54 THE PIGEON -FANCIER. 



is now quite time they participated in these higher 

 privileges, and in their turn enjoyed the luxury 

 of being feted, fondled, and scientifically improved. 

 But from what quarter to draw my first detach- 

 ment of shortfaced Balds and Beards I knew not. 

 I advertised and answered advertisements, but to 

 no profitable purpose — plenty of rubbish was shot 

 into my lap from north, south, east, and west, to 

 be returned with thanks ! 



I had heard of a celebrated Woodhonse strain, 

 but the father of the feathered flock I failed to 

 unearth, although I searched never so diligently, 

 Mr. Woodhouse seemed as remote from me as 

 the evening star, and inquiry brought him no 

 nearer — whether he was in the body or out of 

 the body I could not tell — whether he lived before 

 the flood or after it I could not determine. I 

 stood in doubt of him, and rashly concluded, like 

 the flowery isle Atlantis, his existence was a 

 fable. 



At last the oracle spoke. An advertisement 

 in one of the Fancy journals announced that W. 

 Woodhouse desired to sell the remainder of his 

 stock for ;f4S. I replied in person, and brought 

 home a half-dozen of the pick of the " remain- 

 ders." From this casual visit paid to the vener- 

 able Fancier a cordial feeling sprang up between 



