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CHAPTER XXVIII. 
THE ARCHANGEL. 
THIS pigeon is a comparatively modern introduction; the first time it is mentioned in any 
published work being in Dixon’s “The Dovecote and Aviary,” published in 1851. The only 
apparently authoritative statement as to its origin we have seen is that furnished by Mr. S. C. 
Betty to Mr. Tegetmeier. Mr. Betty relates how he was informed by Mr. Frank Redmond, that 
being in Ghent in 1839, and selecting some pigeons for the late Sir John Sebright, he there saw 
these pigeons for the first time, and was informed they had been recently introduced from Russia. 
Having procured a pair, Sir John bred them, the birds at his death being dispersed, many falling 
into the hands of the Earl of Derby.* As there really appears no reason to discredit the only 
account that even professes to relate how this beautiful variety was first introduced into England, 
we shall, until better evidence offers, accept it as to the origin of the Archangel — at least, so far 
as regards the locality from whence it came to us ; whether really imported from Russia in the first 
place there is less evidence to show. The name may perhaps be held to favour such a northern 
origin, though there is no trace of the bird at Archangel itself ; hence it has puzzled many, 
though some have supposed the term given on account of the peculiar and glowing lustre, which 
differs from that of all other pigeons. 
We have not had very much actual experience of the Archangel pigeon ; and, indeed, though 
the bird has always been much admired by the “Toy” fanciers, we know very few who have bred 
it for any length of time, good birds having been scarce and difficult to procure. Of late, however, 
there has been a perceptible increase both of stock, average quality, and popularity ; more 
exhibitions providing special classes for the breed, and those classes being also much better filled. 
So that we may shortly hope to see this beautiful pigeon more plentiful, and the few faults that 
remain to be vanquished in its breeding overcome by the fancier. 
The head and beak of the Archangel should much resemble in shape those of the Turtle Dove, 
but with more substance or thickness, and we consider should be dark, though not black. The eye 
is often seen of a pearl or very light colour, but should be a deep orange red ; but before single 
birds became the fashion at shows, and when pairs had therefore to be shown, it was rare indeed 
to find two birds, however good in other points, that matched properly in the colour of the eyes 
and beaks. At the back of the head is a peak or crest, but of quite a different shape to that of the 
Turbit, although similarly termed a peak-crest. It is rather the sort of sharp point that is wished. 
for in the Turbit, but appearing much sharper through having no fulness, ridge, or mane behind or 
beneath it, the peak thus coming to a sort of needle-point. It is wonderful how perfect this 
property can be found in birds of good strain ; and yet in pairs it is very difficult to get the same 
length and development in both birds. The general shape or appearance of the bird is very 
“ Pigeons,” page 16^ 
