CHAPTER XXIV. 
SWIFTS, LAHORES, BURMESE, SCANDAROONS. 
The above four varieties, being all of Eastern origin, can best be collected in one chapter, 
though differing very widely in character. They are perhaps as distinct in characteristics as any 
pigeons, and deserve to be better known. We are therefore much indebted to Mr. J. W. Ludlow, 
of Birmingham, who has supplied the following full notes on these interesting breeds : — 
SWIFTS. 
“These are so named by reason of the strong general resemblance in formation to the variety 
of Martin or Swallow tribe which bears that name. . They are Asiatics, or, as I believe, more 
particularly speaking, of Indian origin, although it is known for certain that they have also 
been pretty well appreciated and cultivated in Cairo and Alexandria, and it is from this latter 
place, in fact, that the largest number and the best of specimens have been imported into Great 
Britain — hence the name '■Egyptian' Swift. 
“ The first birds of this kind which I remember to have seen in this country was a pair of 
bronzy birds exhibited at Bingley Hall, Birmingham, in, I think, the year 1862 ; but two years 
subsequently a good number of them were brought from Egypt direct to Birmingham by a 
coloured sailor, steward of one of the Mediterranean line of steamers, who procured them for a 
Mr. John Morris, of Birmingham, who, not being a pigeon fancier, shortly afterwards disposed of 
them to Mr. H. P. Caridia, also of Birmingham, in whose cote I saw them. The lot were 
shortly afterwards sold for small sums, distributed about, and soon became occupants of the show- 
pen, created a temporary sensation, scored many victories, increased greatly in value, had their 
day, and departed ; leaving but very few thoroughbred issue behind them. 
“ There are Swifts of various colours and markings — Blues, Chequers, Almond-feathered, 
light and dark, and as our Almond Splash. Mottles there are, and also such as are seen in the 
illustrations — a sort of chocolate body-colour, with yellowish cast thereon, the head being dark, 
with neck of yellowish buff tint ; and amongst the imported lot of which I have spoken there was 
an old cock and young hen of this peculiar and uncommon colour a perfect match. This pair 
was successfully shown by Mr. Yardley of Birmingham, Mr. Sturgess of Leicester, and F. H. 
Paget, Esq., of Birstall, from whom I purchased them in their declining years ; and at my place 
they succumbed to the last trying winter ordeal at a good ripe old age ; the cock being an old 
stager upon reaching these shores in 1864: both died in the early part of last year (1875). 
This pair had become sterile long before coming into my possession, but previously the hen, I 
believe, bred pretty freely with any mate with which she was placed ; unfortunately the majority 
of issue from these imported ones were cross-breds, the peculiar wing characteristics of which 
may be clearly traced in the lofts of former owners of some of these birds. 
“ In formation they are as follows : — Head, small and round. Eye, large, and of a cloudy or 
rusty yellowish admixture, conspicuous by its dinginess. Eyelash, small, fleshy-coloured, and circular. 
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