visio® ames E Rice MEMORIAL POULTRY LIBRARY CORNELL =o UNIVERSITY Taree | THE GIFT OF . ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY NEW YorK STATE COLLEGES OF AGRICULTURE AND HoME ECONOMICS AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY ‘ornell Universit The national standard squab book. The National Standard Squab Book RICE ELMER C Photograph by Purdy, Boston The National Standard Squab Book 4 MOLLER By Ermer C. Rice 244 NOE SE. A PRACTICAL MANUAL GIVING COMPLETE AND PRECISE DIREC- TIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MANAGEMENT OF A_ SUC- CESSFUL SQUAB PLANT. FACTS FROM EXPERIENCES OF MANY HOW TO MAKE A PIGEON AND SQUAB BUSINESS PAY, DETAILS OF BUILDING, BUYING, HABITS OF BIRDS, MATING, WATERING, FEEDING, KILLING, COOL- ING, MARKETING, SHIPPING, CURING AILMENTS, AND OTHER INFORMATION Illustrated with New Sketches and Half Tone Plates from Photographs Specially Made for this Work BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 1908 Copyright’ 1901, by Elmer C. Copyright, 1902, by Elmer C. Copyright, 1903, by E-mer C. Copyright, 1904, by Elmer C. Copyright, 1905, by Elmer C. Copyright, 1906, by Elmer C. Copyright, 1907, by Elmer C. Copyright, 1908, by Elmer C. All rights reserved. -A WELL-BUILT NEST. Press of Murray and Emery Company Boston, Mass. Rice Rice Rice Rice Rice Rice Rice Preface Chapter IL, Chapter MII. Chapter IIT. Chapter . IV. Chapter V. Chapter VI. Chapter VII. Chapter VIII. Chapter IX. Chapter X. Chapter XI. Chapter XII. Supplement Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E CONTENTS Squabs Pay An Easy Start The Unit House Nest Bowls and Nests Water and Feed Laying and Hatching Increase of Flock Gilling and Cooling The Markets . Pigeons’ Ailments Getting Ahead Questions and Answers Page 11 15 21 37 45 51 63 75 79 83 93 - 101 . 113 . 139 . 153 . 169 . 185 . 227 ILLUSTRATIONS Portrait of the Author ( Frontispiece)... A Well-Built Nest. ........ 0.0... 0005 Thoroughbreds How a Back Yard may be Fixed for Pigeons Cheap but Practical Nest Boxes...... How City Dwellers without Land may Breed. SquaDsiccews es seesctencunsyc ‘Unit Squab House (with Passageway) and Flying Pen.................-. Nest Boxes Built of Lumber.......... Best Nest Box Construction.......... Interior of Squab House Showing Perches A Pretty Squab House and Flying Pen. Multiple Unit House................. Interior of Multiple Unit House....... Multiple Unit House, Ten Units, Built according to Our Plans............ Nest Bowl, Bath Pan, Drinking Foun- PAIN Cb: cisersi was wo et Ral eatnns “The only limit to the extent of such a plant is the ability of those who possess it roperly to care for and manage all its ranches ataprofit. Where there is a family of boys and girls it might be well to engage the attention of all in growing these several kinds of products, and to lend encourage- ment to each by giving him a share of the profits. Scattered all over the country are thousands of families in country places con- tinually worrying and wondering why they cannot keep their children at home. The real reason so many of the young people NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOON leave the farm is that they are compelled to work continually and never receive any portion of the income for their labor. If the parents would allow their growing families to make an equal sum of money or in propor- tion to what they can make by leaving home, there would be far less complaint on this score, All children wish to have the privilege of earning a few dollars that they may call their own.” The following paragraph is from the same paper in its report of the New York pigeon show, January, 1904: ‘There seems to be a depression in the sale of high-class pigeons. ell-favored speci- mens of the highest character still sell at top prices, but the absence of any commercial value for a large number of pigeons that are grown detracts from the numerous sales that their producers might have. If producers of the hundreds of varieties of beautiful pigeons would turn into the market as squabs the greater part of all their product that was not valuable for the exhibition room, greater returns would come for those which were saved for exhibition purposes. There is a grand stride forward in growing squabs. The combination of poultry-growing with squab-growing works well. and is being adopted by so many small farmers as to create an unusual demand for all grades of pigeons that are good for this purpose. “Tt is well for those who go into the squab business to remember that the price is graded by size and quality. During winter squabs that would average eight or nine pounds to the dozen have sold at retail in the New York market at from 35 to 40 cents each, while those which averaged two or three pounds less to the dozen sold at from 123% to 20 cents. It takes quite as much time and as much care and food to produce the small specimens that bring the lower prices as it does to pro- duce the higher grades which bring the better prices. People are beginning to find this out, and taking advantage of the knowledge, are looking about for the best quality of pigeons to produce the best market squabs.” SQUAB PIN-MONEY. The following para- graph appeared in the January, 1904, issue of the Designer, a monthly magazine for women published by the Butterick Publishing Company of New York City: “A young woman of my acquaintance has kept herself supplied with hats, boots and. gloves during the past year by selling the squabs of six paar of Homer pigeons. They require very little care, and the young are ready for market when four weeks old, My friend is so well pleased with her success that she has added seven pairs to her stock; and confidently expects to dress herself completely on the sum derived from the sale of her squabs.—M. P,” THEY FLEW HOME. A dispatch from Paris, printed by the Baltimore Sun, says: SUPPLEMENT “A man named Maraud complained to M. Brunet, Police Commissary for one of the districts on the south side of the Seine, that he had been robbed of six valuable carrier pigeons and said that one of his friends had seen them at the house of another man. “The magistrate went to the place indicated and there saw some birds, ‘How did you come by them?’ he asked of the man. ‘Oh, I bought them months ago.’ was the reply. “Well, bring them to my office,’ said Mr. Brunet. There he had a wax seal attached to each bird's leg and the birds liberated. “They flew back to Maraud’s house and an hour later the thief was on his way to the police depot in the black maria.” SQUAB INDUSTRY’S GREAT GROWTH. Address Delivered Before the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. Years ago when poultry and egg production was being first advocated extensively, there were many fears expressed that the business would be overdone, that chickens and eggs would come to be common and low priced, and the fear that there would be no money in the business no doubt kept many out of it. Nevertheless, more and more have gone into poultry and eggs year after year, and millions of dollars’ worth of both are marketed yearly. Whole communities, like Petaluma, California, are given up to poultry and eggs. Eggs got as high as sixty cents a dozen in the large cities the past winter (1904). ‘ Some people not informed as to squabs think that if many go into squab raising the prices are going to drop until there is no profit in the business, On the contrary, prices for squabs have been increasing every ear here in the East, and they are going to increase in the West in the years to come. Consumers who have read our advertising all over the country are eating squabs who never ate them before, and the effect of our advertising on the general squab market everywhere has been to boost prices. Well- to-do people who are led to get into the habit of having squabs on their tables keep on ordering them, and tell others, and thus the arket grows. mat ail the Homer breeders we have sold during the years we have been in business were concentrated in one plant, we could sell the entire squab output of that one plant to any one of a hundred commission men in one of the large cities. ; : New forse. is doing well with squabs. Other States, notably California, Iowa, Wisccnsin, Michigan and Massachusetts are producing a great many. Just what is being accomplished in New Jersey comes as a surprise to people who look upon this business as something new and untried. At_ the annual meeting of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture in January, 1904, an address was given by Mr.G.L. Gillingham on squab raising, in the course of which he said: “The production of squabs for the markets 125 of our large cities is an industry that is reach- ing considerable proportions in this State. And, although it is growing yearly, yet the prices seem to be advancing; showing that there is an unlimited demand. “The great scarcity of game all over our country compels the keepers of first-class hotels and restaurants to look for something to take its place, and at the same time be sure of a supply at all seasons of the year. There- fore they have hit upon the squab to fill this void, and now when one calls for quail on toast, or order of a similar nature, it will very often be found that the quail was raised in a pigeon loft, and is much younger, more tender and juicy than the quail would have been, could it have been secured. “This is a business that can be carried on in connection with poultry raising, and is one that may be conducted upon village lots by women and young persons, if need be, and by those whose other business takes their attention during the middle portions of the day, as the labor connected with it is not heavy. It is particularly adapted to women who wish to add something to their income. In fact, women are more apt to succeed in it than most men, as it requires close atten- tion to the little things, as it is the many little things that go to make up the final profits at the end; as women are generally more patient and thorough with small details they will be more successful. “The extent to which this business is conducted in some parts of our State may be shown by stating that in one town in Burlington County of about 3000 inhabitants, the purchase of one dealer the past year was 56,582 squabs, for which he paid $16,400; while another dealer bought perhaps a little over half as many more, bringing the aggre- gate to 86,000 squabs, for which the people of that town received nearly $25,000; while another single grower in the same county shipped from his own lofts between 13,000 and 14,000 birds. “The cost of feed and care for a working loft of pigeons is about $1 per pair per year (manure not sold). Some put it much lower, but at the present prices of feed, if proper care is given, we should not figure much lower than $1. A good pair of birds will produce from seven to ten pair of squabs per year; generally an average of not over eight pair. The prices have ranged the past year from 25 cents for the poorest, to as high as 75, 80 and 90 cents for the best. Putting the number raised at the lowest (seven pairs) and the average price at 40 cents, we have $2.80 for the $1 invested yearly after the first cost of investment for buildings, etc., which need not be expensive, according to the taste and means of the builder and the amount of capital he wishes to put into it. The houses should always be placed where the drainage is good, preferably upon a dry knoll, facing the south or southeast. Some paying lofts have been made by fitting up unused wagon- . 126 house or wood-house lofts, or over hen houses, Other houses have been constructed for poultry on the ground floor and the story above for pigeons. In this case great care must be exercised to have the floor well laid with planed and grooved flooring, to keep vermin from passing up from the poultry. “Very large flocks should not be kept in one room. From 50 to 100 pairs a1e enough to keep together for the best results, preferably the former. A room 10x 12 is ample for 50 pairs of working birds. house may be built of any desired length, 12 feet wide and divided into apartments of the above size by wire partitions with doors hung on spring hinges, to facilitate passing through in feeding. “These .houses_ should have windows on the south, of sufficient size to afford ample light in all parts of the house and no more, as too much glass makes the house too cold on the winter nights. “As each pair requires two nests, as they are generally sitting in one while raising young in the other, there should be twice as many nests as pairs of birds, with eighteen to twenty to spare, that they may take their choice. “The period of incubation is eighteen days, the hen bird sitting on the eggs, except- ing about four hours each day, when the male takes her place, while she is feeding and resting. “During incubation a substance forms in the crop of both birds, known as pigeon milk or curd, on which the young are fed for the first five or six days, until they are old enough to digest the grain, which is carried to them in the crop of the old birds, and ejected from their mouths to the mouth of the young bird by the same process as the pigeon milk is fed in the first place. Hence it is important that the proper feed be given, which should consist ae a variety of grain and seeds, the larger the variety, the bettcr. consist of cracked corn, rather coarse (prefer- ably about three or four pieces, from a single kernel), with the fine sifted out. This should be kept before them in troughs or hoppers, so constructed that they cannot throw it out and waste