Mr. Jones on Barbs. 
227 
this advantage over either of the three, that it is hardier and much easier to rear. Hoping, 
therefore, that many more may be induced to take up this fascinating pigeon, we will proceed at 
once to consider what a Barb should be. And first of all we will present a paper, written by one 
of the oldest and most steadfast fanciers of this variety we know, Mr. P. H. Jones, of Fulham. In 
only one point do our opinions differ from his, as we will explain in due course ; but with nearly all 
the following remarks do we heartily agree, as will be seen from the more detailed exposition after- 
wards of our own views : — 
“ In treating of the Barb it is pretty well known to many, especially old fanciers, that I am 
writing of a variety for which I have had a strong predilection for the last twenty-three or 
twenty-four years, and I may say that I am still as much attached to them as ever, although 
from force of circumstances I may not have been able to do so much with them during the last 
year or two as I have done, and hope to do again. 
“ I look upon the Barb as one of the most valuable and interesting of all Toys ; indeed am not 
sure that it ought not to rank with the high-class Carrier, Short-faced Tumbler, or Pouter, and 
have little hesitation in saying, as the result of my long experience, that it is as difficult to breed 
and rear a specimen of this variety approaching perfection as it is either of the above so-called 
high-class pigeons. It will be observed that I use the term approaching perfection , and as I con- 
sider advisedly. I have seen birds of some varieties which could scarcely be improved upon ; but 
how seldom do we see a perfect Barb ! I am free to confess that during the last three or four 
years I have seen a few notable instances of birds which were considerably in advance of the 
ordinary run of prize-winners twenty years ago, but they could almost be counted on the finger 
ends ; and if the ambitious fancier is desirous of possessing any of these choice specimens let him 
ask the price, and I fancy the amount named will convince him that first-rate Barbs are not as 
plentiful as blackberries in autumn. 
“ Some twenty years ago a few good Barbs were imported by Messrs. J, Baily and Sons, and 
the Messrs. Baker, from the French Mediterranean Ports, which served very much to improve the 
strains already existing in this country ; but from these importations only a few first-class birds 
could be selected, many of them, the hens especially, running long and thin in face and beak, 
although they had a fair development of eye, and some of the cocks were tolerably good in skull. 
Since that time several breeders have paid much attention to the breeding and improving this 
beautiful pigeon, so that on the whole I believe the type to be considerably in advance of what 
we used to see ; but I still say that there is a wide and profitable field of improvement open to the 
young and ardent fancier who will take the Barb in hand and stick to it ; and as an old fancier I 
would say to the youthful one, there is the grand secret of success ; make up your mind what 
variety you think will please you best, take to it, and stick to it. And it must be borne in mind 
that although, as I have hinted above, exhibitors will not part with their best specimens unless 
at long prices, there are frequent opportunities of getting birds from good breeders, and of good 
strains, at moderate prices. Strain and pedigree are of the utmost importance in the Barb. Of 
course it is possible now and then to produce from inferior and obscure parents a bird showing 
some good properties, but which, if bred from again, only produces disappointment and vexation 
of spirit ; therefore again I say go in for strain and pedigree if possible. By examining the prize 
lists of the principal exhibitions it is easily ascertainable who are the persistent winners in any 
given class, and to some or one of them apply, rather than pick up a chance bird here or there. 
These remarks would naturally apply to any variety of stock, but among pigeons I believe they 
apply with extra force to the Barb, the properties of head and beak especially requiring much 
