28 
The Illustrated Book of Pigeons. 
In regard to accommodation for pigeons which are kept merely for food, or dovecotes as they 
are called, we say nothing at all about pigeon-houses on poles, such as are often seen, except 
emphatically to condemn them as unfit for use. Let the wind blow from what quarter it may, 
some side of such miserable dwellings must be exposed to it ; and thus all in turn have to suffer 
from a vicious plan which has no single merit, being no more ornamental than useful. A dove- 
cote fastened against a wall is less open to objection, and may easily be so contrived as to give 
amply sufficient shelter for hardy birds. It should be fixed to the south wall of course ; and each 
breeding-place, which forms the home for a pair of birds, should be so arranged as to give the 
greatest possible shelter. The ordinary pattern of dovecote, so well known, answers fairly well ; 
but for these purposes nothing can exceed the plan of nest-box shown in our Fig. I, substituting 
for the small landing-places before each entrance a broad ledge running along the whole front 
of the dovecote, furnished in front with slanting boards for the purposes already described, and 
which also serve as roof and shelter for each tier of cells. A portion of such a dovecote will 
then appear as Fig. 14. There should be a good slanting roof over all ; and the birds when not 
breeding will perch upon the slip of wood which forms the top of the partition between each half 
of the breeding-place, or in fine weather remain outside all 1 night. The upright partitions between 
each breeding-place and the next are not absolutely needful, but the cote is better with them, as 
they tend to prevent other birds intruding, and also give more shelter from side winds. If the 
front of the lower part of each breeding-box, at A A, be hinged, so that it can be opened for 
cleaning or examination, it will be more convenient ; but this is by no means necessary. 
For erecting detached pigeon-houses or lofts of any kind, what are called match-boards, or 
boards planed smooth on one side, and with a tongue on one edge fitting into a groove on the 
other, are the best material. Three-quarters of an inch is a convenient thickness, and if well 
painted outside before the boards become swelled with wet, will be found quite sufficient. Similar 
boards of a less thickness may be used for partitions and nest-boxes ; and by using material of 
this kind very neat-looking places may be quickly put up, with little trouble or difficulty, by any 
one who can use a saw, hammer, and nails. The roof may be felted, covered with galvanised 
iron, or tiled ; but if tiles are used, the rafters should be match-boarded on the under side, to 
prevent draught. Ventilation must, however, be thoroughly provided for. 
Further plans of pigeon-lofts or aviaries, for special breeds, will be found, as already 
intimated, in the chapters on Carriers and Toy Pigeons. 
