12 NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK 



every point in this book in simple language and if the details 

 in some places appear too commonplace, remember that we 

 have erred on the side of plainness. 



The customers to whom we have sold breeding stock have 

 been of great help to us in arranging and presenting these 

 facts. We asked them to tell us just the points they wished 

 covered, or covered more fully, or just where our writings 

 were weak. They replied in a most kindly way, nearly every 

 letter thanking us heartily, and brimming over with enthus- 

 iasm for the squab industry. 



It has surprised a great many people to learn that Homer 

 pigeons are such a staple and workable article. They have 

 been handled by the old methods for years without their 

 great utility being made plain. When we first learned about 

 squabs, we were struck by the impressive fact that here was 

 something which grew to market size in the incredible time 

 of four weeks and then was marketed readily at a good profit. 

 The spread of that knowledge will make money for you. 

 Show your neighbors the birds you buy of us, tell them the 

 facts, and perhaps give them a squab to eat, then you will 

 find a quick call for all the live breeders you can supply. 



The procedure which we advise in this National Standard 

 Squab Book is safe and sound, demonstrated to be successful 

 by hundreds of our customers, many of whom started with no 

 knowledge except what we were able to give them by letter 

 or word of mouth. We have abandoned all instruction 

 which does not stand the test of time and locality, and give 

 only facts of proven value, of real, practical experience. 



ELMER C. RICE. 



Boston, August, 1902. 



POSTSCRIPT. 



This work has met with so much favor during the past year, 

 and has sold so largely in excess of expectations, that we 

 wish to thank our friends everywhere for their cordial support. 

 The Appendix A which appears at the back of this edition 

 was added last February, and it is our intention to keep the 

 work up to date by revisions and additions at least twice 

 yearly, The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the 



