CONCLUSION. 119 



are pulpy; they will pour in any mould, but they 

 won't set. One man I knew, his disposition 

 turned sour in retirement ; he made it uncom- 

 fortable for his wife and family at home — his 

 only diversion was to quarrel with them. An- 

 other superannuated tradesman was enticed into 

 a coal-mine speculation. His money went down 

 the coal-shaft — and stopped there. Another 

 man, after twelvemonths' experience of playing 

 the gentleman, abandoned the irksome profes- 

 sion, took off his coat and plunged into business 

 again. It was his salvation. 



Oh that these men had been Pigeon-Fanciers 

 in the days of their youth ! They would have 

 returned to the witchery of the old hobby and 

 been serenely happy in it. 



Farewell, Fanciers all, old and young ! 

 Quietly and peacefully enjoy your pastime. 

 May gentle thoughts and generous deeds be its 

 offspring. Of all living creatures birds get 

 nearest heaven. May your thoughts, your 

 hopes, and at last yourself, soar higher than 

 they, until as an emancipated spirit you dwell 

 for aye in the great overhanging home of man- 

 kind — the Paradise of God ! 



