MOST POPULAR VARIETIES 



565 



Other varieties, such as the King, Dragoon, Runt (see Fig. 339) 

 and Maltese, which are larger than the Homer, are used in cross- 

 ing to increase the size of the squabs. Crosses prodiice the largest 

 squabs, and the practice seems to prevail. See Figs. 340 and 

 341. Too much inbreeding results in degenerates and under- 

 sized stock. 



The Homer derives its name from the fact that it will usually 

 find its way home from distant points, even when taken under 

 cover for hundreds of miles. Records of the flights of racing 



Fig. 338. — Carneaux pigeon. 



pigeons are wonderfully interesting. This characteristic makes 

 it essential to confine Homers very carefully if they are pur- 

 chased. They are bred very largely for racing as well as squabs, 

 and come in a variety of colors. 



Strain. — ^As with all forms of livestock, good breeding birds are 

 one of the chief essentials to success ; in fact, they are the founda- 

 tion of profit or loss. The beginner should secure his stock from 

 reliable breeders, and wherever possible from those who will 

 guarantee their products. The age and sex of pigeons are hard 



