Breeding. 89 



in years gone by the young budding aspirant for fame 

 was not thought about as he is to-day, and not being 

 thought about was not catered for. Only those whose 

 position brings them into close touch with the novices 

 know how very disconcerting and disheartening to 

 them are the little details of management which need 

 care aind thought, and the questions which are 

 addressed to myself and others who are looked upon 

 in some degree as guides in Pigeoni lore, are almost 

 pathetic in their intense eagerness. They often cause 

 me to think of my salad days, and of the stupid things 

 I used to do for want of knowing better. 



THE RE-INTRODUCTION TO THE LOFT. 



When re-matched birds are returned to the loft 

 the}' must be carefully watched for a few days, just 

 to see that they settle down all right. It often happens 

 tliat the other birds in the loft want to have a say in 

 the domestic arrangements of the newly-married 

 couples. Sometimes it arises from curiosity, at others 

 from downright cussedness, but be the cause what it 

 may, the interference must be prevented. If there is 

 any interference it will be wise to shut the newly- 

 married ones up in their nesting-box for a few days, 

 say until such time as the hen has laid and commenced 

 incubation. To carr\' this out effectually and secure 

 either the birds or their home from molestation by 

 interfering or inquisitive neighbours, the newly- 

 married ones should be let out to feed, and as soon as 

 they are out their nesting box should be shut up to> 

 keep out intruders. After they have fed and bathed 

 the box may be opened, and the birds allowed to go 

 back of their own accord. If it should happen that 

 they are at all dilator^', then they must be caught and 

 returned tO' the box, and the entrance barred to aill 

 who may seek to call upon them. The reason for all 

 these precautions is that there is no time to lose, and 

 that if the re-matched birds are interfered with it 

 may result in clear eggs, soft-shelled eggs, or eggs 

 being smashed as soon as laid ; should such happen 

 then the re-matching will have been labour in vain. 



