170 THE PRACTICAL PIGEON KEEPER. 



The last property of the Turbit is peak, or crest. The peak- 

 crest should be as high and pointed as possible, and the feathei-s 

 meet evenly, so as to form an even ridge or mane behind, as 

 low as it extends, down the back of the neck. The shell-crest 

 is a kind of hood resembling the edge of a shell, and somewhat 

 like the hood of a Jacobin less developed. The shell-crests 

 have, as a rule, the best heads, and are therefore crossed often 

 with the peaks. The result has been that very few of either 

 are now seen at all approaching perfection. It is also rare to 

 see a Turbit really good in frill. 



The Turbit should be small, but is longer in feather than 

 the Owl. It is fairly hardy, and often feeds well; but the 

 smallest and best often give much trouble in this respect, and 

 therefore require feeders. This point should be ascertained by 

 experience as regards every separate pair of birds put up for 

 breeding. For obvious reasons, it is best to use good-sized 

 hens as far as possible, and trust for smallness chiefly to the 

 cocks. 



The colours of Turbits are generally very good, especially 

 the reds and yellows. The red, as usual, will improve yellow; 

 but all reds from the cross must be kept away from reds, and 

 confined to crossing with yellows only. Blacks may be crossed 

 with duns as usual, also with reds and yellows occasionally. 

 Blues are sometimes kite-baiTed, from too much use of silvers, 

 and need care. Foul thighs, bad crests, and spindly beaks are 

 the greatest difficulties, and next to these a want of frill. 



Black-tailed Turbits have been shown, but have not found 

 favour. 



Turhiteens are a comparatively recent importation from 

 Asia Minor, for which English fanciers are indebted to Mr. H. 

 Caridia, a Greek gentleman, now of Birmingham. They may 

 be regarded as an Oriental refinement upon the Turbit, and 

 Mr. Caridia states that they were produced by crossing with a 



