324 
THE TRUMPETER. 
since the classic period these birds have been celebrated among the 
poultry produce of the shores of the Mediteranean, and to this day 
among the several varieties of Kunts, that called the Koman is most 
esteemed, as being the largest and easiest to manage ; next to this 
in the estimation of breeders is the Leghorn, vv'hich is sh^iped much 
like the Tumbler, but is very different in size and habit. Then 
there are the Spanish and Friesland Runts, and a kind which 
is brought from Eussia, and sometimes sold as Russian Car- 
riers, although they do not appear at all adapted for conveying 
letters or intelligence ; and apropos of these birds, it may be men- 
tioned that the Russians exceed the old Romans in extravagance as 
' fanciers.' The Orloff family once expended £20,000 in Pigeons. 
The ' Runt ' is generally a favourite with the Muscovites ; but the 
latter have a greater favourite still, which flies in a spirally circular 
manner on one wing, pierces the clouds, and then descends on to the 
very finger from which the airy traveller had departed. 
A recent work on Pigeons says that the Runt is remarkably 
short from the fall of the back of the neck to the root of the tail, 
and very full and broad-bosomed. It has a round head and sunken 
eyes, surrounded by a tough skin. A small wattle surrounds the 
base of the back, which is slightly hooked. The most favourite 
colours with 'the fancy,' are dark slate and red. If bred especially 
for the table, white mottled or pure white are the best, such having 
the most delicate flesh. 
The Spanish Runt is the smallest of this group of Pigeons ; it has 
a long body, and very short tail and neck. But the most curious 
of the Runts is the Friesland, his feathers being set the contrary 
way; so that, if you wish to stroke or caress it, you must begin at the 
tail and press your hand up to the neck. There is another variety, 
very scarce, called the Frill-back, which is invariably white, or cream 
coloured ; the peculiarity of plumage, from which the name is derived, 
consists in the feathers of the back curling upwards, so that the 
points stand out, giving the bird a frizzed appearance. The cooing of 
the Runts is less distinct than that of other Pigeons, having a muffled 
sound ; they breed freely with other domestic kinds. 
THE TRUMPETER. 
This may be considered as a kind of Runt, having what has been 
called a very Runtish shape. It is said to possess almost every 
quality desirable in a Pigeon ; being hardy, a good breeder, having 
an attractive appearance, fattening early, and eating very tenderly. 
Trumpeters are described as * generally pearl-eyed, black mottled, 
very feather-footed and legged, turn-crov/ned like the Nun, and 
sometimes like a Finnakin, but much larger, which are reckoned the 
better sort, as being more melodious ; but the best characteristic to 
know them is a tuft of feathers growing at the root of the beak ; and 