it, which they will frequently do in search of other grains of which they are more fond. The other seeds should consist of whole corn, Canada peas, Kaffir corn, hulled oats, millet and hempseed. These should be fed on the floor twice daily, just what they will clean up quickly, feeding the hempseed but twice or three times per week, except in the moulting season, when a small quantity may be fed each day, as hempseed is very fattening, and when fed in excess bad results may follow. Do not feed wheat too liberally, and always mixed with other seeds, using the hard, red wheat and never new wheat, as it has a tendency to loosen the bowels vf the young birds with sometimes fatal results. In connection with the feeds, the birds should be furnished with ground These should NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK oyster shell for grit, also a liberal supply of salt and small bits of charcoal, and gravel. The salt is necessary to keep them in good health. These substances may be kept in small boxes around the house where the birds can have free access to them. “A generous supply of pure water should be kept before them at all times near the feeding trough, and should be supplied each morning before feeding, that the old birds may have access to it immediately after feeding, before taking the feed to their young. “In stocking the houses, always avoid using common breeders, as the results will be disappointing. They are not prolific and are more liable to produce dark squabs, which always bring the lowest price in market, and do not feed the young as well as the full bloods. The best all-round birds for squab raising are the straight Homers, as they are the most active, good workers, quiet disposition, and the best of feeders. “The Runt is the largest of pigeons, but a very slow worker, seldom producing more than four pairs of squabs per year. It makes a good cross with Homer and Dragoon, but even then will not produce as many birds as either of the others alone. “The squabs are dressed for market once a week, on regular shipping days. They are dressed just before they are large enough to leave the nests, and when they are full- feathered, and should weigh at this time eight pounds per dozen, this size commanding the highest price, the prices falling off very fast as the size drops from this weight. The squabs should be dressed with empty crops. They may be caught in the early morning before feeding, and dressed, or caught the evening before, after the old birds have fed them for the night, and kept in hampers until morning, when their crops will be just in the right condition. “After the young birds are two or three weeks old, the. old birds build another nest and Regia to sit enein, the male ‘bird taking most of the care of the young until they are ready to dress; hence the importance of supplying two nests for each pair. Thus ‘a good pair of working birds have a pair of goung and a pair of eggs a larye portion of the ime. “During the summer months the birds should be furnished with a shallow tub of water in which to take a bath, two or three times per week, which will help them to keep free of vermin. These tubs should be emptied after they have bathed, as the- should not be allowed to drink the water in which they have bathed. With ‘good care, properly constructed houses, wholesome food, never sour or tainted, very little disease should be encountered. Prevention is better and more easily ad- ministered than cure. Some of these are dry houses, pure water, recularity in feeding and cleanliness. The water buckets should be washed out frequently with crcoline water, SUPPLEMENT 3 made by adding a teaspoonful of creoline to one quart of water. This will kill any disease germs that may be present, and is a good disinfectant. “Give good care, not neglecting the small things, as it is the multitude of these wherein the pone lies. _ “The demand for squabs is constantly increasing and any one entering into this business and willing to give it the attention it requires will always find a profit on the right side of the ledger. But remember this profit will be according to the care and intelligence put into the business.”’ NEW YORK MARKET. The following is taken from the New York World, an article on squabs, published in August, 1904: Squab-Raising as a Fine Art.—Game Laws Make Propagation of this Small Bird a Remunerative Business.—Palates Demand Sub- stitute for Quail and Other Morsels that Statutes Forbid.—Few persons, even among’ - the devotees of late suppers in New York’s high-priced restaurants, in looking over their elaborate menus and selecting, say, a squab on toast, realize what a tremendous industry the Broadway taste for a large cold bottle and a small hot bird has developed in the United States in recent years. The industry may, indeed, be considered in itself in a squab state, but such has become the after-theatre demand for the tasty little birds that many business men have turned from less lucrative pursuits to devote their energies to their raising. It would be impossible to state precisely how many squabs are annually bred-in the United States, but it is estimated that hundreds of thousands reach the tables and tickle the palates of luxury-loving and extravagant people. : : e best of judgment in regard to quality and quantity of feed is essential, cracked corn and red wheat being the staple food. Kaffir corn, Canada peas, buckwheat and _ millet comprise abvut 20 per cent of the food in winter, and in the summer less corn but more wheat. Grit and salt are before the birds always. At the aze of four weeks the squabs are ready for market and are deliciously tender, as they have never learned to fly, and their muscles have not had the hardening influence of exercise. The killers now get busy. With a slip-n2ose around the feet, and wings locked on the back, the squabs are suspended from arack. A killing knife is inserted well into the mouth and a quick, deep, slash’ made at the back of the throat, allowing the bird to bleed freely. 7 An expert can kill and rough pick about four birds before they get cold. The squabs are next dropped into a galvanized iron tub, through which a constant stream of water flows, which cools the birds. Then a small hose nozzle is inserted in the mouth and water allowed to fill the crop, after which it is with- 127 drawn and a quick pressure forces everything out. A second use of the hose thoroughly cleanses the crop. Two more immersions in iced water make the birds ready for local shipment. In the Lenten season commission houses buy and ice thousands of dozens of squabs for winter trade. That is also the time squab raisers select and save the best stock for breeders. Many of the live birds, especially the Homers and red Carneaux, cost from $2.50 to $6 per pair. Prices for squab in New York City run from $4 per dozen in the early season to $5.50 and $6 in the winter, TWO YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WITH OUR BIRDS. Will you kindly send us price-list and such other printed matter as you have issued within the past year? You will remember we bought six pairs of you one year ago last July. e have about 124 now and are cispcee of all the squabs we can raise at three dollars per dozen. All of our birds are not laying yet but will soon mature. We have lost several when they were young birds, then we had some stolen (one of which came back). One bird had a peculiar substance form around the outside under the bill, Will you tell us if this was canker? We disposed of the bird at once. We did not try to treat it at all. The pee le here know very little about fine squab, but I believe the market is growing better right along. Feed is much higher here than in the East. We have to pay $1.75 per 100 for cracked corn, $2.15 for red wheat, $1.75 for Kaffir corn and about $5 for hempseed, so that $3 per dozen does not bring in a very large profit. Would you advise our raising the price? We hope to send you another order shortly. We have not tried to use the manure at all. We have had no trouble with our birds as to vermin. They seem to keep entirely free from it — Mrs. H. D., State of Washington. TO MONTANA IN GOOD ORDER. I received the crate of pigeons yesterday. They were all alive and in good health.— J. F., Montana. FINDS OUR BIRDS FAST BREEDERS. On September 16, 1902, I ordered six pairs Extra from you and now (August 30, 1904) have about two hundred old pigeons and squabs together, and -will want to begin shipping a few before long. Wish you would pe give me the names of a lot of desirable squab buyers in New York and other nearby cities. Do you think prices will be better later on in the fall, and which is the best way to ship them, dead or alive? Can I get shipping crates alreadv made? If so, where, and at what price? Thanking you_in advance_ for this information.— W. E. H., North Carolina, 128 HAD NO TROUBLE RAISING THEM. Last spring, in April, I think, we bought twelve pairs Extra for thirty dollars of you. At present we have eighty-five in all, or about sixty young birds that we have raised our- selves. We would not think of selling them as we have had very good success and are much interested in the business, but through sickness I lost my former position in this village and have now secured a permanent one in Chicago, and expect to move there in a few weeks. Expect to locate right in the city and consequently will have no facilities for keeping the pigeons, and so am anxious to sell. The birds are as healthy as when we received them, as we have followed very carefully the rules laid down, in caring. for them, and have never seen any signs of disease among them. Have lost only com- paratively few, and those were small ones which were neglected by mother birds, or by some accident. Quite a large number of our young birds have mated and have bred the latter part of the winter—R. F. G., Michigan. GETTING SIX DOLLARS A DOZEN. Two of the six pairs have now hatched out three squabs, twoon February 4 and oneon February 7 (the other egg evidently was chilled by the extreme cold weather). The market price in Newark is six dollars a dozen, and we have ‘contracted to sell these three squabs at that price. They are fat and very satisfactory. ‘We are very much encouraged and wish to increase our flock.—F. C., New Jersey. THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MARKETS. I received your Manual and have read it through very carefully. I have found that it tells the very truth. I was in Washington Market and there they told me just the same. They will take all the squabs I can give them. I think I will give you an order next month for 48 pairs Homers and one gross nappies.— Hh eek New York. ATTRACT ADMIRATION IN CALIFORNIA, Birds arrived on the 11th safe and in first- class condition for the length of their trip. I am well satisfied with the birds and expect to give you an order for more before long. Every one that has seen them thin!-- they are fine.—E., J., California. OUR METHODS IN SOUTH AFRICA: Enclosed find fifty cents for which please send me a copy of National Standard Squab Book. Perhaps it may interest you to know that this is to assist in the raising of squabs in South Africa.—L. E. D., Pennsylvania. YOUNGSTERS ARE BEAUTIES. I have fifty or more pure Homers from the original old birds purchased from your concern. These youngsters are beauties between the ages of six months and one year.—B. R. Long Island. NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK IN PERFECT CONDITION. My mother bought one dozen pairs of your birds a year ago and now has about sixty in flock. They have been well cared for and are in perfect condition. —T. A. B., Kentucky. A NEWS-AGENT’S SIDE LINE. I have been doing a little business that I did not have time to tell you about in my last letter, T have boys in several of the towns around here to get squabs for me and I have made - arrangements with the above firm to deliver those that I don’t sell myself, on commission. The hotel has an order for 150 per week. Besides this order I sell to several restaurants and let the market deliver to the houses. I am the only one here who buys squabs to any extent, and average 200 to 300 per week. make from $5 to $7.50 each week this way, besides what I make on the train. How is that for a news-agent running a train eve day from 11 p.m. to 1.15 a.m.?--B. D., Texas. HAS OVERSOLD HIS SQUAB CAPACITY. Could you supply me with two dozen first- class squabs for shipment from Wooster on or about December 22? I have an order for that amount, and while the birds I purchased from youare doing fine, I will not have enough. Have orders for breeders and squabs enough “to keep the flock working overtime until spring, at which time I expect to enlarge my Beat to at least 500 pairs. I could of course ll this small order from nearby markets, but Homers are Homers, and I don’t care to Gee the value of my flock by shipping inferior squabs.—C. L. Z., Ghio. THE MAN HE WORKS FOR IS MAKING MONEY WITH OUR BIRDS. I see in the Poultry.Keeper that you offer a squab book free, so I would like to have one, for I have squabs myself and I would like to learn how to raise them. I am only a boy and I am working for Mr. Fairbanks on his farm. He told me that I could write to you and ask you for a book. I know the chicken business very well, but not the squab business. Mr. Fairbanks bought pigeons from you last year (eighty pairs Extra shipped August 4, 1902). and he is doing fine with them, so good-bye and don’t forget the address. That penny is for a stamp, and the other stamp is for the letter—W. H., Missouri. A LONG SHIPMENT IN GOOD ORDER. Your two letters dated January 27 were received yesterday, February 1. I went to the express office early this. morning and found the pigeons had arrived in the night. The birds are all alive and in fine condition but two, one of which was bruised and I fear its wing is broken. I thank you for ‘the extra two pairs and for the crates, have a fine new squab house built according to your plans, only the flying pen runs up to the top of the roof, which I think a better SUPPLEMENT 29 plan for this damp climate. I may send for one or two dozen pairs more by spring.