PIGEONS. 
101 | 
with them. When any strays are taken in the trap, they are 
killed for the table, unless called for and claimed by their 
owners, within twenty-four hours after their capture, and a 
trifling sum may then be demanded for trappage. 
To ensure the purity of any particular kind, the young males, 
as soon as they show symptoms of maturity, which may be 
known by particular gesticulations and their cooing notes, are 
placed apart in a chamber appropriated for the purpose, with a 
female of the same variety. Here they remain till a mutual 
attachment has taken place, after which, they may be returned 
to the general aviary, or dove house; for, when once an 
alliance is effected, it generally continues undissolved and 
inviolate till the death or removal of one of the parties; on 
which account many different varieties may be kept in the 
same aviary, or associated together in one building, without 
much apprehension of having a contaminated breed. 
For mating, or coupling pigeons, it is a good plan to build 
two cots, divided only by a lath partition, by which means the 
birds will see each other, and may feed out of the same little 
vessels; when, by giving them plenty of hemp seed, they will 
soon be fit for mating. When the hen sweeps her tail, put her 
in the cock’s pen, and they will readily agree. Where it is 
not convenient to make this probationary pen, and you are 
obliged to place them both in one coop, put the cock in a few 
days before his mate, that he may get accustomed to it, and 
feel himself master, especially if the hen be high spirited; else 
they will quarrel so fiercely, that their disputes will terminate 
in a total dislike to one another. 
When the pigeons are comfortably matched, allow them the 
full run of the loft, to select a nest for themselves; or choose a 
nest for them, and inclose them in it for several days, by means 
of a slight lath railing, giving them an abundant supply of 
food and water during the whole time. Both male and female 
engage in the construction of the nest, and relieve each other 
in the task of incubation. Two eggs only are laid, and the 
young are hatched blind, naked, and helpless, and sedulously 
fed and cherished by both parents. Several pairs of young 
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