|
xpanded and in full display. This
power of erecting and spreading the tail is not confined to the
male bird alone: the female possesses the same power to an equal
extent, and otherwise resembles the male in every respect. It is
not very prolific, and seldom succeeds so well in the aviary or
pigeon-house as most of the other kinds.
[Illustration: JACOBIN PIGEONS.]
THE JACOBIN PIGEON.--This variety, having the power to transmit
to posterity a form precisely similar, with all its peculiar
characters undiminished, is, among pigeon-fanciers, designated
as of a pure or permanent race. It is distinguished by a
remarkable ruff or frill of raised feathers, which, commencing
behind the head and proceeding down the neck and breast, forms a
kind of hood, not unlike that worn by a monk. From this
circumstance, it has obtained its Gallic name of _nonnain
capuchin_. In size it is one of the smallest of the domestic
pigeons, and its form is light and elegant. It is a very
productive species, and, having its flight considerably impeded
by the size and form of its hooded frill, keeps much at home,
and is well adapted for the aviary or other buildings where
pigeons are confined.
[Illustration: TURBIT PIGEONS.]
THE TURBIT PIGEON.--This variety bears a strong resemblance to
the Jacobin, having a kind of frill in the fore part of its
neck, occasioned by the breast-feathers lying contrariwise and
standing straight out. The species is classed in accordance with
the colour of the shoulders, similarly as the Nuns are by the
colour of their heads. Their characteristics of excellence are a
full frill, short bill, and small round head. In Germany it is
called the ruffle pigeon, in allusion to the feathers on its
breast; and it has rarely any feathers on its feet. There is a
peculiarity connected with this bird, which somewhat lowers it
in the estimation of fanciers: it seldom rears more than one at
a time, which, therefore, marks it as a bird rather for
amusement than profit.
[Illustration: BARB PIGEONS.]
THE BARB PIGEON.--The name of this variety is a contraction of
Barbary, from which country it originally comes. It is both
prolific and has excellent qualities as a nurse. The kind most
esteemed is that of one uniform colour, that of blue-black being
preferable to any other. Speckled or
|