p their bodies clear of vermin.

BREEDING PIGEONS.--In breeding pigeons, it is necessary to match
a cock and hen, and shut them up together, or place them near to
each other, and in the course of a day or two there is little
doubt of their mating. Various rules have been laid down for the
purpose of assisting to distinguish the cock from the hen
pigeon; but the masculine forwardness and action of the cock is
generally so remarkable, that he is easily ascertained. The
pigeon being monogamous, the male attaches and confines himself
to one female, and the attachment is reciprocal, and the
fidelity of the dove to its mate is proverbial. At the age of
six months, young pigeons are termed squeakers, and then begin
to breed, when properly managed. Their courtship, and the
well-known tone of voice in the cock, just then acquired and
commencing, are indications of their approaching union.
Nestlings, while fed by cock and hen, are termed squabs, and
are, at that age, sold and used for the table. The dove-house
pigeon is said to breed monthly, when well supplied with food.
At all events, it may be depended on, that pigeons of almost any
healthy and well-established variety will breed eight or nine
times in the year; whence it may readily be conceived how vast
are the numbers that may be raised.

[Illustration: CARRIER PIGEONS.]

THE CARRIER PIGEON.--Without doubt the carrier is entitled to
rank first in the pigeon family, with the exception, perhaps, of
the blue-rock pigeons. No domestic fowl can be traced to so
remote an antiquity. When Greece was in its glory, carrier
pigeons were used to convey to distant parts the names of the
victors at the Olympian games. During the holy war, when Acre
was besieged by King Richard, Saladin habitually corresponded
with the besieged by means of carrier pigeons. A shaft from an
English crossbow, however, happened to bring one of those
feathered messengers to the ground, and the stratagem was
discovered, the design of the Saracens revealed, and so turned
against the designers, that Acre was in the hands of the
Christians before the wily Saladin dreamt of such a thing.

PIGEON PIE (Epsom Grand-Stand Recipe).

975. INGREDIENTS.--1-1/2 lb. of rump-steak, 2 or 3 pigeons, 3 slices of
ham, pepper and salt to taste, 2 oz. of butter, 4 eggs, puff crust.

_Mode_.