46 PIGEOXS AXU ALL ABOUT THEM. 



self. Again he will know that you are green, and will not 

 give your letter the same attention that he W(uilil to a ■' man- 

 ly " letter. Perhaps the term "manly" should uot be used in 

 this connection, but it expresses the matter, and knowing- 

 fanciers as I do, I would say that the following is the kind of 

 letter that would bring an honest answer, and honest ])rices 

 from any reputable fancier. It would also bring good birds 

 worth every cent you pay for them. 



Joiix .Smith, Esq. 



Dear Sir; 



I am desirous of taking up Jacobins, as I 

 admire them more than any pigeon, and wiite to ask your 

 prices. I would like a jiair each of Reds and Blacks, and 

 also a pair of Splashed if you have them. X want birds old 

 enough to breed at ouce. 



I do not ask for prize winners for I cannot afford them, 

 and I would like to leave the selection of my stock birds to 

 your own jvrdgment, only begging you to send me birds of a 

 good reliable strain, that will be likely to throw good young. 

 If you have good stock birds in other colors, that j'ou think 

 would bring me good results, I would be ])leased to have you 

 cxuote prices. 



I know of your high standing in the fancy and am willing 

 to trnst entirely to your good judgment. An early answer 

 will oblige, 



Yours very truly. 



W.M. .Smith. 



Now, a reliable, honorable fancier would no more think of 

 deeei\iug a man like this than he would of robbing his loft. 



On the contrary he would take extra pains to suit him, 

 knowing thai he v.i'uld make a friend and a future patron. 



If a fanciei has a start however, and wants to improve his 

 stock, he should write a letter something like this. 



