The Breeds of Pigeons. 189 



the loxfj-faced tumbler. 



The Long-faced Tumbler, in one or other of its 

 many sub-varieties, is general!}' recommended to the 

 novice when he asks what variety is easy to breed. 

 This is somewhat resented by enthusiastic followers 

 of the Long-faced, who say, "Let those who think 

 Long-faces easy to breed have a go at them." Whilst 

 not wishing to unduly ruille the plumes of Long- 

 faced breeders, I must say the advice so given is 

 sound, because Long-faced Tumblers are fairly 

 reas'^nable in price, they do not require extensive 

 ace -immodation, and being most excellent parents 

 they rear their young without much assistance from 

 then owner. Further, they are hardy and prolific, 

 and .«o far as the Selfs are. concerned fairly easy to 

 exhibit, little being required in the way of prepara- 

 tion Therefore, what breed could be better adapted 

 to ti:e needs of a novice? Tumblers are charming 

 little birds, and they will keep his affections until he 

 has learnt something of the art of keeping and breed- 

 ing Pigeons, and then, if so inclined, he may try his 

 luck with some of the breeds whicli are not so cheap, 

 not so hardy, not so prolific, and not such good 

 parents. 



In the same manner as I dealt with the general 

 characteristics of the Short-faces, so will I deal with 

 the Long-faces, and then proceed to speak of the dis- 

 tinguishing features of the different sub- varieties. 



Beak. — Close fitting, sitraight set, and fairh^ 

 stout ; a fine spindle}^ beak is a great fault. 



Wattle. — Very neat, evenly placed, and fine in 

 texture. 



Skull. — Rather more oval than round, with plenty 

 of width in front, and without flatness of crown, or 

 angularities of anj^ kind. 



Ttje. — In colour the eye should be pearl or white, 

 a milk-white being the acme of perfection. The eye 

 should be centrally placed so as to preserve the bal- 

 ance of face and back skull, and also top. 



Ceres. — Very fine in texture, small and close 

 fitting. 



