32 
The Illustrated Book of Plgeons. 
green meat, but any attempt to give this in confinement, as some do, often causes more harm than 
it can possibly do good. Some people seem to be always trying how many things they can give 
their pigeons, and we rather wish to guard against this. But one exception may be made, in 
favour of lettuce, hung up so that the birds can reach and peck at it, but not thrown on the ground. 
All through the breeding season this will be found of great advantage, but neither it nor other 
green vegetables should be given except at that time. 
Fig. 17. — In Use. Fig. 18.— Ready for Use. 
Clean water to drink is of equal importance, foul water being by many fanciers thought to 
cause canker and other evils. Figs. 17 and 18 represent the best drinking-fountain we have been able 
to contrive, in the position for filling, as well as when in use. It is best made in zinc, as glass or 
stone will often crack in frosty weather, while zinc will stand any temperature, and can be easily 
cleaned by shaking about inside some water and clean gravel when required, which will be very 
seldom if the water be renewed every one or two days as it ought to be. The top is made in two 
pieces, in the shape of a cone, to prevent the pigeons perching on it, or any dirt from falling in. 
Fig. 19. — Gravel-eox. 
The top or apex of the cone is removable, in order that when taken off the fountain may be 
reversed, and stood upon the plane of section while being filled, which is done through the hole then 
seen in the bottom, which after filling is closed by a cork. The ordinary stone fountain, with a 
hood over the drinking-pan, will also answer well in a small loft ; but the one here figured is best 
where many pigeons are kept, for the same reason as an “ all-round ” hopper, or to prevent tyranny. 
One of the most effectual preventives of disease is a good supply of clean water, both in the 
fountain and in the bath, to be presently described. Some fanciers have their loft so fitted as to 
