Princes, poets, prelates, judges, and ladies of high degree have been in the ranks of the pigeon fancier during ages past, for pigeon fancy antedates the Christian era, and we have record that they took keen pleasure in their pigeon lofts and the company of their birds. The results these great people accomplished appear marvelous when we examine the various breeds that have sprung, as Darwin assures us, from the parent stock of the rock-pigeon, or Wild pigeon, of Europe and North Africa. It was love for their birds that enabled them to accomplish these results, that gave them the patience to persevere through discouragements. Gentleness, kindness, and patience are the first requisites for the pigeon raiser to possess, coupled with a clear, methodical business head.