Evils of Matching Similar Birds. 
i 2 r 
them to produce progeny like themselves. Against this is the fact that most of such fine parents 
are bred in the manner we presently describe, to one or other of which types they therefore tend to 
revert. However, we admit it is often found that breeding together such specimens, both slender in 
body and nicely feathered, docs generally produce progeny more or less resembling them in these 
points; but it is too often found they are of much less size. Even if this is not found at first, when 
the progeny is again crossed with birds of the same stamp, the deterioration almost invariably 
appears, accompanied in many cases by thin legs and feet — we mean both thin in bone, and the 
feet thinly covered with feather. The flights and tail also tend to become shorter, so as to 
resemble an Austrian Pouter in size. This was the system of breeding that prevailed in London 
when we came to reside there in 1852, and the result was the ruin of the breed there, so that 
in no loft but that of Mr. Bult could we see a single pair of really good Pouters. All had become 
so small and thin-legged that only here and there might an odd good bird be seen ; and the sole 
reason of this was the aversion of the London fanciers to birds too heavy or “ rough” in leg-feather. 
Not only was size diminished, but constitution also ; and the fact that this was only due to the want 
of proper crossing is proved by the other fact we have already mentioned, that having purchased 
many specimens and sent them to Scotland for the breeders there, these very same birds, having 
“ good blood "in them, which only needed to be properly crossed, produced in Scotland some of the 
finest specimens which have ever been seen. The reason of this appears to be, that the Pouter being 
a long-limbed, and — like all such animals — a somewhat weakly bird when young, a light and 
delicate specimen seems to want a dash of coarser material to supply the framework on which its 
own stamp of beauty may be impressed. Heavy feather is itself a sign of such rough vigour, as is 
also great size. There is one case, and only one, in which cocks and hens of the desired stamp of 
16 
