4 8 
Tile Illustrated Book of Plceoxs. 
strap joining the two others, such a basket can be carried any moderate distance with ease and 
convenience. 
Fig. 24 represents a box of somewhat different character, which is in frequent use amongst 
members of private Societies, for the purpose of conveniently carrying their specimens in the hand. 
It is so constructed as to effectually prevent the passer-by from having any suspicion of what it 
contains, no holes being visible except under very careful scrutiny, in order to avoid the great 
annoyance of other people endeavouring to stare in and observe the contents of the box. It is an 
especial favourite for carrying Carriers or Pouters, and for this purpose should measure inside 
15 X 8 inches, and 13 inches deep. As will be seen, it is divided into four compartments 
inside, the perpendicular partitions being arranged diagonally, as in the Pouter-box shown in 
Fig. 22 ; and the lids of the lower compartments lifting up with a hinge, and when put down, after 
Fig. 24. — Box for Carrying Pigeons. 
the bottom birds are inside, forming the floors of the top compartments. The same size will also 
answer well for other varieties, each compartment holding in that case a pair, unless in the case of 
Runts. Air is given by eight holes, a quarter of an inch in diameter, in the bottom of the box, 
which stands on four knobs, so as to raise it a little from the floor, and thus admit air through the 
holes ; and there are also holes in the middle and top lids, while finally the outside lid is made 
with a deep moulding all round, through which other holes are bored in such a manner as to be 
almost invisible. In this way, without being perceived, there is a free but moderate circulation of 
air through the whole from bottom to top, which both gives the birds plenty to breathe, and 
prevents any dampness from the condensed moistyre. These boxes are often made to look so 
neat and handsome that they might be supposed to contain valuable instruments or other property, 
and thus enable a gentleman to carry his own pigeons without exciting any annoying curiosity. 
Other forms of boxes and baskets are in use ; but from the foregoing, any reader will be able, 
if he pleases, to contrive one for himself. We need not say that for a single pair of birds any 
good simple box, with a few holes cut to give ventilation, will answer the purpose, except perhaps 
