THE PIGEON BOOK 83 



indulged in for the purpose of removal of foul feathers. 

 How much or how little is a moot question, but unless I 

 could show natural pigeons I would not show at all. 

 The beginner is playing a dangerous game who indulges 

 in the faking habit even in its mildest form. 



After a bird's return from a show it should not be 

 thrown into the loft without examination. It is as well 

 to examine the eyes and nostrils to see if a cold has been 

 contracted. 



It is advisable to give them a tonic consisting of a cap- 

 sule of cod-liver oil and quinine, and for a day or two 

 feed on a mixture of light digestible grains. In fact, 

 during the show season I find a little mixed seed acts as a 

 wonderful restorative and keeps the bloom right. 



Here let me warn the beginner against the habit of 

 over-showing. Nothing tells on a bird's constitution more, 

 and many a good typical specimen is spoiled as a breeder 

 through being sent to show after show. The smaller the 

 loft the greater care must a fancier take of his best 

 specimens. About half a dozen times in a season is the 

 most a bird should be sent out. It is not only the heat 

 of the show-room but the journeys to and fro that tell 

 their tale. 



It must be borne in mind that the different varieties 

 require somewhat different preparation for showing. As 

 the beginner gains experience he will be the better able to 

 condition his birds. Some men will never make fanciers. 

 They have not the necessary patience. Others gain success 

 without difficulty, for instinctively they master those little 

 details which all help to make success. The beginner 

 should not expect too much in too short a space of time. 

 The man who gains his success by the slowest process 

 finds it of a more lasting and permanent description. 



