country. Under such conditions 

 it is better to keep a variety suitable to the surroundings. 



White pigeons are quickly sooted in an exposed position 

 in towns. It is, therefore, best to keep the darker 

 varieties. 



The plumage of birds keeps better in some districts than 

 others, likewise the wattles and ceres. 



Birds are never fit for showing when feeding young. In 

 fact, during any part of the breeding season, no matter 

 what the variety, they are best at home, except where a 

 fancier has a good stud and can keep a number separate for 

 showing at any period. 



Frequently the wattles become dirty. These can easily 



