THE PIGEONf BOOK 143 



headed Swallows as well as those with hoods, but the 

 shell or hood adds a charm to the bird. 



The Scand&roon. 



The Scandaroon, I think, must be described as a very 

 ugly pigeon, but at the same time there is something pecu- 

 liarly attractive about its ugliness. The head of a Scan- 

 daroon is long, arched, and downfaced. It is a large- 

 sized pigeon, somewhat after the carriage and size of a 

 Carrier, and I must confess many Scandaroons that I have 

 seen have reminded me, except for the abundance of 

 wattle, somewhat of the strains of gay pied racing Homers 

 met with. Birds showing quite the markings and colour 

 of a Scandaroon are often to be seen in the homing pigeon 

 fancy. The Scandaroon has the credit of having been 

 used in making "the heads of show Homers, Antwerps, and 

 other varieties; but I am doubtful whether there is as 

 much truth in this as is contended, for the reason that the 

 colour of the cere and peculiar markings of the Scandaroon 

 would be difficult to breed out. The head is the chief 

 peculiarity of the breed, and should measure two inches 

 at least from the centre of the eye to the tip of the beak. 

 This variety has never been taken up with any zest by 

 fanciers, no doubt due to its ugliness. The Reds, Yellows, 

 Blacks, Blues, and Silvers, or parti-coloured birds are the 

 greatest favourites. 



The Scandaroon is believed to be of Persian origin. 

 They are strong, hardy birds, and will breed well in con- 

 finement or if allowed plenty of freedom, and owing to 

 their parti-colour markings a kit on the wing looks well. 



The Swiss PigeoA. 



The Swiss pigeon is one of peculiar markings and type. 

 The head carries the characteristics of the ordinary 



