CHAPTER XXXIV 



MALTESE 



A Most Indivklual Breed — Its Make-up "Well Suited to Squab Pro- 

 duction — Principally an Exhibition Bird — Description of 'he Breed 

 and Varieties. 



The Maltese were imported to America not many years ago 

 but today we find them in great niimliers, especially on the 

 Pacific Coast. To the mind of the writer it is by far the most 

 individual bird bred in this counlry today. Their long legs, 

 long slender necks and uiiright tails are entirely different from 



A PEN OF "WHITE MALTESE 

 Note their erect carriagro. — Photo from B. A. Mitchell, Orenco, Ore. 



those sections in any other breed. No doubt this individuality 

 has gone far toward making them so popular but their real 

 worth as excellent squab producers and ideal exhibition birds 

 has made a very tight hold on the hearts of a great many of 

 America's leading pigeon fanciers. 

 Maltese are noted for their broad, full and well rounded 



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