PIGEONS, MANAGEMENT. 
555 
There is a variety of corn now grown with a small, round kernel, 
about the size of a medium pea, known as Kaffir corn; this, on account 
of its size, is far preferable to the ordinary corn sold for food, as it is 
easi y swallowed by the smallest pigeon and has all the fattening 
and heating qualities of the larger variety. It is of comparatively 
recent introduction, and is probably not yet known in some sections 
of the country; but when it does become generally known it will, with- 
out doubt, supplant all other varieties of corn as a food for pigeons. 
All grain fed to pigeons should be thoroughly dried and seasoned. 
New grain is sure to cause indigestion with its attending derange- 
ment of the bowels, such as diarrhea and dysentery, and consequently 
is to be avoided as a dangerous foe. especially to high-class pigeons. 
Pigeons flying at liberty, such as the common birds seen about the 
farm and country villages, fly to the recently-harvested fields and 
seem to eat the new grain with impunity. But this must be because 
of their hardihood arising from their free and natural manner of life. 
The fancy pigeon, living as it does in confinement and under artificial 
conditions, does not seem to have the digestive power necessary to as- 
similate and dispose of the crude, unripened grain, and, therefore, 
needs to be protected, and fed only such material as it can properly 
dispose 6f, and such as will guard against the weakening diseases 
mentioned. 
Hemp and canary seed are included in the list of grains and seeds 
recommended, but it is not advisable to feed these in the liberal manner 
that wheat, peas, or corn can be fed, but more as a dainty and occa- 
sional treat. An occasional handful given through the week will be 
very much enjoyed, and, if properly distributed, will be found very 
influential in removing timidity and causing your visits to the loft to 
be welcomed and appreciated. 
While not regarded as a food, a supply of grit and oyster shells 
is almost as much of a necessity to pigeons in confinement as grain, 
and so every well-ordered loft has its boxes of grit and shell. The 
frequency with which they are emptied shows that they are a necessity. 
Salt and salt-cat are also necessary adjuncts to the food supply, 
and to be without either is to deprive the pigeons of a luxury, and to 
invite disease; for these articles, placed where they can be partaken of 
at will, will do much to keep the birds in good health and to ward off 
many of the diseases liable to attack pigeons kept in confinement. 
Supplied with these condiments and such food as has been mentioned, 
and a constant supply of fresh water, there is no reason why pigeons 
should not breed well, keep in good health, and multiply. 
Popular Varieties of Pigeons. 
The most popular varieties of pigeons are the Fantails, Jacobins, 
Pouters, Archangels, Turbits, Antwerps, Carriers, Trumpeters, Mag- 
pies, and Tumblers. 
In the Fantail we recognize a most beautiful creature, and one 
that is a general favorite. The Fantail, as its name implies, is so 
