Colours of Dragoons. 
207 
and firm, and appear as though clad in a close, well-fitting skin. The neck is of course resplendent 
with iridescent, vivid colours, and the beak and nails should be black. The bars should be jet- 
black, and decidedly narrow, as it not only greatly improves their appearance, but is in perfect 
accord with their hardness and tightness of feather. For, in all pigeons with broad bars, there will 
be found a corresponding increase in the size of feather , and, therefore, a consequent looseness of 
plumage, which is diametrically in opposition to the covering of a good Dragoon. I do not approve 
of the whitc-rumpcd kind : such is unquestionably a blemish ; and, in my numerous arguments and 
writings on this subject, I am not aware 'that I ever upheld such as a desirable type, or considered 
them so perfect in colour as those of a good sound uniform hue. Although it may be supposed that 
I did prefer them, such was not the fact ; but I still contend that the points of form constitute the 
cardinal features of the race. We should judge them as Dragoons first , then make close scrutiny 
into their colour-properties, and not entirely reject first-class white-rumped Dragoons, simply on 
account of that undesirable badge, and award the prizes to mere Blue pigeons, with but little or 
no affinity or resemblance to Dragoons in make or shape whatever, as I have known frequently 
done. Since that time, however, the sound, true-blue Dragoon has been produced in large num- 
bers, so that now we can afford, in nearly every case, to ignore the white and light-backed birds. 
Therefore, I would say, as I always have said, look well to colour, and in this particular make 
choice of the brightest and purest uniform coloured ones throughout their feathering, not neces- 
sarily to give preference to smoky-tinted ones, nor white-backed ones, but, as has been very 
judiciously remarked with regard to other breeds in this work, give preference to specimens 
that present a good general appearance in all points, rather than regard one or more extraordinary 
features as conclusive of their superiority. 
“ Silvers (brown barred) are of a very pale, delicate, whity-brown tint, with narrow bars of a dark 
brown colour, and a band of the same tint near to the extremity of the tail. The flights, too, are 
of a similar dark tone, deepening more and more towards their outer tips. The neck is beautifully 
enlivened by a rich coppery-bronze colour; there should be as little green tinge intermixed as 
possible, the pure coppery lustre alone being preferable. The eye should be ‘ red pearl,’ i.e., the 
iris of a pearly-white caste, dotted around with specks of brilliant red, but no trace of yellow must 
be apparent therein. Beak and nails flesh-coloured. 
“ Silvers (black barred) are of a very pale, delicate, creamy-grey tint, the bars being of a very 
deep, almost black tone ; in fact the more closely they resemble positive black the more should 
they be esteemed. The head, rump, and tail are invariably of a darker colour, with a bluish tinge 
conspicuous on those parts ; upon the neck, too, there is a distinct green cast of colour caused by 
the play of light thereon. The eyes should be ‘ red pearl.’ The beak and nails as brown barred 
kind, fleshy-coloured, with a streak of brown along the centre ridge of top mandible. 
“Reds should be of a deep rich chestnut colour, and should be entirely free from variation in 
shade on back, breast, thighs, and under parts, which unfortunately are sadly too often of a dark 
dirty-looking shade. The eye should be of an ‘ orange-red ’ colour, bright and full. The beak 
and nails light flesh tint, with a streak of brown upon the upper surface. 
“ Yelloivs should be of a deep, clear, rich uniform tone from head to tail ; in fact upon every 
feather, purity, depth, and richness of colour being most desirable ; light, mealy, mossy-feathered 
ones betray an injudicious cross with Whites, as also does the dingy back, tail, and thigh reveal the 
introduction of an unwise dark cross. The neck should be enlivened with a bright, glossy, rich 
yellow of a little deeper tone, and as free as possible from any other colour, as such, however 
small, distinctly discloses an impure taint, whether near or remote. The eyes should be orange- 
red. Beak and nails flesh-coloured. 
