e very valuable specimens from
Persia; and H.M. Consul, Mr. Keith Abbott, has given me information on the
pigeons of the same country. I am deeply indebted to Sir Walter Elliot for
an immense collection of skins from Madras, with much information regarding
them. Mr. Blyth has freely communicated to me his stores of knowledge on
this and all other related subjects. The Rajah Sir James Brooke sent me
specimens from Borneo, as has H.M. Consul, Mr. Swinhoe, from Amoy in China,
and Dr. Daniell from the west coast of Africa.

[276] 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 many
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.

[277] 'Les Pigeons de Voliere et de Colombier,' Paris, 1824. During
forty-five years the sole occupation of M. Corbie was the care of the
pigeons belonging to the Duchess of Berry.

[278] 'Coup d'Oeil sur l'Ordre des Pigeons,' par Prince C. L. Bonaparte,
Paris, 1855. This author makes 288 species, ranked under 85 genera.

[279] 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.
Length from feathered base of beak to end of tail 14.25
" " " " to oil-gland 9.5
" from tip of beak to end of tail 15.02
" of tail-feathers