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CHAPTER XVI. 
THE EXHIBITION ANTWERP. 
FROM the composite bird developed by the fanciers of Belgium for flying purposes solely, is 
beyond doubt descended the Antwerp of the show-pen. In the original many races have mingled, 
and hence the characteristics of some of the very best performers differ widely ; but one prevailing 
type, distinguished by a capacious skull and massive beak, has been most commonly found, and 
this has been developed and fixed by breeding till the type has become as invariable as any other. 
Such is the “Antwerp” proper, as distinguished from the mere “Homing Pigeon.” By careful 
selection the shortish beak has become still shorter and more massive, and the skull still broader, 
till we have the highest type of show-bird, known as the “ Short-faced Antwerp,” which has of late 
years become a great favourite. Instead of describing the pigeon more minutely, however, we will 
at once proceed to the notes with which we have been kindly favoured by Mr. J. W. Ludlow, one 
of the oldest cultivators of this variety. 
“As a show variety these birds are comparatively a new kind, for although as a breed the 
Antwerp lias long been known and valued as a trusty messenger, it is not more than about fifteen 
years since they were first acknowledged as worthy occupants of the exhibition pen ; but since they 
have been deemed of value as show stock it is marvellous to what an extent the fancy for them has 
grown, and also remarkable the immense improvement which has taken place in the breed of late 
years. It is only a few years ago, when Antwerp fanciers were few and far between, and those who 
did discover meritorious properties in them were often derided for want of taste and discrimination 
in their selection ; but now, to what a prodigious extent has the liking for them reached ! No show, 
whether large or small, is complete without a well-filled Antwerp class ; few fanciers are content 
unless they have a trial with them ; until, at the present time, the number of Antwerps has become 
legion, and their admirers quite incalculable, and yet the fancy for them is still growing with 
remarkable rapidity ; the passionate inclination for them seems both acute and contagious, and 
promises fair to extend to all sections of fanciers ere its zenith is attained. 
“ Belgium and France have for a number of years been the chief centres of the culture of 
flying pigeons. In those countries the fancy has run exceedingly high for Antwerps, though, as we 
shall see, for a different purpose have they been esteemed ; indeed, to the present day, there seems 
no diminution in the zeal and eidmiration even of those who had them first and have kept them so 
long ; the propagation of the breed still goes on, the same enthusiasm prevails in their trial-feats of 
flying; for it is by reason of their flying qualities, almost solely and exclusively, that they are 
prized in other countries than Great Britain, for as show stock I believe they are ignored. Yes, the 
homing faculty is the primary consideration in those parts. As ‘ couriers,’ or aerial messengers, the 
Antwerp is the ad extremum of the pigeon fancy. The proof of their qualifications is drawn from 
the ordinary practising trials of young birds, or the grand periodical flying events of older and 
more perfected fliers. These periodical trials, or matches, engross the attention of large numbers 
of all classes of society. In Belgium, and France more especially, is the pleasure of this pastime 