—Mrs. E. N., State of Washington. A_ PERFECT SHIPMENT OF HOMERS TO FRANCE. The pigeons arrived this day in perfect condition, but I am sorry to say I have neither the nappies nor the bases. I duly received your letter of December 16 which I answered at once. I have this day written to Puritan Line of steamship asking for information concerning the _non-arrival of the nappies. . D., France (Europe). DOING WELL. The pigeons purchased of you last fall are doing well. Am in im- mediate need of more wooden nappies.—F. C. J., Massachusetts. GOT ONLY TEN CENTS EACH FOR SQUABS BUT MADE MONEY. 1 built two rustic seats for a neighbor for three pairs of Homer pigeons, and put them in a pen eight by eight feet. They increased at about a pair of squabs a month. We turned the young ones out as soon as they were able to fly. We soon had a flock of pigeons of about fifty or seventy-five. Suddenly we found that we could sell the young ones for ten cents apiece and the butcher took them off the nest for us. We killed the three original pairs as we did not want any in coops. built a pigeon house sixteen feet high and ten feet square on the ground, two stories. The birds come in at the top and nest where they please. I took up a homestead seventy miles north. On this my whole family lived for most of the time. hile we were away from this place, the butcher came regularly an1 took away the squabs and left the money or his account with a neighbor. We never kept any account of the profit of these splen- did birds except last year, when the profit was $34.50, and the feed would not amount to a dollar, as they fly out and rustle their own feed. My wife feeds them a little to make them friendly. I have a large wagon shed and they used to nest in this. I shot some of them and they have never bothered me there now for two years. hey are wise and I think they can talk. As a comparison of profit between chickens and squabs, we had a coop of chickens that required con- stant care. After deducting $19 for chicken feed, the profit on them was $33. The chicken coop and corral are quite a distance from the pigeon house and the pigeons never feed with them.—W. S. M., California. NEVER LOST A BIRD BY SICKNESS. In June, 1902, I got twenty-four pairs of you, paying sixty dollars for them. I have never lost a bird by sickness. I killed one. He was ailing and did not look well, so I killed him. This was three or four months after I got the birds. Right off after I got them I raised twenty-five pairs, then I be- gan to kill squabs, as I had no room. I sold the first lot of squabs in February, 1903, and got 25 cents apiece at first (this was much too low), then I sold for 30 cents apiece until May, 1903. I should say I sold in all 150 -squabs up to May 1. From that time on the marketman to whom I was selling refused to give me more than 18 cents apiece, so I rigged up a new place and put forty pairs in there, then I sold a few more. Since then to now (November, 1903) have sold about 60 to 75 squabs. I have sold only squabs, but the other day I sold six pairs of breeders for two dollars a pair. all the 24 origiaal pairs I got of you have kept working. I have three or four pairs which have made a nest almost every month since I have had them. They had eleven nests, others four or five nests a pair. I have eighty-eight pairs of breeders now. I have got confi- dence now to go ahead and am going to start a large plant in the country and will buy some more birds of you.—H. C., Massachusetts. A YOUNG WOMAN’S SUCCESS. A year ago last July I received from you one-half dozen pairs and paid you $15. I have tried to take good care of them and: they have increased till now I have some one hundred young birds. I did not try to sell any. of them as I wanted to let the flock grow. I took good care of the young birds mating and so there are not any of them that are related to each. other now that are breeding. I had built for them a good warm house according to your directions and they have done very well. Some few died during this winter, but I think they were crowded and so the older ones would push the little fellows out of the nest and they froze during the night.—Miss E. M. C., Kansas, A GOOD HEALTHY FLOCK. I bought 24 pairs Extra of you a little over a year ago. I now have besides the 24 pairs about 40 pairs of mated birds, all leg banded. Also I have about one hundred young birds and all but about thirty of these will be old enough to mate by the first of April. All of these are leg banded and are good healthy birds in first- class condition.—E. A. H., Iowa. GOING TO MAKE AN EXHIBIT. My birds that I received of you in July and August are doing fine, and as there is a poultry show here in this city next month, I thought perhaps I would show a few of them. Could you give me any pointers on putting them on exhibition ?—E. G., Michigan. EXPERIENCE DEARLY BOUGHT. You may possibly think I am doing considerable correspondence without doing much trading, but I wish to get your advice in regard toa little matter. Last April I purchased seven- teen pigeons of a friend of mine for $5.95. I knew nothing except what your Manual taught me about the business. I purchased in the fall of 2 Westerner what were supposed 130 to be twenty pairs of Al Homers, but they proved to be a poor mess. ‘The Westerner also proved to be a dead beat. ‘The next man I tackled was in your State, who shipped me twency-four pairs Homers for $36. Well, at pace 1 have nfty-three to fifty-five pairs of irds and about thirty-five to forty head of young stock. Now I see where I am lame, and where I made a big mistake in not buying your best breeders, if I had only purchased one-half the number. I wish to get rid of what I have. I have a large house and wish to fill it with the best stock obtainable.—M. D., New York. NEW JERSEY SEES WHAT REALLY PLUMP SQUABS ARE. The 400 pairs of izeons I got from you are hale and hearty. y actual count I have ninety-eight pairs of eggs and squabs, besides the squabs ready to kill, which number is, however, very small. Takin? the lateness of the season when I got the birds and the extreme cold we have here, I think the outlook all right. What do you say? Everybody is stuck on the plumpness of the squabs when dead and their bright and fine appearance when alive——J. B., New Jersey. OUR PROMISES MEAN SOMETHING. Thank you fur prompt, kind and satisfactory way of settlement, in answer to our letter to you. If all dealers would as satisfactorily adjust claims similar to ours as you have done, there would be a much easier feeling among purchasers. This action on your part shows that your guarantee is just what it says. Again thanking you for your business-like settlement of our claim.—R. B. M., Pennsyl- vania. BOUGHT BIRDS THAT NO ONE ELSE WANTED AND FOUND THEM INDEED CHEAP. About four years ago, my son, now 16 years old, got the pigeon fever, and I must admit I caught it myself. He first put up a dry-goods box and bought a few birds. He showed so much interest in them I thought it would be. a good pastime and bought him more birds, and erected a house as per en- closed sketch. Like most beginners, we wanted a variety and we were foolish enough to buy them anywhere, and presume we got what no one else wanted. e spent quite a few dollars and our last purchase was from a fellow in Pennsylvania, who had ‘‘more than he wanted,” and we bought them because they were cheap, and they were cheap, or I had better say they were mighty dear. The pigeons never had a nicer home or better feed. try to do rizht what I undertake, every one of our friends said we would succeed, but we made a miserable failure indeed. My wife saw your advertisement, sent for some litera- ture we then sent for your squab book, which we just received. and read it with considerable interest. The fever has slichtlv returned, not as hard as at first, but I honestly believe that NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK had I your stock in the first place, we could now tell a different tale. After my wife read your book, she said, “I believe I can do all rizht with that kind of stock myself.’ Sol have encouraged her, as she feels that it would be pastime for our two boys, and I was certainly fond of the birds when we had them. Send alonz the nappies and just as soon as we can get rid of the truck we have, and straight- en house up, we will be ready for the Extra Homers. I believe there is a great opportun- ity offered in squab raising, and we are going to try it.—E. G., New Jersey. READ OUR RULES TO THE EXPRESS AGENT AND GOT A REBATE OF ONE- HALF. The pigeons came to me Monday afternoon and seem to be none the worse for the long journey. They are beauties aad I find it almost impossible to keep away from their pen, but I suppose the novelty will wear away. I should have written yester- day, but the express agent had overcharged me and I wanted to settle the matter, if pos- sible, without bothering you. I am glad to say I was able to persuade him he was in the wrong, and after reading your card he re- funded half my money. Thank you for the very promot attention you gave my order. —Mrs. R. B., Florida. ng STRAIGHT BUSINESS METHODS. The birds arrived (this order was the second order from this customer, six months after the first order) in good condition, and are now housed. The birds look fine. I thank you very much for the extra pair, something that I did not expect you to do under the circumstances, as it was no fault of yours of those birds going light. I also thank you for the information and will try and save the bird by your method. To get even with you I shall show my birds to all and mention E. C. Rice. Thanking you again for prompt suenen eee straight business methods.— .: Ohio. AN OLD CUSTOMER HEARD FROM. I am still raising squabs and like my pigeons better than ever (this customer has been with us going on three years). Am having good success raising them all through this awful cold weather, and they seem healthier than when it is warmer. I enclose check for which please send me wooden nappies. If you have anything new in the way of literature kindly send me some, as I want to keep in touch with you. Have you supplied birds to any one around here lately? Our visit to your squab plant last summer is pleasantly remembered by wife and I.—F. L. B., New Jersey. NICE BIRDS. The pigeons arrived in fine condition and seem to like their new home very much. Thank you for selecting me such nice birds. Hope the baskets reached you safe.—Mrs, J. P. A., Virginia. SUPPLEMENT BEAUTIFUL BIRDS GOT TO HIM QUICK. Birds received yesterday noon, all in fine con- dition. Put them in their house last night. All took a good bath this morning. I thank vou for your promptness and for sending me such beautiful birds. I had not_ expected birds so soon, but was ready.—P. M. R., Kansas. SQUABS SUPERIOR TO POULTRY. I am an old pigeon and squab and poultry man, I have made money with squabs, and I think they are superior to poultry.—H. S., Massachusetts. FLORIDA PURCHASER DELIGHTED. Pigeons arrived O. K. Saturday night. I am delighted with them, and as I have fol- lowed your instructions as to building house, pen and other articles, the birds seem to be at home.—M. F. B lorida. THEY ARE BEAUTIES. Received pig- _ eons all O. K. They are beauties and have begun to nest.—F. M., Ohio. A TEXAS CUSTOMER’S APPRECIA- TION. Your second shipment of Homer pigeons was received yesterday and, like the first, in excellent condition, and I am more than pleased with them. Although my deal- ings with you, when compared to some of your large customers, are rather insignifi- cant, I can't allow this opportunity to pass without expressing to you my thanks and appreciation for your filling of my orders. For square dealings, conducted solely along sound business lines, you are without a peer in the pigeon world today. I most heartily recommend you to all—S, A. F., Texas. (The writer of this letter is a well-known ‘Texas business man, connected with one of the largest corporations in that State.) WON SUCCESS ALSO BY DOING AS WE DO; NEVER HAD A SICK BIRD. Some time ago I bought a dozen pairs of Homer igeons from you and paid $20 for them, and Pe ant to get about four or five dozen more pair, and would like to know the price you ask for them at present, so I can send the money at once. find your book on the pigeon industry covers the pigeon business in good shape. I have always found when you start to make a new pie or cake, follow the directions of the people that have made a success. Consequently, I have not had a sick pigeon since I received them some eight months ago. The only difference I made was in the house, and in that the only dif- ference was not to make it quite as tight as they are made in your locality. Hoping to hear from you soon.—J. W. C., California. ANOTHER WOMAN PLEASED. The birds came on the afternoon_of the 6th. They are all very handsome. Some of them are beautiful. You will be surprised to learn 131 that in less than 24 hours two pairs were nesting. They have been very busy all day. —Mrs. R. L. U., New York. INCREASING FAST. Enclosed find $1.70 for leg band outfit. I am receiving excel- lent results from the birds and they are in- creasing so fast that I find it necessary to band them.