Properties oe the Antwerp. 
261 
to show that this display of talent was at least favourable, and which, with other cases I could cite, 
tends to show what they could do if put to the ordinary tests. I imagine a systematic pigeon- 
trainer laughing derisively at this ‘great event nevertheless, it served my purpose by the proof 
it furnished, viz., that, whilst the records of victories won in the exhibition pen told well of my 
stock, I have also the satisfaction of knowing that they are not a race of idiots made perfect in 
form and feather at the entire sacrifice of their physical, and mental, or instinctive, condition. 
“ Some years ago, in my search after good-looking Antwcrps, I discovered a wonderfully- 
developed Short-faced cock bird amongst a lot of ordinary fliers in the pen of a man who was a 
successful long distance match-flier, and this bird I afterwards heard was known to be a ‘ very fast 
and sure bird as a hundred mile flier,’ and the moment I spied his massive features I exclaimed 
(inwardly), ‘He’s mine!’ for being smitten with him I at once set about negotiations for his 
transfer to my loft ; but, alas ! whilst I obtained a fair promise that after the next nest of young 
he should be mine, I subsequently found out that two other of my Antwerp friends had made the 
same discovery, and had in their turn obtained also a 'fair promise ’ of full possession; indeed, 
one of these worthy Antwerp growers had put a mortgage on the bird, therefore on hearing of this 
I did not further press my claim on that naughty , zvickcd, common pigeon-flier, who, alas ! alas ! ! 
in his love for gain, did not hesitate to tamper with the keen affections of no less than three 
ardent lovers of the noble and attractive Antwerp. The bird was a very good one as a show- 
bird, and independent of that quality, he had successfully competed with all comers as a flier. 
Further, a few years ago, I had in my possession a remarkably fine hen bird, in colour what is 
known as Silver Dun. This bird was a show-bird, though a little coarse, but as a flier she was a 
wonder, being the winner of ten matches from Paris to Brussels, and had upon her leg a ring or 
ferrule, upon which was recorded the number of her victories. So that it will be seen the Short- 
faced Show Antwerps may be successfully trained as ordinary fliers, and that amongst the number 
are some cr/raordinary performers. 
“ I will now describe the characteristics of the Show Antwerp in perfect birds. Before 
doing so I will say that there are four recognised kinds : first, ‘ Silver Dun,’ or 'Mealy;' second, 
Red Chequers; third, Blue Chequers ; fourth, Blues ; and although I always object to show a bias 
or preference for one kind more than another, I think they should be placed in the order of 
merit I have arranged them : then follow four other sorts, which are offshoots of the afore- 
named — Silvers, Silver Chequers, Crcamics, and Blacks. The colour-properties of each individual 
sort I shall describe further on. I will now consider their general formation and points of merit, 
which applies to the whole lot. 
“ First, then, the Antwerp should be of good size, as boldness and vigour are desirable features. 
The smaller birds either too oft reveal their Owly origin, or else indicate a delicate and used-up 
constitution. The head should be large and massive ; the skull wide, and free from an angular 
appearance when viewed at any point ; but the head should be of a big, elongated, or oval shape, 
composed of a clear but gradual curve from base of skull to tip of beak, across from eye to eye, 
without gaps or hollows whatsoever, but should run in one clear, continuous sweep, in which curve 
should be included wart and beak, in an even, unbroken line. The beak wart should be large, and 
well raised up, and inclining forwards, no matter how large, so that it be not uneven, ragged, or 
lop-sided, but a fair division from its centre, and kept well within the prescribed curve of head and 
beak. The lower mandible, too, should be amply furnished with an even-shaped, warty substance, 
running along the mouth-line down to lower jaw, to match the w r arty nostrils, and thus form 
an acute, wedge-shaped frontispiece, when either seen at front or profile view. The beak must 
be short, thick, and close-fitting, and of the bullfinch character, hard and strong, both mandibles 
