BREEDING ARRANGEMENTS. 



11 



is sitting upon her next batch of eggs. On the olher hand, as 

 such nests can only be made upon the ground, the plan limits 

 the accommodation very much; they are difficult to clean 

 thoroughly out, and are thus apt to become infested with 

 vermin ; and most pigeons prefer a higher situation. A shelf 

 is also much more convenient for inspecting what goes on, or 

 for feeding a young pigeon ; and, on the whole, after trying 

 both plans, we prefer that of old Moore for general use, 

 movable fences or partitions being easily placed against any 



Fig. 5. 



nesting-place to prevent the young ones teasing the hen or 

 getting into danger. The nest just figured, where room can be 

 given, is useful for Short-faced Tumblers and such weakly 

 birds ; but these can also be accommodated on the floor range 

 of the plan figured at page 8. 



We have not yet done, however, with the fixtures of our loft. 

 Nothing more seems to have been usual in Moore's time ; but 

 in one respect later experience has improved upon him. If 

 nothing more is provided, the pigeons will have to rest at night 

 in their nesting places, and these will receive a very unnecessary 

 amount of excrement, which is objectionable in every wayi 

 We therefore provide roosting perches at the sides of the loft, 