—H. C. K., Maryland. OUR HOMERS ADVERTISE THEM- SELVES. For the enclosed $15 ship by National Express six pairs Homers, equally as fine birds as you sent on August 3 last year, ten months ago, to Ben Barber of this place.—J. B. H., New York. MANUAL WORTH FIVE DOLLARS. I am in_receipt of your National Standard Squab Book and am very much interested in the work. I find that every time I pick it up something mew seems to appear. n fact, the whole subject is covered, so far as I am able to judge, and I consider the work well worth five dollars instead of your dinky price of only fifty cents. There is a “que plant between here and San Francisco, four thou- sand birds. Their output of squabs, twenty dozen _per week, all go to the Palace Hotel, San Francisco. I think prices for squabs are lower here than in the East, still I be- lieve there is money in it.—J. L. S., California. ONE YEAR’S SELECTION. The number of breeders has increased to about fifty’ pairs from those I purchased from you about a year ago (fifteen pairs) and all are good breeders, as I have been particular to raise those from the best breeders only.—H. W. C., Michigan. BREEDING THROUGH THE WINTER. Several months ago I purchased from you a number of your best Homers. They have been doing fine, breeding right along through this severe weather; in fact, my flock has more than doubled.—L. Z., Ohio. OUR MANUAL OF GREAT HELP TO HIM. Some little time ago I sent for your National Standard Squab Book and after- wards for six dozen of your wood nappies. Since then I have been keeping my pizeons according to your instructions and with great success. I had some fine, pure-bred Homers and have been getting squabs at four weeks averaging twelve ounces. I have had them up to 13% ounces. You strongly urge the adoption of all methods that will reduce the time necessary to look after the birds, and I heartily agree with you.—C. C. C., California. FROM A NEW JERSEY CUSTOMER. Anything new in the pigeon line? If so, send it to me. I am raising lots of squabs.— F. L. B., New Jersey. 132 SQUAB BUSINESS A SUCCESS. My father is in the squab business in a town in this State. His business is a success, but I would like to have him give your birds a trial and so have decided_to_make him a present of a dozen.—H. L. T., Iowa. GOOD WORDS FROM A COMPETITOR. We have associated your splendid achieve- ments and capacity with our dogged deter- mination to remain in to the death, and by elimination have differentiated both of our establishments from the pretentious and ephemeral plants that come and go. We are a long way from feeling otherwise than modest, and yet we realize that in about eight months we have got a good plant, a good stock, a good name and a good trade, and do not owe.a dollar. All the same, this has been regretfully on our sole, unaided inexperience, and your skill has been a loadstar of hope, suggesting that perhaps some day we might hit upon the course which you have taken and follow it. If this business shall ever be trustified, we shall wish to be near you, and in any event we have nothing but desire for your con- tinued brilliant success, and that we shall be worthy compeers.—C. F., New York. WONDERFUL FECUNDITY. Here is $3.84, for which please send me four dozen wood nappies by Barstow’s express. My pigeons bought of you a year ago are doing ‘fine. I bought six pairs of you a year ago and have now (July 5, 1904) 175 birds. I had 100 stolen. But for this misfortune I would now have 275. I have 400 or 500 hens as well as the pigeons.—-N. J. G., Massachusetts. RAISED A HUNDRED. Will you send me your prices on grain of all kinds? are doing finenow. Ihave about one hundred birds raised from the ones I bought of you (twelve pairs). As soon as I get started in good shape I shall buy more breeders from you. Ihave not sold any yet as I have been raising them.—H. A. H., Massachusetts. OTHER HOMERS NOT LIKE OURS. I enclose my check for $1.50 to pay for leg band outit, and 20 cents additional for postage. My birds are continuing to do fine, and I am more pleased than ever with them. I was out last night calling on a man who claimed to have Homers, They looked more like com- men street pigeons than my Homers. All these things tend to encourage me, when peo- ple can breed such birds profitably. I know mine will show up much better. Please ‘give me a few names of New York dealers in squabs.—W., M. G., New York. PERFECTLY SATISFIED. Pardon me for not writing before, but I have been away from home since the birds came, until within afew days. I am perfectly well satisfied with the Homers you sent me. They are as fine a My birds - NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK lot of birds as I could wish to see. Half of them are nesting now and I think that they went to work as quickly as could be expected. We have taken great pains to make their house warm, clean and convenient. I intended to order more birds before this time but have been unable owing to sickness in my family. However, as soon as I get straightened round again I intend to order more breeding stock and work my flock up to 150 pairs as soon as possible.—L. A. C., New Jersey. ENCOURAGED TO GO ON AFTER EIGHT MONTHS’ TRIAL. Kindly quote me price on leg band outfit. I have lost the circular which you sent me. The birds I got from you last fall (eight months ago) are doing fine, one pair especially, breeding regularly four weeks. hope to have larger quarters and will then uae order for more birds.—F, J. G., New ork, A PLEASURE TO DO BUSINESS WITH US. The two dozen pairs of Extra birds ordered Thursday night arrived Saturday morning. It certainly is a pleasure to do business with you. I am delighted with the prompt service you have rendered, for which I beg to thank you. The birds are a fine lot, and they arrived all in the best condition. I am convinced that you make a special thing of each order sent you. Will return the baskets tomorrow.—E. 8. F., New York. NEVER SEEN BETTER PIGEONS. Sev- eral men who have seen my birds have said that they have never seen.a healthier or finer lot of pigeons anywhere. The reason they are in such healthy condition is simply this, that I have followed your method to the very ites and hence the result.—E. W., New ork, SEVEN MONTHS OF STEADY INCREASE. In May last I bought of you a dozen pairs of Homer pigeons which proved a great success, as I now have thirty or forty young birds fly- ing at large. What I want to know is, can I let out my old ones? I have a fine large flying pen for them, but if you think they will stay with me if I give them their freedom, I would like to do so. They have now been in their present quarters nearly seven months.—W. L. J., Maine. THANKS FOR EXTRA HEN. This is to advise you that our second order of breeders was received on the morning of the 24th in rime condition. We wish to thank you both or your prempiiess in filling our order, and also for the extra hen sent to replace the sick one of our first lot—W. E. M., Pennsylvania. NEVER SEEN LARGER, FINER OR MORE VIGOROUS BIRDS. The Homer pigeons ordered. from you on Saturday last arrived today, Tuesday, about noon, apparently in excellent condition, and I believe I have never SUPPLEMENT seen larger, finer or more vigorous-looking birds. Please accept thanks for your careful consideration and quick shipment. For pee you are certainly a wonder.—J. . B., Delaware. SHIPPED IN EXTRA FINE SHAPE. I received from you last oe at 7 o’clock 208 birds, all alive and so far as I can see in good condition. This morning one is choked and stupid, but I think will come out all right later. I am very grateful for the extra fine shape in which you crated, labelled and fitted them for their journey. I will send back your baskets this date all in fine shape. I have received everything else ordered, all in fine condition.—J. C., Long Island, New York. SENT HIS FRIEND TO US. Please send me a pass to visit your plant at Melrose February 27, and one for M?. Burrows. | Mr. Burrows intends buying birds soon. Mine urchased last. April are doing nicely.—E. L. . Boston. HE IS RECOMMENDING OUR BIRDS. Enclosed you will find a money order for which please send me wooden nappies. I would like to have them as soon as possible for my birds are beginning to lay. I was over to your pigeon plant in Melrose and bought a few pairs and I think that they are the real stuff. They are deine fine. Please send mea pass for two, as I would like to visit your plant again, and I am recommending your birds.— A. L. R., Massachusetts. STARTED SMALL AND IS NOW CON- VINCED. Please give me your best price on 100 pairs, giving an estimate of the weight . and express charges on same. birds are doing finely. . the parent birds and workers—G. C. D., Michigan. THE CHILDREN ARE BETTER THAN THEIR PARENTS. I have forty-eight birds raised from three pairs I bought of you, far ahead in looks and_activity of those you sent me.—Mrs. C. L. P., Connecticut. HAS RAISED SQUABS TEN YEARS. I have received your Manual and it is beyond my expectations. I have raised squabs for about ten years from common pigeons.—J. H. M., Pennsylvania. ' EXPERIMENT A SUCCESS. My husband is going into the business. He bought some Homers of you last summer and intends buying more.—Mrs. G, W. P., Massachusetts. THEY GROW UP IN INDIANA ALL RIGHT I now (December 1, 1903) have over e: ighty Homers from the eight pairs I purchased from you last spring. They are all in the very best of condition.—R. T. M., Indiana. All young birds are larger than . 133 IN FINE SHAPE ALL THE WAY TO OREGON. I write you to acknowledge the receipt of the birds. They arrived on the morning of November 18 and were turned into their new quarters on the 19th, and I guess they were very glad to get out of the baskets and stretch their wings which they did in great shape and a number of them took a bath as soon as it was CaS to them. They all seem to be in fine condition after their long journey.—H. J. T., Oregon. GOOD RESULTS IN SIX WEEKS. By actual count I find we have the following results today, six weeks after the arrival of the pigeons: Forty-two pairs of squabs and sixty- seven pairs of eggs in the process of being hatched.—I. B., New Jersey. VERIFIED STATEMENTS AS TO COST OF FEED. My little experience justifies the statement of your book as to cost of: feed. If you will answer my query as to capacity of my house I shall greatly appre- ciate the courtesy.—F. B. S., Oregon. COMMON PIGEONS DO NOT PAY FOR KEEP. I have studied squabs for two years and have had good luck with them. I have read your book and think it is good. If i had a price list I would get some Homers. I have always had good luck, but common pigeons do not pay for the keeping.—H. K., Michigan. AN ALABAMA BOY PLEASED. The birds arrived safely on the 24th and in good condition. We think they are a very nice lot of birds. As I am a boy of only fifteen years, I expect to follow your advice given in your magazines, and would appreciate any further advice you could offér me. As I have a little more money on hand, I may order some more birds soon. Thank you for your prompt delivery.—W. L., Alabama. THREE HUNDRED BIRDS RAISED IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR FROM THIRTY- SIX PAIRS. Our birds shipped by you February 12, 1903 (thirty-six pairs), have done very well. We have now (January 12, 1904), over three hundred and they are lay- ing and hatching all the time. We are going to buy some more before very long and move our plant out onto our thirty-acre farm. I think we will do some more busi- ness with you. Please give us the name and address of the people who buy pigeon manure, We have some to sell:—S. M. M., Indiana. FIVE DOLLARS A DOZEN FOR THE aaUApS PROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR HOMERS. I wrote you the first of the week for price of fifty pairs of Homers ready for hatching. Not receiving any amswer, I think you did not get the letter. Please give me figures by return mail, and if you 134 can ship at once. The Homers I bought from you two years ago are doing finely, also those I hatched from them. They are very large and handsome. Shipped some dressed squabs last week to New York and they returned five dollars per dozen, which proves the quality of the goods. Hoping to hear from you soon.—A. C., Connecticut. OUR STOCK THE BEST TO BE HAD. I find I will not be in the market for more birds as expected, as my flock is in good shape, but have recommended your company to several prospective purchasers. Do not know, however, what result this will bring. I am glad to say that I have every confidence in your dealings, as I am much pleased with every article I have purchased from you from time to time and will not hesitate a moment to buy stock from you if in market for same, as I believe your stock to be the best that can be had.—O. C. S., Michigan. .IN_FINE CONDITION, AND PERFECT BEAUTIES. Please excuse delay in ac- knowledging receipt of birds. They were delivered to me in fine condition and cer- tainly are perfect beauties. They seem to enjoy their new quarters. I must congrat- ulate you_on your promptness in shipping orders, With me it was the quickest move I have ever seen, considering the distance. The same day 1 ordered poultry from a breeder in Jamesbury, New Jersey. Both letters were posted late Friday afternoon. The pigeons arrived Monday morning early, while the poultry did not arrive until the following Thursday. I was much surprised at the difference.