ii6 THE PIGEON-FANCIER. 



Beard and Baldheads are subjected to the same 

 cruel treatment that the Almond undergoes — 

 viz., "skull crushing." I hope a happier and 

 more prosperous time is dawning for these 

 beautiful birds of the Tumbler class, and that 

 soon ugly specimens with upturned beaks, open 

 mouths, and goggle eyes will disappear from the 

 Sl^ow-pens, and be discarded for ever. The pure 

 and delightful pleasures of a Pigeon-Fancier are 

 sufficiently exhilarating in themselves to satisfy 

 the ambition of the most ardent and aspiring 

 natures. 



CONCLUSION. 



Parents, encourage your boys in their desire 

 to keep Pigeons. The boy who will not play at 

 cricket or football — who will not keep Pigeons 

 or Rabbits because they give such a lot of 

 trouble — such a boy is not the brightest speci- 

 man of the juvenile race. The worst lads are 

 those who love nothing but loafing about — idle 

 in school, idle in the playground, caring for no 

 hobby. The Rev. A. Headly, popularly known 

 as " Wiltshire Rector," informs us, " I have 

 been a Pigeon Fancier all my life, from my 

 early boyhood being allowed and encouraged 



