AGE AND SEX OF PIGEON 



57 



they had picked out 20 hens. It was shortly proved 

 that three were cocks. The novice will thus have to 

 admit his inability to distinguish the sexes, if ex- 

 perts fail in so many instances. The perusal of other 

 chapters, we trust, has taught the necessity of having 

 mated birds in beginning the squab business. He 

 must recognize, therefore, that he is entirely at the 

 mercy of the seller. If the dealer is honest, has mated 

 his birds and has made a list of them, he can guarantee 



FIG. 21 — HOMEBS SIX MONTHS OLD. 



the sexes. If he has not mated them and cannot fur- 

 nish a list of the individuals which constitute a pair, he 

 simply guesses at the sex, making a dupe of the buyer 

 and enriching himself. 



