General Formation. 
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even with alien blood, invariably leave unmistakable traces of their characteristics, which shows 
clearly enough to those who have had experience with them that their special points of excellence 
have been thoroughly well established, and that too upon a wise and systematic course of proce- 
dure. But the origin of these beautiful birds is not positively known, even by those who have 
persistently stuck to them and bred them for half a century or more. Not that it is a difficult 
matter to arrive at a reasonable hypothesis, in the face of many surrounding facts ; however, I shall 
consider this point further on in these notes, but I have in some degree thus digressed, in order to 
assure those who regard the ‘Satinette’ or ‘ Blondinette’ and their immediate offshoots as mere freaks 
of Nature, of the perfect establishment of these kinds of pigeons as a distinct and permanent variety. 
But we must remember that these pencilled varieties reveal the wonderful embodiment of three or 
more colours, arranged in perfect and marvellous order and regularity upon every feather which should 
be coloured. Therefore, in order to secure this remarkable variegation in regularity and unison, the 
colour must necessarily have been infused at the outset by a judicious and complete system of 
crossing and blending the various coloured specimens which bear the stamp and image in points of 
formation of one kind ; and this being the case, variation of tint and beauty, or light and dark 
spangling or lacing, will naturally occur as a matter of course. Were it not so, from a breeder’s 
point of view it would be rather deplorable than otherwise ; for it is by the reversionary course of 
nature that we are permitted to see and to ascertain whether we have an equality of colour admix- 
ture, or what element, if any, is wanted for infusion, so that by its addition the perfect equalisation 
of the various shades may be embodied in the perfect bird. By reason of this unity of colours, and 
this tri-coloured variegated plumage, it follows, as a natural sequence, that however fitful any change 
maybe, however strange and diversified may be the sports of Nature in these variegated gems, it is 
gratifying to know that she always sports in a pleasant fashion, and although (as with any other 
breed) we cannot positively foretell the marvellous inner workings of Nature, still we can generally 
pretty nearly predict about what we may get, and alivays rely upon something pretty arising out 
of a wise course of study with these most interesting birds 
GENERAL FORMATION OF ALL THE FRILLED VARIETIES. 
“Size, rather larger than British Turbits. Form, plump and compact. Head, of good size 
and round, being of one continued curve from neck to the nostrils, and from eye to eye, no inequa- 
lities observable. The cheek or lower jaw full. The ‘gullet’ or ‘dewlap’ full and conspicuous, 
commencing as near as possible from the tip of under beak, and extending as low as possible down 
the fore part of neck, at which point the frill projects. The neck should be of good length, and 
well arched. The beak short, strong, and inclining downwards, and should also be within the 
same curve or sweep, of head and neck. 
“ The shoulders broad, and the body acutely tapered. The legs long, and completely covered 
with short feathers, which should also extend right to the nails, entirely hiding from view both legs 
and feet, presenting a perfectly grouse-feathered appearance. The carriage is erect, and the move- 
ments of a dignified yet conceited bearing. 
“ As I have said, the foregoing general remarks apply to each kind of the frilled varieties ; any 
variation in size of the specimens is not a matter of much moment, but I may here state that 
the larger birds are preferred in their native country, as presenting a bolder appearance, and as 
having also a stronger and more vigorous constitution. As these birds are esteemed, in a measure, 
for their flying properties as well as their beauty, bodily vigour is an additional acquisition. 
“ I will now describe in detail the sub-varieties, commencing with the Satinette, which may be 
regarded as the foundation upon which man) - , nay, most of the other kinds, have been raised. The 