—J. H. B., New Jersey. KINDNESS TO A_ BEGINNER. We thank you for the kindness you have shown us in our inexperience—F. H. W., New Hampshire. PLEASED WITH HER INVESTMENT. Last April I purchased of you some Homers. I have had good success with them as far as the laying and hatching are concerned, and am very much pleased with my invest- ment.—Mrs. L. G. S., Ohio. STOCK TO BE RELIED ON. In talking with my friend, Mr. C. F. Peters, about go- ing into the poultry business, he advised me to write to you about the squab business, saying he knew you would do as well if not better by me than anybody, and I could rely on your stock and what you might wish to tell me about the business. I have read your works and think you have the right idea about the business.—C. A. G., Illinois. THREE WEEKS OLD AND WEIGHED OVER A POUND. We weighed one of the first pair of squabs from the birds bought of you when it was just three weeks old, and it held the scales at just seventeen (17) NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK ounces. Pretty good; was it not?—Mrs, E. K., State of Washington. A FINE LOT OF BIRDS. The last lot of pigeons which I ordered from you were re-- ceived Monday morning in splendid condi- tion after their long journey, and are a fine lot of birds. I will send you in a few days another remittance, in addition to the one already sent.—J. L. Louisiana. SEES THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWL- EDGE AND GOOD STOCK. Just read your book and saw how foolish we were. We had seven dozen mixed birds, some common and some Fantails, and some Runts and Homers, We were ignorant about the kind, and only had about eight or ten squabs in six months, so we sold them to the first person that came. Now I would like to start fresh again and get about a dozen pairs of your Homers. What would the express be to Alameda? Kindly let me hear from vou immediately, as I would like to have some pigeons.—Mrs. M., California. ; DOING BETTER AS HE GETS EX- PERIENCE. Enclosed find post-office money order for which please send me leg band outfit and extra tubing. From the twelve pairs of Homer pigeons I bought from you about May 1, 1903, nine months ago, I have seventy-two birds all told, old and young, and ten pairs setting. According to this rate I ought to have, I think, at least sixty pairs by May 1. That will be an increase of five to one. I have lost so far four young birds and four settings of eggs, but I hope to lessen this this year.—E. B. G., North Carolina. PREFERS OUR HOMERS. I am very proud of my birds, they are so tame and pretty. I can get Homers around here, but I would rather have them all from your place. Please send at your earliest con- venience.—-Miss B, D., New Jersey. NO MORE CHEAP BIRDS FOR HIM. Herewith I enclose fifty cents worth of stamps, being in payment for one of your Manuals. In May last started in the squab-raising business and never owned a pigeon before. I naturally have made some few mistakes, both in building a house: and selecting birds. I am going to sell out if possible, if not incurring too much loss, which, being a poor man, I cannot afford to do, and if successful I shall buy land and build, and also buy the best birds I can find, even though it be only a few pairs. I now have 150 pairs all mated, working nicely, stove in house, eizht-pound squabs, seventy- five cents per pair Philadelphia market. i I said before, I am poor, but not a cheap man. I want the best, which of course after pias Proper food and attention, I should , Tewarded both in stock of squabs and prices.—S. B,, Pennsylvania, ce SUPPLEMENT A FRIEND'S FLOCK DOING WELL. Enclosed nnd express money order. I am sure you will send the best birds. I find the Manual very instructive. Mr. Connelley’s flock which he obtained of you is doing fine. —C. L., South Carolina. STOCK THE FINEST HE HAS SEEN. My home is in Buffalo, N. Y. I am stopping in this city (Atlanta, Ga.), temporarily. It is my intention to establish a squab plant in the vicinity of Buffalo. have been to look over Mr. s plant, which is very fine, and the stock is the finest I have seen. He informed me that you furnished the stock (five hundred pairs), an entire equipment. My present intention_is_ to start with not less than 300 pairs ——P. H., Georgia. IN FIRST-CLASS CONDITION. The birds arrived yesterday in first-class condition, all alive. Thanks for the extras—R. W. B., State of Washington. A NOVA SCOTIA CUSTOMER. The Homers arrived safely today, and I am very much pleased with them. They are a fine lot of birds —J. H., Nova Scotia. KIND AND CORDIAL METHODS. Many thanks for your kind and cordial methods of doing business, and if I find that the conditions here are suitable to squab raising, I shall be wanting some more stock before long. So far Iam very well pleased, and the birds you sent are certainly well worth the prices you quote.— D. T.S., Kentucky. CHICKEN INDUSTRY NEEDS A MAN- UALLIKE OURS. The Manualsent me is the most complete and concise work on the sub- ject of squab raising I have ever read. I joubt whether there is a book written on any subject of its kind so complete in all its detail. I would be willing to give most anything for a - like account of how to succeed with chickens. If you know of any such work I would con- sider it a perce favor if you would kindly send me the title and where to get it. Iam glad to have in my possession such a book as the Manual, it is a pleasure to read it. Of course it’s business, but I think it wonderful that you should give such valuable informa- tion to the public.—J. H. J., Pennsylvania. SAME AS YOU SENT BEFORE. Enclosed you will find $15 for six pairs of your best breeding Homers that breed white squabs, the same as you sent before.—F. P., Virginia. FROM FIFTY DOLLARS TO FIFTY CENTS. Please send to us as soon as possible 48 nap- pies. We shall want 48 of your Extra Homers as soon as these nappies reach us, and if con- ditions prove favorable, hope to buy a thou- sand birds. I think there must be money 1n this business. I wrote a squab raiser in lowa, asking if he would show me through his farm, 135 and he replied that he would for fifty dollars. I enclose fifty cents for a National standard Squab Book, which kindly send me.—A. D., Minnesota, MAKING MORE MONEY WITH SQUABS., The nappies have not yet come. 1 have quit the railroad and gone into the squab business. We are going to send for some ot your Homers soon and let what we have bieed with a few additions occasionally until the Homer trade gets rooted. I am now making more with pigeons than while working for the company, or rather, I am making a good ary al put- ting in a large stock of pigeons.—S. D., Texas. OUR CLAIMS PROVEN TO HIS SATIS- FACTION. Last February, 1903, I bought a small lot of adult Homers from your com- pany and am satisfied they are all you claim for them. Being desirous of getting along faster in the business, I have advertised for additional capital in a New York City paper, and have had nearly two dozen inquiries about the industry.— A. D., New Jersey. A HUSBAND WAITS FOR THIS YOUNG WOMAN. November, 1902, I bought twelve pas of: your Homers; now I’m sorry to say must give up the idea of the squab business, and wish to know if you care to buy them and what you will pay. I have ninety birds, and sold some last summer. I think your birds have done very well. I would not have any- thing but your Plymouth Rock Homers.— Miss E. J. D., New York. A TEXAS WOMAN FINDS THEM EASY TO RAISE. I have now (January 7, 1904), raised one hundred from those I bought of you (six pairs Extra sold December 11, 1902.)— Mrs. R. M. H., Texas. ONE HUNDRED PAIRS IN MONTANA’S COLD. WEATHER..: The-.‘squab:: breeders arrived here all safe and well in spite of the cold snap Monday noon. We are much pleased with the flock. Number is correct, 208 birds (only two casualties). They cer- tainly are having a fine initiation to Montana weather. The mercury stood thirty-two degrees below zero last night and has been below since their arrival—W. H., Montana. DEALERS ADVISE HIM TO BUY OF US. About a year ago I bought your Manual and plans for a squab house. I have been study- ing the book thoroughly and find it very complete in every detail and ‘‘out of sight” as compared with others I have seen. I am - compelled to move to Southern California and will try squab raising. What discount do you give on 300 pairs of your best birds? I have been somewhat used to stock raising, including poultrv. I am advised by dealers in Los Angeles to get my stock from Boston, even at the expense necessary. ile no names were mentioned, I presume they referred to 136 you.—W. W. D., Minnesota, (Correct. We have shipped to California within the past few years thousands of pairs of Homers and at all places in California where squabs are sold and eaten, the product of our Homers is wanted because they are the best in the market there.) USES THE HEALTH GRIT. Please send me by American express one hundred pounds Health Grit, for which find $2 enclosed. My pigeons are doing finely and I now have 75 in addition to my original lot, and the young ae are hatching out squabs.—W. L. J., aine. HE JIS PLEASED WITH US AND OUR BIRDS. Iamso much pleased with the birds I got from you and the bright prospects of the squab industry, that I feel interested in getting some of my friends started in squab raising. The last shipment of squab breeders reached me in splendid condition and are very fine birds. am very much pleased with the selec- tion and your good judgment, All your stock, birds, supplies and dealings with me in the past have been so satisfactory that you may expect more orders from me and my friends in the future. I have raised and sold pigeons and pet stock for years, so of course am capable of judging good stock when I see it, and I con- sider your squab-breeding Homers the best that can be bred for successful market squab breed- ing. Trusting that you may continue to have much success in this worthy business.—L. E. Virginia. : ra THEY EAT OUT OF HER HAND. I en- close: money order for more mae. I like my pigeons better every day. ‘hey are so tame now they will eat out of my hand.—Miss L. V. P., New York. THREE MONTHS’ WORK. We are going to move this week to California. The six pairs I bought of you in March, three months ago, have all nested and done fine, and I have raised 24 young birds from them.—Mrs. H. B S., Massachusetts. ALL THE WAY TO VANCOUVER. I received my birds on June 8, and all of them were in fine condition except one hen, which seems to be a little stupid. My express eee were all right. Thank you for the free birds. Hoping that I will be able to send for a few more soon.—G. A. L., Vancouver. HAS SEEN HOW OUR BIRDS WORK IN HIS TOWN. I am sending you herewith money order for $31.50, for which please send me 12 pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers, and two of your drinkers, same as you sent me before. I have seen two different lots of your Homers in this city, and although I have some good ones that are rapid breeders and raise large squabs, I am so much im- essed with the work that Mr. Barrett’s Homers Garchared of you) are doing, that I have gone NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB. BOOK to work and fitted up two more breedin; ns to accommodate some of your stock.—W. H. M., Massachusetts. ALL AT WORK IN SIX WEEKS. Who- ever took the pair of pigeons from the basket must have been an expert in determining the sex and mates, as every one of them, that is, twelve females, have eggs and are setting, Don't you think this is strong evidence that two pigeons never were taken from the basket during transit? I will make no claim against- the express company. I feel very positive they are not at fault. The shipment reached me six weeks ago.—C. S., Ohio. INCREASING HIS FLOCK. The twelve airs of breeders that I bought from you last all are beginning to lay very nicely and I am very much pleased with them. Please send me six more pairs, in payment for which you no a money order enclosed.—H.._W., New ork, A LARGE SHIPMENT TO CALIFORNIA, I received all the birds (312 pairs) without one being dead, and the lot seems to be in splendid condition, on the whole, after such a long journey. It seems wonderful to me that none were dead with all the rough handling they must have received on such a long journey. The birds are beauties and attract a great deal of attention.—P. W.., California. QUICK WORK HATCHING. The Homers I got of you are doing finely; received May 1, five weeks ago, and I have a dozen or more squabs from the dozen pairs.—J. F., New Jersey. FINEST HE EVER SAW. The Extra Homers arrived today in first-class shape, and are the finest I ever saw.—L. C. Y., Maryland. UNABLE TO FILL ORDERS FOR HOM- ERS. The writer has been engaged in selling Homer pigeons for squab breeders for the past several months, but my stock is now almost completely exhausted and I am unable to fill my orders. Have just received an order from Hot Springs, Arkansas, but as I make it a rule not to attempt to fill orders for birds which I do not have in my own lofts, have declined the order and referred the customer to your company. He wants fifty pairs, and would suggest that you poe into correspondence with him, Trusting that you may be able to get _ the business.