34 DOMESTIC PIGEON. 



the nostrils armed with small tubercles, and the 

 feet pale red. The Carrier is very like the last, 

 but has the space about the eyes and the beak 

 very much tuberculated ; this variety was formerly 

 made use of for conveying letters, which was 

 easily managed by letting fly one of these birds 

 that has been confined some time, as it never 

 failed to convey the letter to its destination, 

 always flying home in a direct line from the place 

 of starting ; it is said to move at a greater rate 

 than twenty-six miles in an hour. 



We must not omit to mention another extra- 

 ordinary variety of this species, one which has the 

 power of inflating its crop with wind in a very 

 singular manner, till it is of an enormous size : it 

 is subject to great variation, and great sums of 

 money are frequently paid for scarce varieties ; it 

 ; is known by the name of the Powter Pigeon. The 

 Horseman Pigeon is a variety between the two last, 

 and is frequently employed in conveying letters, 

 as it never leaves the place of its birth voluntarily, 

 and has always a propensity to return. The Smiter 

 Pigeon is remarkable for making a great noise 

 with its wings during its flight. The Turner 

 Pigeon is distinguished by having a tuft of fea- 

 thers hanging down from the top of the head like 

 the mane of a horse. The Spot Pigeon, which is 

 the last variety of any note, has a spot of the same 

 colour as the tail on the forehead. 



The above are not half the varieties that are de- 

 scribed in the works professedly treating on the 

 subject, which forms the amusement of many for 



