Author: John Matthews Eaton

Publisher:

Published: 2015-08-05

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9781332219155

Excerpt from A Treatise on the Art of Breeding and Managing the Almond Tumbler The study and science of the Almond Tumbler is productive of a great amount of pleasure, and in the present day there are many gentlemen of highly cultivated minds, have proved by their engagement in the breeding and rearing, sparing neither pains or expense, have fostered and cultivated, with the utmost care, this truly beautiful pigeon called the Almond Tumbler. That it is a science well worthy the attention of those who might be induced to engage in this delightful recreation or fancy. My object in publishing this Treatise on the breeding and rearing the Almond Tumbler.is to plaoeit in the hands of the young Fancier, who is desirous of cultivating a knowledge, and endeavouring still further to improve their beauties; at the same time, I am fully sensible that there is not a copy of a work, worthy to be placed in the hands of the young Fancier, can be obtained without the utmost difficulty, owing to their being out of print. At one time I should have hesitated at the thought of writing upon so difficult a subject, for it requires a very nice judgment to form a true estimate of the Almond Tumbler; and, it must be confessed, they labour under the greatest disadvantage in not having their perfections and properties properly understood by the gentlemen of the Pigeon Fancy in general. Being fully aware of the great disadvantages that some of the young Fanciers residing in some parts of the country labour under, not having the advantages of attending societies and seeing and examining the birds that are put into the penns on show days, and joining in cheerful conversation with experienced Fanciers, who are both able and willing to instruct, by pointing out what are good properties and what are bad in a bird; under these circumstances this treatise will not be unacceptable to the young Fancier, provided he has made up his mind to be a Fancier and rank A.1.; he must carefully read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest what is written in this treatise, to guide his judgment, for as there is no royal road to learning, so there is no possibility of gaining a thorough knowledge of the Almond Tumbler but from long study and experience. I shall here endeavour to rivet, as it were, on the minds of those whowill engage in this delightful study, some great facts; the first thing especially to be attended to, is the selection of really good birds they should be young, healthy, vigorous, and bred from as pure and good a stud or strain as can be obtained. From the highly artificial state of the Almond Tumbler in the present day, there is a tendency to degenerate, or throw back, as it is termed in the Fancy. For even when good birds are put together, they do not invariably throw birds equal to those they are bred from; but if inferior birds are matched together, the produce must necessarily be unworthy the attention of a Fancier. Nonpareils will not always produce nonpareils, but nonpareils cannot be expected from inferior birds. Much attention and great care are necessary with these birds to insure success; especially if the young Fancier raises a standard in his mind to surpass those who have tried before him, and has made up his mind not to rank second best; but the satisfaction of producing the best bird must be very great, and will amply repay him for all the care and labour that has been expended. There are many gentlemen now engaged in breeding and rearing the Almond Tumbler, and the amateur has an opportunity of obtaining superior birds to commence with, ana which is so indispensable to insure success. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com