THE EUNT PIGEON. 



in a rabbit-hutoli as anywhere. They are capital birds to 

 breed for the table, being very prolific. I have known as many 

 as fifteen young ones produced in a year by a single pair ; and 

 I have dined off many a plmnp squeaker runt, whose flavour 

 has been exquisite, and whose weight, when ready for the spit, 

 has exceeded a pound and a quarter. 



There are several varieties of runts, — the Boman, the Leg- 

 horn, the Spanish, and the Friesland, being among the number. 

 The Boman is the largest, and easiest to manage of any. The 

 Leghorn comes next, and is one of the most favoured by 

 fanciers. It is shaped much like the tumbler, but in size 

 and habit is verj different. It is remarkably short fi'om the 

 base of the back of the neck to the root of the tail, and very 

 full and broad bosomed. It has a round head and sunken eyes, 

 surrounded by a tough skin. A small wattle surrounds the 

 base of the beak, which is slightly hooked. The most favourite 

 colours with the " fancy " are dark slate and red. K they be 

 bred specially for the table, however, I should recommend that 

 the lighter colours be chosen, — white, mottled, or pure white ; 

 for the general rule of colour affecting quality in the flesh 

 holds good in tame pigeons. 

 The black and dark feathered 

 are proportionally dark or 

 brown fleshed, of high flavour, 

 inclining to the game bitter 

 of the wild pigeon. The light 

 colour of the feathers denotes 

 light and delicate flesh. 



The Spanish runt is the 

 smallest, with a long body 

 and very short tail and neck. 

 The most curious runt of 

 all is he of Friesland, his fea- 

 thers being aU set the contrary way; so that if you wish to 

 smooth and caress him, you must begin at his tail and bring 

 your hand forward towards his neck. This peculiarity greatly 

 interferes with the bird's flight ; and whereas every other pigeon, 

 when at large, roosts with his face to the wind, so that his 

 plumage may not be ruffled, the Friesland runt, for the same 

 reason, turns his tail to the breeze. 



The " frill-back " is another favourite, though rather scarce 

 variety. He is invariably white or cream-coloured, and the 

 peculiarity of plumage, from which its name is derived, con- 



EUNT PIOEOHS. 



