feathers in the genus Columba is 12; but
Fantails have from only 12 (as has been asserted) up to, according to
MM. Boitard and Corbie, 42. I have counted in one of my own birds 33,
and at Calcutta Mr. Blyth[286] has counted in an _imperfect_ tail 34
feathers. In Madras, as I am informed by Sir W. Elliot, 32 is the
standard number; but in England number is much less valued than the
position and expansion of the tail. The feathers are arranged in an
irregular double row; their permanent expansion, like a fan, and their
upward direction, are more remarkable characters than their increased
number. The tail is capable of the same movements as in other pigeons,
and can be depressed so as to sweep the ground. It arises from a more
expanded basis than in {147} other pigeons; and in three skeletons
there were one or two extra coccygeal vertebrae. I have examined many
specimens of various colours from different countries, and there was no
trace of the oil-gland; this is a curious case of abortion.[287] The
neck is thin and bowed {148} backwards. The breast is broad and
protuberant. The feet are small. The carriage of the bird is very
different from that of other pigeons; in good birds the head touches
the tail-feathers, which consequently often become crumpled. They
habitually tremble much; and their necks have an extraordinary,
apparently convulsive, backward and forward movement. Good birds walk
in a singular manner, as if their small feet were stiff. Owing to their
large tails, they fly badly on a windy day. The dark-coloured varieties
are generally larger than white Fantails.

Although between the best and common Fantails, now existing in England,
there is a vast difference in the position and size of the tail, in the
carriage of the head and neck, in the convulsive movements of the neck,
in the manner of walking, and in the breadth of the breast, the
differences so graduate away, that it is impossible to make more than
one sub-race. Moore, however, an excellent old authority,[288] says,
that in 1735 there were two sorts of broad-tailed shakers (_i.e._
fantails), "one having a neck much longer and more slender than the
other;" and I am informed by Mr. B. P. Brent that there is an existing
German Fantail with a thicker and shorter beak.

_Sub-race II. Java Fantail._--Mr. Swinhoe sent me from Am