The Illustrated Book of Plgeons. 
2 66 
until the desired amalgamation is obtained ; for, as I have said, we cannot work long successfully 
at a perfect pair, we must work up to it ; and this can only be done by taking into consideration 
the individual merits and descetit of the stock upon which we may practise. 
“ Some Antwerps develop at a much earlier period than others. I have invariably found that 
those which look the best the first year are those pretty Owly sort which are often fully developed 
at eighteen months, whereas most of the very best birds , ah ! I may say all the crack birds which 
have come under my observation, have continued to develop until the fifth or sixth year, at which 
time the massive head will have reached its desired proportions. What numbers of fanciers 
in their selection have been deluded by the term 'Short-face !' and have chosen those early, 
ripe, pretty, attractive, Short-faced, but imperfect specimens, which are fully-blown at the 
early age of say two years, at which time the best birds are just commencing to develop with 
speed and certainty. The best birds, then, are not those with the shortest head, for upon their 
neat little beaks there is not space for the growth of the proper amount of beak ‘ wart,’ which is so 
desirable a feature. Therefore it is a mistake to make choice of the shortest-headed youngsters. 
Such birds are useful stock birds, for mating with birds of a heavier and coarser type, and from 
such the happy medium is obtained ; but the promising young Antwerp should have a head of 
medium length, and of good width to start with, for the skull does not grow much ; the beak also 
must be thick and strong, for this feature, if not good in the beginning of life, never grows to the 
desired proportions, so that this part must be good from the nest, and when it is so, we may 
expect there is a good prospect and fair foundation for an abundant growth of wattle thereon. The 
nostrils should be full and extend well along the beak ; and although the beak may look rather too 
long the first year, still in the course of time those parts will fill up, for they are just the features 
which do grow if there is sufficient space for development. So that, in making selection of young 
stock, we should have at once the points which do not materially increase, and at least discern a 
probable development of those features which grow only in the course of time. One good feature 
I think I have omitted to mention, viz., that the head feathers of a well-developed bird should be 
rather of a rough, disordered texture, diverging from the base of the beak-wattle towards the centre 
of top part of head. This causes a fulness which considerably enhances the appearance of the bird, 
and in mere unfledged nestlings there should be a sort of tuft of yellow down which indicates a 
probable realisation of this property when at maturity. 
“The Antwerp is a strong, hardy, and prolific variety, but, like all other kinds, is subjected 
to similar diseases, through which they (as others) must pass, earlier or later, in life ; but once 
safely landed over these inevitable maladies, the Antwerp will attain a good old age. I have at 
the present time some veterans who have survived the dangers of many trying seasons. I know of 
several birds whose ages range from fifteen to twenty-two years, and most of these are useful stock- 
producers at the present time.' And as for the value of Antwerps, I may say that, although they 
have become so numerous, the best birds command nearly as high a price as any other kind. They 
are a variety which I am prepared to admit are not at first sight of prepossessing appearance. I 
have heard them decried by many who now keep them. The fancy for this kind is one that grows 
upon one. There’s no ‘love at first sight’ — no sudden ‘awakening passion’ for them. They must 
be kept for a time to be appreciated, but need not be kept long (by those who like pigeons), ere 
a strong feeling of admiration for them is engendered.” 
We have very little to add to the foregoing very full notes. As regards the Short-face 
proper we have indeed no remark to make at all, except that we know the Barb has been used by 
some fanciers to produce exhibition birds. Not that we place any reliance upon red cere or pearl 
