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It is usually quite cheap, compared with its feed value, and 

 should be kept on hand at all times. 



BUCKWHEAT. 



Buckwheat is very fattening and should be fed sparingly. 

 The pigeon-breeder need not take any special pains to get it 

 for his birds, but in some localities buckwheat is raised and 

 in these places this grain may be used sparingly. 



CANARY SEED. 



Canary seed is too costly to use as a regular feed, but birds 

 relish a small feed of it once in a while. In some parts of 

 this country canary seed might be grown very easily and it 

 would find a large sale if enough of it were produced to meet 

 the demand which would soon grow up. 



OTHER FOOD REQUISITES. 



Pigeons require, besides the grain they eat, salt, grit and 

 charcoal. These should be kept in the lofts constantly, 

 so that the birds can get at them at any time. 



GRIT. 



The birds require grit, and this should be kept in a 

 box where they can get it when they need it. The best 

 grit is the pigeon grit, sold by poultry-supply houses. This 

 costs very little and is exactly what the birds require. If 

 this is not handy, use very coarse sand or fine gravel, keep- 

 ing it in a box about like a cigar box and renewing it every 

 week. 



SALT. 



Salt is absolutely necessary to the health of pigeons. It 

 should never be given them in the form of table salt, be- 

 cause they will eat too much of it. If rock salt can be 

 secured, it is the best form in which to give salt to the 



