I'KiEDXS A\D ALL AIUK'T TIIKM. 



225 



THE DUCHESSE. 



THIS is a bird that is not well known to tliu masses, yet 

 latterly they seem to have grown in iiii[iu];uily. 



The Duehesse hj(.)ks simpl)' like an overgrown eoni- 

 iiion jjigeon, booted. There is no (jiu'stion l»Lit lliat the old 

 stoekeame from the other side, suii]]osably from Germany 

 or Holland. 



The great points with the Duchesse are size and bree<ling 

 quality, yet withal they iire handsome birds, and have many 

 attractive ways. They come in all colors. 



The ))eak is long and fine, with the U]ii>er niaudilile far 

 more heavy than the lower and slightly rnrviil at the tiii. 

 The eye should he large, full and rouiul, willi a mild e.xpres- 

 .sion, just the reverse of the Ilinner and liirds of t.liat class. 

 The neck is very short, and sets nicely on very broad slioul. 

 ders. Back broad, wings closely folded, with tips meeting 

 over the tail. 



The tail is closely folded and i,s held up from tlie ground. 

 The legs are short and strong looking, and are heavily boot- 

 ed from the hocks to the tips of toes. 



They come either smooth-headed, or shell-crested. They 

 are good liome birds, fine breeders and feeders, and as stated, 

 have many good points to commend them to the public, yet 

 they will never rank up in class with the true "fancy'' 

 pigeons. 



