90 Pigeons and All Abol't Them. 



Many will say they can understand that eggs 

 may be broken b>- the interference of outsiders, but 

 \vhy should that interference cause shell-less eggs? 

 The shell-less eggs will be caused by the hens becom- 

 ing excited and passing their eggs before they have 

 become properly shelled. Any outside excitement at 

 such a time is bad for both cocks and hens, and will 

 generailly tend to evil results. 



.\ TIME OF REST. 



Between the end of the breeding season and the 

 commeniceiuent of the moult birds shotild be g"i\-en a 

 time of rest. It is only common humanity and 

 common sense, too, to allow them time to recuperate 

 from the eiTects of the breeding season ere they are 

 plunged full into the moulting period. Therefore I 

 advocate an early cessation of breeding. Birds that are 

 bred heavily are more than likely to have a very bad 

 time dtiring the moult, owing to their systems having 

 become exhausted by the work \vhich they have 

 imdergone. Clear out all breeding utensils extra 

 early, and give the houses a thorough tuni-out. Those 

 who love the whitewash brush can use it now to their 

 heart's content withotit fear of much e\-il in the wav 

 of co'lds resulting from the dampness of the boards 

 and walls, whilst in addition to sweetening the lofts, 

 the lime on the walls and ceilings will also tend to 

 kecr) them cool in the excessively hot weather. 



CLE.VRING TLIE SVSTE5I. 



Birds which have been breeding should, on being 

 separated, have what is known amongst stock breeders 

 as a "clearing out.'' This, however, must be done care- 

 fully and judiciously. An expert in a Fancy journal 

 recommended some >-oung fancier to gi\-e his birds a 

 solution of Epsom Salts of a strength which, to me, 

 was appalling. The strength advised was one. ounce 

 of Epsom Sailts to eight of water, My exiierience 

 teaches me that the effects of Epsom Salts on Pigeons 

 are very active, and that half an ounce of Epsom 

 Salts is sufficient to medicate a gallon of water. 



