The Runt. 
367 
those pigeons are as big as fowls !” Single birds under two pounds weight are rarely shown ; and 
two pounds and a half is far from uncommon ; but the larger and heavier they are, the more 
unsightly they become to the eyes of the average fancier, while they have no “ properties,” as he 
calls them, to counterbalance this. 
Moore and others speak of a “ Friesland ” Runt, with curled feathers ; but these are said to 
have been inferior in size, and are evidently only a cross with the Frillback pigeon. 
The head of the Runt is the ordinary or dove-house pigeon shape, the same as seen in large 
coarse Pouters, especially when old. The colours are usually now Blue and Silver ; and some 
general symmetry and goodness of colour may be taken a little account of in judging, but size and 
Fig. 69. — Leghorn Runt (from Eaton). 
weight are the grand points. Of late there certainly has been a perceptible increase in the number 
of Runts shown, but we can scarcely expect it will ever be a popular pigeon. The Leghorn Runt, 
with its well-marked outline and carriage, would, we think, have a better chance. 
The bodily strength of the Runt is in proportion to its size, on which account it is better they 
should be kept by themselves ; for in case of conflict they are able to maul about smaller birds 
terribly, and often do it, too. We once had a Roman or Leghorn Runt which possessed not only 
the properties above described, but was a really well-marked Black-mottle, precisely similar to the 
mottle in a Tumbler, and as accurately disposed as if painted. This bird weighed two and three- 
quarter pounds, and from the appearance of its head might have been nearly as old as its owner. 
It had, however, in the course of its long and no doubt useful life, acquired the art of effectually 
choking all smaller birds it could get hold of at bed-time; and cost us so much in this way that we 
were obliged to perform the same operation for its own benefit, and thus terminate our acquaintance 
with the last specimen we ever had, or are perhaps likely to have, of the Roman or Leghorn Runt. 
It was a remarkable-looking pigeon ; and could we renew the strain, we should have little doubt of 
its popularity. 
