The Horjemän Pigeon.
Numb. XLV.
TH E S E Pigeons are of a baftard Breed, between the Carrier and
Cropper, and fometimes the Carrier and Runt, retaining the Marks
of both Sorts, having the flelhy Excrefcences on the Bafe of the Bill, and
round the Eyes; their Crop a little fwollen; the Irides of the Eyes
of a beautiful orange Colour inclining to red.
This Bird was of a dark blueiih Aih-colour; the upper Part of the
Neck, as it was diverily objetfed to the Light, did exhibit to the Beholder
various and ihining Colours like thofe of the Rainbow: the
Crop was white intermixed with pale green; the outer quill Feathers
of the Wings were half way white, the lower half black with white
Edges: the firft Row of Coverts tipt with black, the fecond Row of
Coverts had a black Stripe aCrofs them, ending in a Point towards the
outer Edge of the Wing; the Tail was compofed of twelve black
Feathers about four Inches and a half long.
The Legs and Feet were red. Thefe Pigeons are faid to be the beft
Breeders of all the Pigeon Kind, as I have experienced by keeping them
feveral Years. They are very apt to decoy other Pigeons, and is often
pra&ifed by our London Pigeon-Merchants. They take the Cock as
foon as the Young is hatched, and carrying him where there is any
Dove-Houfes, they throw him up, and he will, by taking turns about,
be fure to carry off fome of the Pigeons from the Place, or if he meet
any in his Way, he will endeavour to take them with him.