the dozen. Less than 15 per cent. ran under eight pounds to the dozen
last year. They breed plump, broad-breasted squabs and do not eat more
than the average homer. The squabs are ready for market in four weeks
from the time hatched, and if kept for breeding, they commence mating
in three months; being one of the quickest birds to mature.

A small start with good birds is the foundation of success. A fine
flock can be built up from a few good pairs, but poor stock will soon
discourage anyone and do harm to the business.

Next to P. V. Homers, we believe the P. V. Carneaux are the best. These
birds breed a nine, ten, eleven and twelve pound to the dozen squab,
and always a beautifully-shaped and white-meated squab. Of course,
these fine, large birds will eat more than homers and the squabs will
take a little longer to mature, but if you are in a locality to command
a high price or sell them retail, you cannot go wrong in having a few
pairs. These birds are particularly tame and can easily be made into
pets.

I believe firmly, that for profitable squab raising these two breeds of
pigeons are decidedly the best choice, although there are other good
birds for squab raising, such as Mondaines, Royal Whites, White Kings,
and Maltese Hen Pigeons.

We have most of these birds for show purposes, but we will not go into
detail, as we feel that P. V. Homers and Carneaux are really the best
utility breeders.

A word of caution might well be put in here against buying cheap birds.
They are never worth any more than you will pay for them, and many are
only fit for eating purposes along with common pigeons.

Our method of shipping birds enables them to arrive in first-class
condition over very long distances. The birds are packed in strong,
light cases with a partition to separate the males and females. A bag
of feed and drinking cup go with each case. Instructions are sent with
each order for feeding and watering while in transit.

Your attention must now be given to preparing the pen for the
pigeons:--

Close all openings into the aviary and see that the drinking pan or
fountain is filled with fresh water. Shake a few tobacco stems loosely
in a pile under the window or else in a corner. The grit box should be
half filled with a good prepared pigeon grit; Red Cross grit is as good
as any and contains all the necessary ingredients for the birds. A
little feed should now be put in trough. A small handful for each pair,
is su