TRAINING FLYING TUMBLEES. 137 



greater the number of quills in ' Oriental Rollers ' the more the 

 specimens are valued. A further singular feature noticeable in 

 the tails of these birds is that occasionally two feathers may be 

 found growing from one quill, separating at its pithy junction 

 as a twin feather, each rather narrower than ordinarily, but of 

 the usual length, and not outgrown, or causing a disordered 

 formation of the tail." 



We learn from Mr. Ludlow that a pair or two of these 

 birds are usually kept and flown with a flock of other pigeons. 

 When let out they fly apart for awhile imtil their companions 

 have attained a good height, when they assume and keep a 

 position directly over them, and begin a most extraordinary 

 series of evolutions, mounting as high as possible, and 

 " rolling " down to the flock beneath, thence re-mounting to 

 repeat the performance. 



Veiy much depends upon the judicious training of Flying 

 Tumblers, and especially as regards Rollers. Many of these 

 latter birds have been purchased, and being turned out at 

 liberty have by degrees entirely lost their performing powers, 

 and caused much unjust suspicion. The probable reason for 

 this result we have already seen ; and it may be well, therefore, 

 to give a few hints as to the training and treatment necessary 

 to rear and keep a flight in good working condition. 



Many young birds, when they first begin to manifest the 

 propensity, cannot tumble completely over, but fall backwards 

 in a very awkward manner from want of confidence. In this 

 case, if the tail be shortened .or the centre feathers plucked, it 

 will cause less resistance, and the young bird will probably be 

 able to get over without difficulty. With practice the habit 

 wUl be confirmed ; and as the taU gradually grows it will not 

 interfere with the tumbling. Many good birds have had to be 

 helped in this way. 



The great point in aU flying and training is to see that the 



