256 AMERICAN SQUAB CULTURE 



has its feather arrangement especially developed; so has the 

 Fantail. The Runt has been developed into the largest breed 

 of pigeons. Archangels, Magpies, Satinettes, etc., for theii' color; 

 Magpies, Pouters, Tumblers, Turbits, .etc., for their shape, and 

 Tumblers, Pouters and Flying Homers for their peculiar habits. 

 The habit of the Homer to return home in an air line vs^hen lib- 

 erated, almost regardless of direction, distance and time, is 

 probably the most peculiar and remarkable of all. 



The most convincing proof that all pigeons were developed 

 from a common breed is the fact that the results from crossing 

 two or more of these peculiar breeds will produce an offspring 

 that will resemble the old Rock bird and a few more crosses 

 will produce a common barnyard pigeon. 



RAISING FANCY PIGEONS 



There are some 200 different varieties of fancy pigeons. They 

 are usually raised as a fancy or hobby, and their extreme shape, 

 color, and actions invariably mark their good qualities, each 

 breeder endeavoring to perfect his birds along special lines pe- 

 culiar to that particular breed, to a degree that will enable 

 him to surpass other breeders of the same variety. To determine 

 the winner in such friendly rivalry, competition pigeon shows 

 are held where breeders of fancy pigeons enter th'eir best birds 

 in competition. The prizes consist of cups, medals, ribbons and 

 cash, and are offered by the club or association conducting the 

 show. 



Carneaux, Maltese, White Kings and other squab producing 

 pigeons are often entered in these shows, either for advertising 

 purposes or by fancy breeders, who delight in excelling in these 

 particular varieties. 



There are recognized standards for each fancy variety which 

 are published and obtainable from different pigeon associations 

 throughout the country. A person desiring, therefore, to breed 

 fancy pigeons for exhibition purposes, should secure a standard 

 of the breed that he desires to breed, so that he will know what 

 constitutes a perfect bird; otherwise, his efforts of development 

 would not be along the proper lines. 



There are people who breed fancy varieties and keep them 

 for sale. Their ads. are generally found in pigeon magazines 

 that cater to the fancy end of pigeon raising. 



