THE PIGEOK STAXDARD. 11 



THE MAGPIE. 



Size— .Small, from actual measurements, good average spec- 

 imens iii good condition, weight for cocks from 9^ to 

 lOi ounces, hens from 8i to 9i ounces ; and when 

 standiug in a natural position measure from sole of 

 foot to top of head from 8, to 9J inches in height, the 

 length from tip of beak to end of tail, without 

 stretching, from 12J to 14 inches. 



Shape — Apparently long, slender and snake-like, chest full 

 and round, but not broad, the body round, thin and 

 gracefully tapering from front to vent, with no ap- 

 proach to Owl or Tumbler form, shoulders well 

 defined, but not carried prominently as in the Dra- 

 goon, legs set well back to show breast. 



Carriage — Is a very important characteristic of the Magpie, 

 but if the shape be good and true, the proper carriage 

 is almost sure to follow ; it should be smart, spright- 

 ly. The body well poised on the graceful and slender 

 limbs, the neck and body forming a continuous easy 

 curve, but the neck must not incline backwards, 

 head and beak carried horizontally, flights and tail 

 neatly folded. 



Head — Must be long and thin, round on top of skull, showing 

 a soft easy curve in every direction — the term snake- 

 headed is often used, but does not apply as many 

 snakes are flat-headed, which is quite a reverse of 

 what is wanted in tlie Magpie — as nearly even in 

 substance throughout as possible, not wedge-headed, 

 no stop at junction of liead and beak, but rising with 

 a gradual curve from front to back, fine and neat at 

 back of skull, lean face, with no approach to Owl or 

 short-faced Tumbler form. Junction of head with 

 neck to be neat and almost imperceptible without 

 throatineFEo 



