inual commotion by domineering
over the weaker inmates. They breed tolerably well, however, and
are valuable for the table. There is both the Leghorn and the
Spanish Runt, variously plumaged; but when red, white, or black
mottled, are most highly esteemed. One of the great advantages
connected with the Runt is, that he is not likely to fly away
from home. Being heavy birds, they find it difficult, when well
fed, to mount even to a low housetop. Again, they require no
loft, or special dwelling-place, but, if properly tended, will
be perfectly satisfied, and thrive as well, in a rabbit-hutch as
any where. Their flavour is very good; and it is not an uncommon
thing for a squeaker Runt to exceed a pound and a quarter in
weight.

[Illustration: NUN PIGEONS.]

THE NUN PIGEON.--The Tumbler bears a strong resemblance to this
variety, which is characterized by a tuft of feathers rising
from the back of the head, and which, on the whole, is an
extremely pretty little bird. According to the colour of the
head, it is called the red, black, or yellow-headed Nun. To be a
perfect bird, it should have a small head and beak; and the
larger the tuft at the back of his head, the handsomer the bird
is esteemed, and proportionately valuable in the eyes of
pigeon-fanciers.

[Illustration: TRUMPETER PIGEONS.]

THE TRUMPETER PIGEON.--From the circumstance of this bird
imitating the sound of a trumpet, instead of cooing, like other
pigeons, it has received its designation. It is of the middle
size, having its legs and feet covered with feathers, and its
plumage generally of a mottled black-and-white. It has a tuft
springing from the root of its beak, and the larger this topknot
is, the higher the estimation in which the breed is held. In
their powers of trumpeting some are more expert than others; and
whether this has any effect in influencing their own estimate of
themselves, we cannot say; but they are rather select in the
choice of their company. If two of them are put in a
pigeon-house with other doves, it will be found that they
confine their association almost entirely to each other. As much
as two guineas have been paid for a well-trained docile bird of
this kind.

[Illustration: WOOD-PIGEON.]

THE WOOD, OR WILD PIGEON.--Buffon enumerates upwards of thirty
varieties of the pigeo