[2] Mr. B. P. Brent, well known for his various contributions to poultry literature, has aided me in every way during several years: so has Mr. Tegetmeier, with unwearied kindness. This latter gentleman, who is well known for his works on poultry, and who has largely bred pigeons, has looked over this and the following chapters. Mr. Bult formerly showed me his unrivalled collection of Pouters, and gave me specimens. I had access to Mr. Wicking’s collection, which contained a greater assortment of kinds than could anywhere else be seen; and he has always aided me with specimens and information given in the freest manner. Mr. Haynes and Mr. Corker have given me specimens of their magnificent Carriers. To Mr. Harrison Weir I am likewise indebted. Nor must I by any means pass over the assistance received from Mr. J. M. Eaton, Mr. Baker, Mr. Evans, and Mr. J. Baily, jun., of Mount-street—to the latter gentleman I have been indebted for some valuable specimens. To all these gentlemen I beg permission to return my sincere and cordial thanks.
[3] ‘Les Pigeons de Volière et de Colombier’ Paris 1824. During forty-five years the sole occupation of M. Corbié was the care of the pigeons belonging to the Duchess of Berry. Bonizzi has described a large number of coloured varieties in Italy: ‘Le variazioni dei colombi Domestici,’ Padova, 1873.
[4] ‘Coup d’Oeil sur l’Ordre des Pigeons’ par Prince C. L. Bonaparte, Paris, 1855. This author makes 288 species, ranked under 85 genera.
[5] As I so often refer to the size of the _C. livia,_ or rock-pigeon, it may be convenient to give the mean between the measurements of two wild birds, kindly sent me by Dr. Edmondstone from the Shetland Islands.
Inches From feathered base of beak to end of tail: 14·25 From feathered base of beak to oil-gland: 9·50 From tip of beak to end of tail: 15·02 Of tail-feathers: 4·62 From tip to tip of wing: 26·75 Of folded wing: 9·25 Beak: Length from tip of beak to feathered base: ·77 Thickness, measured vertically at distal end of nostrils: ·23 Breadth, measured at same place: ·16 Feet: From end of middle toe (without claw) to distal end of tibia: 2·77 From end of middle toe to end of hind toe (without claws): 2·02 Weight: 14-1/4 ounces.