PLATE CCVI. 



A very elegant variety of the Tumbler Pigeon, named, from the 

 delicate whitenefs of its plumage, the Silver Tumbler. 



Thefe birds have been called from the early times of Ray and Pe- 

 truver, the Tumbler Pigeon, alluding to the peculiarity of this variety 

 tumbling repeatedly while flying in the air. This is effected by 

 throwing themfelves backwards and falling again on their breaft and 

 expanded wings. 



Buffon enumerates many varieties of the Domeftic Pigeon, and fo 

 alfo Linnaeus and Latham, all which are diftinguifhed by fome pe- 

 culiarity either of their plumage, habits, or manners of life. The 

 Tumblers are a lingular kind, and fome of the varieties bear an enor- 

 mous price : the Almond Tumbler, Dr. Latham fays, is fo highly va-» 

 Jued, that the fum of eighty guineas has been given for a fingle bird. 



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