BOXES FOR TRANSIT OF PIGEONS. 



61 



of the large end of each division of the box two or three 

 holes are bored to admit air, which passes out through the 

 perforated lids and scolloped outer edges. In the box here 

 figured the inlet holes were made in the bottom ; but this 

 plan is objectionable for two reasons — (1) It necessitates 



Pi-. IS. 



straw at the bottom, anything else shaking through the holes ; 

 and (2)' whenever the box is set down, unless raised from the 

 floor by knobs or feet as shown La the figure, all inlet of air is 

 stopped altogether, except through the top, and consequently 

 the birds are often taken out reeking with perspiration. The 

 use of feet to some extent avoids this, but not altogether, and 

 weakens a thin box considerably ; while by making the holes 

 near the bottom, but in the sides, all difficulty is avoided. The, 



