i6 THE PIGEON-FANCIER. 



Tumbler, and I intend to introduce to the notice 

 of the visitors at the Crystal Palace some 

 November day the choicest bird of its class 

 they have yet beheld. This is a difficult task 

 to set out with. It requires an illimitable 

 supply of patience, perseverance, and prudence 

 to accomplish it. If the difficulty be surmounted 

 I am satisfied, for Pigeon-Fancying like virtue 

 is its own reward. Do not forget the three 

 P's I have named — Patience, Perseverance, 

 Prudence. You must invoke their aid con- 

 stantly before producing your perfect specimen. 

 Pigeon- Fancying is somewhat akin to poetry — 

 men must be born to it. If you do not keenly 

 relish the hobby, after a few disappointments 

 you will abandon it. It is not every time the 

 egg shells break open that a prize comes forth. 

 There are numerous failures attending your 

 efforts. But the man with patience eventually 

 comes off triumphant. The young birds won't 

 always hatch the paragons you pictured them. 

 That lively squeaker you rely upon to do good 

 service next season may thwart your purpose 

 and die of canker in the meantime. Drink 

 acquiescently these drops of bitterness in the 

 Fancier's cup. The nonpareil is coming. It 

 will be more appreciated when it does come 



