322 
The Illustrated Booh of Plgeons. 
have known them to be twenty-five years ago, and I am informed they were known the same by 
the oldest fanciers. Perfect Jacobins were also kept, but never crossed with this breed, because 
they* already possessed the only property which these birds could be desired to impart, viz., the 
round head with short and proportionate beak, which characteristics are greatly wanted in the 
present British Jacobin, with which on this account I think they may be advantageously crossed. 
They have an excellent carriage, with rather drooping wings, full chest, and a most remarkable, 
really white eye, which contrasts admirably with their glossy raven black feathers. The cere of the 
eye is of a purple-black colour, the beak and nails also black. They are excellent breeders and 
feeders. There are also Blue Capuchins with black bars and white tails, and pure Whites.” 
