FOREWORD 



Years ago when the writer was but a small boy, my father 

 owned and bred EngUsh Pouters and Fantail Pigeoud. Not 

 only was he fond of them, but I was proud of them. The loft 

 in which these Ijirds were kept has long since been torn down 

 Init tlic memory of it still lingeivs in my mind. It was then 

 that my love for pigeons was kindled, only to grow stronger 

 and deeper as the years have ijassed. These years have brought 

 wider experiences to me, and liy fiiese hard earned experiences 

 have I been al)le to present this book to you in its present form. 



Though I hrst knew tlie Fancy lireeds my \\'ork \\ith pigeons 

 has drifted fo the U(ilit\', \'et I admire practically e\ery one of 

 the Fancy l)ree(ls. lUniiig had l(}ng experience with the utility 

 lireeds and feeling that tbere is need for another work on the 

 sul)ject of pigeon lu'cetling I ha\'e been prompted to write this 

 liook. No man knows all alwnt this subject and I sincerely 

 trust that in reading tliese cliairters you will not feel that I 

 have placed my knowledge above that of all other writers. I 

 have only endeavored to present the subject as carefully and 

 concisely as possil)le and I earnestly hope that what is con- 

 tained herein will accomplish the purpose for whicii it wafi 

 intended, namely: a textbook for the novice and a liarid book 

 for the experienced breeder. This being done I will feci greatly 

 rewarded for my work, for the writing of this book has been 

 a pleasin'e indeed. 



In the breed articles the author has tried to be fair and not 

 set any one breed upon a pinnacle and praise it while trampling 

 down tlie others. Each Ijreed has its faults as well as its good 

 qualities. I have tried to show both as I see them. If any 

 one lireed wore vastly superior to all others I am inclined to 

 think we would all want to keep that breed, but difference of 

 opinion, holding sway as it always does, makes us differ and 

 gives each breed a chance. 



The last part of the book has been given over to the 