—G, C. S., Ohio. OUR PIGEONS AT THIS LARGE SHOW IN 1906 MADE A CLEAN SWEEP OF THE ZES. Plymouth Rock Squab Co., Boston, Mass. Gentlemen: Pardon the delay in not answering about the safe arrival of the birds. The show was a big success and over nine hundred entries were registered. I had a nice coop fixed up and brought the entire flock of fourteen birds. They behaved fine SUPPLEMENT and did not mind the close confinement after the first day. One of the pairs laid two eggs. My flock took first, second, third and fourth prizes, also one for the largest flock of one exhibitor (which was $3), and the white birds took first prize over three other pairs. The judge was high in praise of the birds and their markings. 1 understand you have sold some birds to Mr. Marsh, who has heard about my success and is to start with one hundred pairs. The pigeons sold several months ago to a doctor of Warren were through my recom- mendation. Thanking you again for past favors, I remain, etc.—Mrs. R. C., Pennsyl- vania. (The pigeon exhibition to which she refers was held in February, 1906.) OFFERED FIVE DOLLARS A PAIR FOR THE BIRDS. Pigeons arrived August 29 in good condition and I thank you. I am well pleased with the birds; they are the finest flock I have ever seen. The teamster who brought them out from Seattle informs me a man on the way offered him five dollars a pzir for the birds. Had I been with him, I surely would have taken him up, and made nearly $100 by the bargain. You may expect another order from me in a month or six weeks for one hundred pairs, and then I shall have enough breeders to commence with.— C. C., State of Washington. (We have had quite a number of letters similar to this one, and from other informa- tion which we have in regard to the Western market for breeders, we know it to be a remarkable one. Any one who buys our fine birds can find a purchaser who is willing to ay in many cases much more than the dif- ference in express charges. We receive numerous requests from wholesalers who wish to sell our birds in their territory, but we sell all the birds we wish to at retail, to the extent of our capacity, at one price to all, and do not supply such dealers. We are shipping at least one order a day the year round to Cali- fornia or the State of Washington.) OUR HOMERS ARE PRIZED BY FAN- CIERS AS WELL AS SQUAB BREEDERS. Our Homers sell on their merits as squab breeders, but they are first-class flyers, able to win in any company, At the New York and Chicago National Pizeon Shows in Janu- ary, 1904, in competition with the whole country, Homers sold by us and exhibited by our customers were the best birds there. In awarding the first prize, New York show, class of Blue Homer Cocks, the judge said: ‘Grand one; the best bird in the ring today to my way of thinking. He is a large, fine-colored Homer with almost perfect head, broad shoulders ard wedge-shaped body, nice eye and fine dark cere. This cock also won the cup for best Homer shown, and this honor was not new to him, as he did the same trick at Lawrence earlier in the season,.”” The class of Blue Checker Cocks at the New York show was the largest. “A finer class of 137 Blue Checker Homers we have never seen,” said the judge. The first prize in this large class was awarded a Homer from our coops exhibited by one of our customers with the following comment by the judge: “Grand- bodied, up-standing bird, elegant head and eye, with the most perfect checkering I ever saw on a Homer, but for being a trifle light (in color) on rump he would be hard to find fault with.” In awarding the first prize in the New York show, class of Blue Hens, to a hen sold by us and exhibited by one of our customers, the judge said: ‘This class outside of the winner was not Pang up. Good blue hens are scarce, but the first bird is an exception, and probably one of the best hens going. She is extra large for a hen, almost over the limit in this respect, but she is built on the correct lines, very good color and smooth type of head. She would make a great mate for the first cock.” In the fall of 1903, one of our customers, with a Homer cock bought of us, won first prize every time exhibited, also special prize for best Homer in the show, every time ex- hibited at_the pigeon and poultry shows at Taunton, Brockton and Hartford, THIS COMMISSION FIRM IN NEW YORK CITY WANTS ONE THOUSAND DOZEN SQUABS DAILY, PAYING FROM $4 TO $6 A DOZEN FOR SQUABS BRED FROM OUR BIRDS. The large commission houses handle squabs by hundreds of dozens daily and firms which are known to furnish squabs of first- class size and weight, such as our birds breed, get more orders than they can fill e re-" ceived the following letter in January, 1904, from a well-known commission firm in New York City (whose name and address we give to customers who buy breeding stock of us): Plymouth Rock Squab Co., Boston, Mass.: Gentlemen: I am receiving quite a few letters from time to time from the different customers of yours that are starting in the squab trade. I wish if you see or write them, that you would advise them as I have done, to put themselves in a position to ship from 5 to 10 dozen squabs at a time, and if they intend to make a business of it, they might as well buy enough breeders in the start, so as to be able to ship a quantity at a time, as these little shipments of one or two dozen hardly pay one to handle, the expense eating up the commission. I have stated to them before, and you can also tell them, that the squab trade is in its infancy, and will certainly increase from time to time, and we are in a position to handle daily any part of 1000 dozen squabs, as we have a big outlet to place them promptly at top prices, with check to balance same day goods are received and sold. For the pres- ent, and until further notice, we quote you market as follows: Squabs weighing ‘ten pounds to the dozen, $5.50 per dozen; nine pounds, $5.25 per dozen; eight pounds, $5 per dozen; seven pounds, $4 per dozen; six and one-half pounds, $2.75 per dozen; 138 dark, $2.10 per dozen. Would like to have all the squabs you can get. In case you have any good customers that are starting in, I wish you would send me a complete list of that trade, so that I can write to them occasionally, and post them on the condition of the market. To our answer we received the following letter from the above firm: Plymouth Rock Squab Co., Boston, Mass.: Gentlemen: Your letter of the Ist duly received, and I am glad to hear from you so promptly. I have received quite a number of letters from small shippers who, judging by the way they write, must be beginners, and know but very little of the business. I have tried to make things as plain as possible to them, and encouraged them all to start in and increase the size of their purchases from you to such an extent that it will pay them to ship. Of course we are obliged to take these small shipments, and encourage them along as much as possible, but very often after we have got a man started, he would have made a pretty fair shipper, but some one gets hold of him in the meantime and makes him believe that he can do better than we can, which is one reason that I object to helping these small shippers along. As above stated, as soon as they get started they begin switching around, and the man who starts them has very little for his trouble and pains of putting them in the way of mak- ing money. wish if you have any shippers’ addresses in the West or in Wisconsin (which seems to be cate a squab country) and also in either Illinois or Minnesota, that. you would send them to me. They seem to be dcing pretty well in that section,.and are satisfied with the fair prices they get from our market, NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK if on account of the poor prices they get in Chicago, or elsewhere nearer home. At the present time, squabs are very scarce and very high. We are even returning more money than the last quotations I sent you, in order to get enough birds to supply our trade. So if you can put me in the way of increasing our squab supply, I would greatly appreciate it, and try in some way to recip- rocate for same. Thank you for the infor- mation you have given me thus far in regard to shippers. Under date of January 30, 1904, we have the foilowing letter from a commission firm in St. Louis, showing that the demand in that section is becoming extraordinary: Plymouth Rock Squab Co., Boston, Mass.: Gentlemen: We are in the market for squabs and if you have any customers in this vicinity who are seeking a market for their squabs, we would be glad to be rlaced in correspondence with them. We will pay the highest market price for them, and feel confident that the service we will render your patrons will prove advantageous to you, to them and ourselves. Please let us hear from you. We do not give the addresses of these firms, and other good squab buyers, until we have sold breeding stock to the cus- tomer. Commission men in all the cities are getting letters from curiosity seekers who are merely “ looking up” squabs and to such letters the commission men pay scant attention, for lack of time, and as there is no money in it for them. Any one who doubts the genuineness of the letters. we print should come or send a friend to our Boston office to see the originals. APPENDIX A (Copyright, 1903, by Elmer C. Rice.) CALIFORNIA MARKET. The California market for squabs is excellent, especially at the invalid resorts. In San Francisco it is not so good as at the Southern Coast places frequented by rich travelers. We print the following letter: : Poultrymen’s Union of California, 413 Front Street, San Francisco (January 28, 1903): ‘“‘ Your valued favor just received and in reply would say that usually the quotations in the papers are close to being correct, but if you desire to call and see us at any time, we will give you exact quotations. There is always a good market here for large, fat squabs. They are readily selling today at $3 per dozen.” SUMMER RESORT MARKETS. The pleasure and vacation resorts all over the country are good squab markets, Maine squab breeders ship to Boston in the winter but in the summer they get better prices at Bar Harbor and elsewhere along the coast. The White Mountain resorts in New Hamp- shire are a fine summer market, also the re- sorts along the eastern coast of Massachu- setts. Né€wport, in Rhode Island, is a good summer squab market. Two or three of our customers in the vicinity of Lenox, Mass., and in North Carolina and Florida, are quite enthusiastic over the splendid market at their doors. Wherever the good eaters go, winter or summer, there is the demand for squabs. HOSPITAL TRADE. A woman in the 'State of Washington wrote us that two big hospitals in a city near take all the squabs she could supply. She moved out, bought a farm and in January, 1903, we shipped her four baskets. Under date of February 7, she ee ‘* Please pardon my delay in acknowledging the re- ceipt of the shipment of fifty pairs Extra Mated Homers I ordered from you. I have been so busy with them that I have not really had time to write. Out of the whole lot there was only one dead one, which sur- prised us." (As we had shipped two pairs more than the order called for, or 52 pairs altogether, the customer had no complaint.) “The birds are perfect beauties and we are greatly pleased with them: They seem to ike their new home. Thanking you for your kindness and with best wishes.’ The hospital trade in squabs is worth cater- ing to, for they are such a delicacy that they are greatly esteemed by Paces: ‘There may be a suggestion in this for you if you de not care to deal with commission men. BRANCHING OUT. We have put some of our best birds, in largest orders, for 300 to 1000 pairs, right into the heart of the squab country her had offered to around Philadelphia, showii.g that our ideas and our birds are all right. On February 9, 1908, we received the following letter from Heacock & Hokanson, architects, of Phila- delphia: “Enclosed please find 25 cents for a plan of your style of squab house. Our client in- forms us that you have prints showing the details of house, nests, self-feeders, etc. We have two clients who have been making some- what of a success at this work and are now ready to build houses with every essential and practical feature necessary to make a success on a somewhat larger scale.” SQUABS IN UTAH. The following letter comes to us from James A. Hepburn, Utah, dated January 24, 1903: “Enclosed find check for $1.70 for which please send me postage paid your leg-band outfit. I recently received your book on igeons and although I have been pieces omers for flying for a long time, I learne many things of interest to me from the book. I intend now to increase my flock and raise squabs for the market also. I find I can sell all I can supply here to the local markets." SQUABS NOT GAME. A correspondent writes us that she does not think she can market squabs in her State because the game laws are so strict. In reply we wish to state that squabs are not game, but are a domestic product same as chickens, and can be mar- keted in any State or Territory at any tima of the year in any quantity without violating the game laws. CHICAGO MARKET. The Chicago market for squabs is fairly good, but nowhere near so good as the markets of New York, Phila- delphia and Boston, because the only squabs obtainable there in large quantities are the inferior squabs of common pigeons. We have customers in Illinois who have written us that their fat Homer squabs from our birds are salable at prices from $1 to $2 in excess of the prices quoted by the Chicago commission men. The Chicago market is an eager one, and the dealers are imploring squab raisers to sell, saying they will take all offered. We advise our customers in the Middle West to sell their squabs to the private trade direct over the heads of the Chicago commission men until the latter advance prices. We print herewith some letters from Chicago commis- sion houses, showing that they want them both with the feathers on and off, depending on the dealer: C. B. Hayden, Jr., & Co., 214 and 216 South Water Street, Chicago, Illinois (Jan. 26, 1903): ‘Your favor of the 24th inst. at hand and in reply will say, fat dressed squabs bring 139 MATING COOPS IN MATING HOUSE. We have a thousand mating coops in our plant. This illustration shows how they are arranged in a house, several tiers high. 140 , APPENDIX A $2 to $2.25 per dozen. We handle them in any quantities.’”’ Gallagher Bros., 191 South Water Street, Chicago, Ill. (Jan. 26, 1903): ‘‘We have ee favor of the 24th to hand and noted. n regard to handling squabs will say, we are in a position to handle any quantity to good advantage. We are now getting fancy squabs from Wisconsin, which are selling at $2.50 per dozen, about seven pounds to the dozen.” C. H. Weaver & Co., 129 South Water Street, Chicago, Ill (Jan. 29, 1903): ‘Your favor of the 27th received. The market on squabs is $2.25 per dozen for the weights you speak of. We can handle all that you will be able to ship us, but would advise making a small shipment at first, so that we will get an idea of your stock and dressing.” Theodore C. H. Wegeforth Co., 133 South Water Street, Chicago, Ill. (Jan. 28, 1903): “In reply to your favor requesting us to quote you prices on squabs will say that there is a very good demand for them on this market at resent and when fine they will bring from 5 to $2.25 per dozen but in order to bring these prices, the squabs must be fat and weigh on an average about three-quarters of a pound each, and for such there is a ready sale. f you have any, or receiving, you can Safely ship all-you can get.” H. R. Waszko, 213 South Water Street, Chicago, Ill. (Jan. 29, 1903): ‘In reply to your letter of January 27, we wish to say that we can. handle your squabs, in fact we can place any amount at the extreme Hoo market price, for we are heavy receivers of dressed squabs, especially from South Dakota and Wisconsin. Squabs should weigh not less than six or seven pounds per dozen. Spuld be dry-picked as the trade that can pay fancy pues want them No. 1, and we quote them m at $2.50 per dozen, but they must be fancy. We think we can get you still higher prices but we can tell from your first shipment to us just where we can place them and what we can do. See that they are well cooled off before shipping. Trusting that you willfavor us with a good shipment as soon as possible and also give us an idea of how many you can ship us daily or weekly.” Peter Britten & Sons, 2 and 4 Fulton Street, Chicago, Ill. (Jan. 30, 1903): “There is no limit to the amount of squabs we can handle, as we have inquiries for the same at all times. We assure you, and you can rely on us to obtain the highest possible price for your stock at all times.” Cougle Brothers, 178 South Water Street, Chicago, Ul. (Jan. 29, 1903): “Replying to your favor of January 27 will say that good fat squabs are worth from $2 to $2.50 per dozen. We can handle all of that kind you can get. The best way to ship them is just to inch their necks, cool thoroughly and pack in a box. Do not bleed them nor take the feathers off. We hope you can ship us some of this kind of squabs as we need them. F, W. Melges & Co,, 100 South Water 141 Street, Chicago, IL, ate 28, 1903): ‘‘Re- plying to your favor of the 27th in regard to squabs we beg to say that there is a wide range of prices according to quality. If they are fine fat birds we can handle advantageously all you can ship us, We shall do all in our power to obtain the very top price for same at all times.” A. Booth & Co., 63-65 Lake Street, Chicago, Il. (Jan. 25, 1903): “If squabs are well dressed and weigh eight to nine pounds to the dozen, we can use them at $2.25 per dozen f.0.b, Chicago.” “ H. G. Lane, buyer for the Wellington Hotel, Wabash Avenue and Jackson Boulevard, Caicago, Ill. (Feb. 2, 1903): ‘In reply to yours of January 26 about squabs would say that we are buying the large white squab you speak of. We have them shipped with the feathers on and market price for the best squab is $2.75 to $3.00 per dozen.” William H. Taylor Co., 156 and 158 South Water Street, Chicago, TH. (Feb, 4, 1903): “Your letter at hand in regard to squabs. Would say we could use all your squabs you can ship. We would just as soon have them with the feathers on as off. We can offer you $2.50 now for good stock. Should at any time market do better, we should certainly give it to you. Please let us know how soon you can ship and how many each week. We have the trade for them and can do as well as any one for you.” Herman Weber Co., Inc., Union Hotel and Restaurant, 111-117 Randolph Street, Chicago, Il. (Feb. 3, 1903): ‘Your favor of the 1st to hand. I am buying squabs fresh in the market all the time and am paying $3 per dozen for same. You can bring in two dozen of your squabs and if satisfactory will buy same of you rizht along.” : The letter last quoted above, that from Herman Weber, is an indication of what the consumer in Chicago is paying for inferior squabs, It rests with you whether you will be satisfied with breeding a product which com- mands a price of $2 to $3.a dozen, 0: $3 to $6. If you put squabs weighing ten pounds a dozen and over into the Chicago market, you can get from $3 to $6 a dozen. .NEW YORK MARKET. In the first part of January, 1903, we received thc following. letter from the manager of the squab depart- ment of a commission house in Washington Market, New York city: . “Your name and address as raisers of fancy squabs was given me by Mr. Howes of Detroit, Michigan, who was over to your place a few days ago. As I have heard of your plant before and have tried to get your address so as to write to you for squabs, I hope this letter will mean some business for us both. If you have any squabs to ship, I would like to get your output, and can use you can ship at full market, and make vou prompt returns day received and sold. This week I am returning the following prices: This house ig a ov Qn = 2 ae SE aa os Es Ee Se =o me O% DQ mea Cs aes Bs Zo ™ a & Se BS ae Es Gs ae a Bg g 3S vo am) 142 APPENDIX A é Squabs weighing ten pounds to dozen and Re $4.50 per dozen; eight pounds and up, * seven pounds and a $3.50; six and one- half pounds and Hig $2.60; dark, $1.80 per dozen. If you will prepay charges, account of sales will be sent you same day goods are received, less five per cent commission.” Letters like the above come to us from all parts of the country, and squab breeders whom we have supplied get similar communi- cations. The poultry and game dealers in all sections are after squabs all the time and could sell a great many more than they are now able to get hold of. The above letter is written notwithstanding the fact that in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania alone are today four or five thousand squab breeders, many of them with large flocks of over one -- thousand pairs of birds each. In the town of Moorestown, New Jersey, to take only one case, are from 200 to 300 squab breeders. As we say in our Manual, people in these sec- tions keep hens for their own use, but not for market, for they know that squabs pay bet- ter than hens. Poultrymen in other sections of the United States are fast finding this out and are putting in squabs along with poultry, or giving up poultry altogether. In spite of the large output of squabs from the 4,000 to 5,000 breeders in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, which go into the Philadel- hia and New York and Boston markets for the squab raisers in New England sup- ply only about one-tenth of the Baston de- mand), there is all the time a scarcity of squabs, as the above letter proves. This letter comes to us because we have the repu- tation for dealing in a fancy product, There are breeders of squabs who send to market an. inferior product from small and cheap Hom- ers, and such squabs are not the kind which dealers are anxious to get. Be sure you are able to brecd a fancy squab by gctting your breeding stock of us. Some beginners are anxious as to express rates, not compre- hending that they can ship squabs long dis- tances_at a trifling cost. The express rate from Boston to New York is $1 per 100 . pounds. This means that an express team will call at our door, get a box of squabs weizhing 100 pounds, transport it to New York, and in that city deliver it by team to the commission dealer for $i. In the case of a box of our squabs weighing twelve pounds to the dozen, about eight dozen and the box would weizh 100 pounds. If we de- livered them in New York at the price quoted, $4.50 per dozen (or $36 gross), we would net, deducting his five per cent commission and the $1 express charges, $33.20. The com- mission man would resell the squabs to his trade for $5 to $8 per dozen.. By a dozen squabs we mean in this case and in all cases Shere prices are quoted, twelve squabs. We do not mean one dozen pairs of squabs. We mean six pairs of squabs. Squabs are always quoted at so much per dozen, not so much- per dozen pairs. 143 On January 8, 1903, the New York squab buyer above quoted offered the following prices for squabs: For squabs weighing ten pounds to the dozen and up, $4./5; eight aoe and up, $4.50; seven pounds and up, 3.60; six and one-half pounds, $2.75; dark and No. 2 squabs, $2. On January 25th, 1903, he offered the fol- lowing prices: Ten pounds and up, $5.50 per dozen; eight pounds and up, $5.00 per dozen; seven pounds and up, $4; six and one-half pounds, $3; dark and No. 2 squabs, $2.10. ~* On February 6, 1903, he offered us the same prices as last oucre adding that he would pay $3 to $3.75 per dozen for squabs of average weight and grade. In this letter he said: ‘‘As I have been getting quite a few letters from some of your squab customers of late, I want to thank you for same, and hope to get some of their birds and prove to their satisfaction by the prices large, fine birds will sell at, that squab raising if prop- erly carried on_is a very profitable and pay- ing industry. The demand for squabs is on the increase and will be from now on, as the game laws of all the States are such as to prevent much small game from reaching the several markets, where there has been a big supply of such at low prices that squabs will now take their place, so that new be- ginners have nothing to fear from a glut by over-production of good-sized squabs. This we have proven to our own satisfaction when we introduced the large or royal squab to our best hotel and cafe trade in this market, dur- ing the past season, and it now looks as though our demand will be greater this com- ing season. The buyers of these large birds see they are worth the difference in price, that they have a better call for them once they introduce them to the consumer. En- courage all your buyers to invest in birds that produce large, plump squabs. It will pay them best in the end and make a better demand for their grade of birds.” On February 16, 1903, he offered us the following prices: Squabs weighing ten pounds to the dozen and up, $6 per dozen; nine pounds, $5.50 per dozen; eight Teen $5 per dozen; seven pounds, $4 per dozen; six and one-half pounds, $3 per dozen; dark, $2.10 per dozen. The above quotations are a good indica- tion of what the New York market for squabs is, One of the practical ways we have of help- ing our customers is to refer them to such first-class buyers of squabs as the firm-above quoted. We will give the address of the above New York firm to you when you buy breeding stock of us. SCRANTON MARKET. The following let- ter is from Chandler and Short, commission merchants, 15 Lackawanna Avenue, Scran- ton, Penn., dated February 15, 1903: ‘‘ We have yours in ngare to squabs. They are worth from $2.75 to $3 per dozen, dressed, on our market. Whatever you ship, we will lit endeavor to get the very highest market rices for, All you have to do is to have the eathers picked off.’’ CLEVELAND MARKET. The_ steward’s department of the Union Club, 158 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, sends the followin letter under date of February 13, 1903: ‘ am in receipt of your letter of yesterday and beg to say regarding your questions about squabs, that they are worth to us from $3 to $3.50 per dozen for the best and largest squabs either dressed or in the feather.’’ W. H. Bennett, proprietor of Oyster Ocean Cafe, 368 Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio . (February 12, 1903): ‘‘I use about one and one-half dozen squabs a week. Price averages $3 per dozen the vear through.” W. H. Seager, Sheriff Street Market, Cleve- land, Ohio (Feb. 12, 1903): “I purchase squabs when offered in this market and ha: sent to California for them on special occa- sions. The market price varies from $2.40 to $4 per dozen.” Gibson Pinkett Company, Fulton Market, 21-25 Prospect Street, Cleveland, Ohio (Feb. 12, 1903): ‘‘ We buy squabs and pay what they are worth. Price runs from $2.50 to $4 per dozen. We could use fifty dozen or more today.” KANSAS CITY MARKET. The market for squabs here is steadily improving. Here are some letters bearing on the subject: From James R. Peden & Co., 404 Walnut Street, Kansas City, Mo. (Jan. 26, 1903): “Send your squabs to me. I have good, steady demand for them and will take you can offer. Top prices paid, or handled on commission.’”’ (Mr. Peden ships squabs to New York City and other points east.) W. M. Woods, Produce Company, stalls 12 and 13 west side, City Market, Kansas City, Mo. (Jan. 26, 1903): ‘‘ The market for squabs is good. Prices range from $1 to $1.50 for common stock and from $1.80 to $2 and $2.25 for fancy. I am sure you will find a market for your squabssand if they come up to the mark you have set for them, will command a much better price. Kansas City market for squabs is growing. I will take your squabs at market price day received.” C. T. Wiggins, East entrance City Market, Kansas City, Mo. (Jan. 26, 1903): “It is only a question of how many you can supply. I can handle all the squabs you wil] offer and will pay, you good prices for them. The demand is strong and increasing. Hope you will soon make a start with me.”’ | George O. Relf, steward, Midland Hotel, Kansas City, Mo. (Jan. 27, 1903): ‘‘We can use squabs almost any time at $2.75 per dozen. If you have some now we will take one or two dozen and if O. K. will very likely use them right along.” Ewins-Dean Hotel Co., proprietors Hotel Metropole (St. Joseph, Mo.) and Hotel Balti- more (Kansas City, Mo.) (Jan. 30, 1903): NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK “Kindly quote me prices on squabs by the dozen. I have been using about two hundred per month and expect to use more. If your prices are right you will hear from me in a few days.” (Signed) E, G. Venable, steward. E. Klidey, the New Coates House, Kansas City, Mo. (Jan. 29, 1903): ‘We are using a few squabs which we buy from the commis- sion men here at $2.50 per dozen. Let me know what price you want for yours and we may be able to use eight or ten dozen a week.” P. Ritchie, steward Hotel Baltimore, Kansas City, Mo. (Feb. 6, 1903): ‘Your favor of January 27 received. We pay $2.75 per dozen for fancy squabs delivered, with feathers on.”’ OUR PIGEONS GOING AROUND CAPE HORN. We have sent our breeding stock about everywhere, but one of the most curious orders we ever had is from Captain Lane of the ship Kennebec, which arrived in Boston in November, 1902, frorn Seattle, with a cargo of lumber. At this writing (Feb. 18, 1903), Captain Lane is making arrangements with us to supply him with a breeding outfit of our Homers, which he will instal on his ship so that on his long return voyage to San Fran- cisco (or Seattle) he will have fresh squab meat regularly. Captain Lane is part owner of his - big ship and is accompanied by his wife and young son. He has visited our place and knows about our birds and our methods. SQUABS IN NEW MEXICO. Here in the East we would not look upon New Mexico as a fancy market for squabs, but here is a letter from a customer in Albemarle, New Mexico, ‘which eres that he is getting interested (Jan. 29, 1903): ‘The pigeons you sent me on the 20th were received yesterday in excellent condition, and am well pleased with them. Please find enclosed a money order for thirty dollars, for which send me twelve more pairs of your Extra mated thoroughbred adult pigeons. Ship as before by Wells-Fargo express, SOUTHERN MARKET. Our breeding stock has gone to every State in the South. If you live in any part of the South, you can market squabs as readily as poultry is mar- keted. One of our Southern customers, who lives in Citronelle, Alabama, has been to Bos- ton to see us. Under date of January 30, 1903, he writes: ‘I have received Homers from two others, but they do not compare with yours. I will build my second house very soon as the first one is filling up fast.” LONG DISTANCE SHIPMENTS. To all inquirers we wish to state again emphatically that we certainly do guarantee the safe arrival of every bird, no matter in what part of the world you live. We are learning all the time how to handle the long distance shipments best and experience has taught us little wrinkles about the baskets and the arrange- APPENDIX A ments of the feed and water dishes, which are valuable. The expe messengers get their instructions not from guesswork or from written notices or tags, but from a board a foot square on which is printed in bold type the necessary directions. This winter (1903) we have shipped every week to California. One order of 200 pairs for Santa Ana, Cali- fornia, filled seventeen baskets. Of the 400 birds, only one turned up dcad, but as we had sent along four more pairs than the order called for, we were seven birds ahead on the count. Another largeshipment to San Rafael, California, in January, 1903, brought back by return mail the following letter, which we print exactly as we got it, word for word, and altogether it is one of the best recommenda- tions for us to people who live at a distance that we ever received: . “Yesterday a.m. (January 20) at 8.30 we received your letter advising us of the ship- ment of 100 pairs of Extra Mated Homers, on January 14; advising also that the pigeons would reach us before the letter. Well, they did not arrive until 4.30 today, January 21 (7) seven days on the road. We notice that seven days are also required to get your shipments to Los Angeles; and when you assume that they will reach here at or before the receipt of no- tice of shipment we think you are mistaken. Nevertheless, be this as it may, the birds reached us tonight at 5.30, every bird in first- class shape—cvcry individual one being in first- class shape; giving evidence of being shipped in perfect condition and having plenty of feed and water en route. Your feed ran short, as evidenced by charges of 40 cents made by express company for feed provided by them, which we are only too glad to pay, and at same time shows care and attention of express company messengers—a good fault. Every bird in the lot is bright and active, and they come into a first-class home, a fine house and flying pen, plenty of feed and a galvanized iron pan 6 inches deep with water 4 inches deep running constantly. Dimensions of pan, 4 feet 6 inches by 2 feet 10 inches, guarantee- ing plenty of bathing facilities. They were liberated after dark, but the early morning will afford all the. bathing facilities they will need, and we prophesy they will embrace the opportunities afforded at first opportunity. e wish to compliment you on your prompt methods of doing business, and on the superior- ity of the birds shipped us. They were indeed high-class birds, in fact, Mr. Rice, they are better stock than we expected to receive. Your sending us four extra pairs above order was a graceful act on your part, one which we fully appreciate, and thank you right here for it. our shipment was nearly a week before we expected it, but by extra exertion we got all ready in time and they have a fine home. Express charges at $14 per hundred Boston to San Rafael, 270 pounds weight of shipment, amounted to $37.80 plus 40 cents for feed, $38.20 total, at merchandise rate. Still at rate given in your circular $4 for 24 birds (12 145 pairs), this is too much by a margin. $4 rate to San Francisco per 12 pairs is not just cor- rect, still we are not kicking, for the difference is not very much. Note this, 201 birds came out of those baskets. Now we aresure, abso- lutely sure of the count. Two people kept count as each bird was liberated and 201 birds came out of the crates. O pairs are mated, what will we do for that poor lone bird? We wait for suggestions; pretty tough on that lone bird, 3500 miles from home, but he or she is here sure. In conclusion we thank you for your promptness, your honcsty and your fair, square dealing and will keep you posted as to our progress as per your sug- gestion. We thank you for the crates; they are fine. We wrote you yesterday and look for reply in accordance with your usual promptness.”’ We sent the above letter to Mr. R. H. Dwight, agent_for the Wells-Fargo Express Company in Boston, and he was quite as pleased as we were. Through Mr. Dwight’s co-operation our through western shipments by the Wells-Fargo have been a remarkable success. The only difficulty we have ever had on account of long-distance trade came when we were shipping in crates, not baskets. We sent a large order into San Francisco and on the way four of the crates were broken into by rough handling and forty-two birds got away. The Wells-Fargo Express Company settled with us for the loss of those birds and we made good to the customer, sending the missing birds on, and the customer was out not a cent for further express charges, for the _ Wells-Fargo people carried the birds dead- head. The baskets in which we now ship cannot be broken open except with the aid of an axe and they can be thrown ten feet across a depot platform without being injured. There is a minor criticism in the above letter in the ma’’er of express charges. Ac- cording to the figures which we.give in the circular headed ‘‘ Express Rates,’ the cus- tomer should have been asked to pay about $33, instead of $37, as he did pay. e be- lieve the figures which we give to be correct in every case—the slight variation which may come as it came in this case is due to the fact that no two persons will weigh up the same lot of goods exactly the same, and that, of course, the birds vary in weight. The weight when the shipment starts is less than when it finishes, because at the end the bottoms of the baskets are covered with manure. (The grain which we send for feed is not weighed in and charged for transpor- tation.) tf the waybill is lost or delayed, and the agent at destination weighs the shipment, he will get a greater weight, and consequently a higher rate, than the express employee who weighed the shipment here in Boston. We wish to say further that if you think we have figured the express rates to you too low, send us money which we claim to be reay wed SOUL *9jodespir ay} Jou ‘Zurpymq ey) Jo seave orf} WoIy Suns4s st ued Suréy ayy yo doy oy, *10939q Poo} IO¥ Sunod i9y3 Jo syvonbs ayy ‘Joo! ay} tlodn spiiq 944 SUIWIeT UBYY 19940q ST SITLL ‘SHSNOH UNO AO ANO dO ACIS ‘sayoiad 1OOPINO, Jo JWewIesMelIe 944 910N HLOAOS JO LUVd 146 APPENDIX A correct and we will prepay all charges, thus jutting on ourselves and not on you the dif- erence, if there is any. COMMON PIGEONS AGAIN. We have had some of the old-time raisers of squabs from common pigeons on the ranches in the Middle West write us for more proofs that Homers are ahead of common pigeons. In reply we will print here the letter which we received in January, 1903, from a customer as follows: “T have for sale between four and five hundred pen-fed common pigeons. Can you use them, and at what price? Should you not bein a position to use them yourself probably you can refer me to some one that is in the market for some fine pen-fed birds. The Homers which I purchased of you some time last summer are doing very nicely, and have to make more room for them is the treason of wanting to dispose of my common birds. Thanking you in advance for favor asked.” We asked him to tell us if he had not found our Homers more profitable than com- mon pigeons. He replied as follows: “In reply to yours will say that your state- ment of the Homers being more profitable than the common birds is true, as the fact has been demonstrated to me in the past five or six months, by my experience of hav- ing the two lots side by side in separate pens. My common birds referred to are fine birds and willsell them f.o. b. at $2.50 per dozen, which, taking the plumpness of the bird in consideration, is very reasonable.”’ The above breeder lives in Missouri_and we expect to sell a good many of our Hom- ers to him and to those in his State who know of his experience. His letters are at our Boston office, where they may be seen. We will not give his name by mail because he is a customer, but if you think the above letters are made up by us, you write to the Boston office of Dun's or Bradstreet’s com- mercial agencies and ask for one of their men to be sent to our office to investigate. PIGEON MANURE. Our advice in the Manual as to pigeon manure has interested pigeon breeders all over the country, nearly all of whom say that they never have taken pains to save it, and when it got too thick they have scraped it up as best they could and used it for fertilizer. They want to know how we keep it pure, and all about the market, etc. The pigeon breeder who. does not make provision for the Puy of the manure and the steady sale of it is just throwing bank- pills straight into the fire. We have erected two buildings at our place for the manure, and take every precaution to keep the ma- nure free from straw, sawdust, sand, etc. The first building stands at the back of one of the long houses, and about halfway in the whole plant, so that we can reach it easily 147 with a wheelbarrow from the houses, There is a slide cut in the north wall of what we call No. 2 squab house, and through this slide the manure is shovelled from the wheel- barrow (standing in the passageway) directly into the manure house, where it stays until there is from $50 to $100 worth of it, when we bag it up and send it off. In the other building, which is larger, we dry and store a larger quantity of the manure. We take the wheelbarrow empty down a passageway and stop at a unit pen, then go into the unit pen with a bushel basket and scrapers. We use a trowel to clean off the nest-bowls, a tree scraper to clean out the nest-boxes and a hoe or a floor chisel (same as is used to clean off snow and ice from city sidewalks), six inches wide at the blade and with a long handle so that it can be easily used while the operator is standing. In scraping the floor, the manure rolls u with little exertion off the blade of the chisel. It is shovelled into the bushel basket and the basket taken out into the passageway and dumped into the wheelbarrow. It takes one man not over thirty minutes to clean a pen thoroughly and the product of each pen is between two and three bushels, or from $1.20 to $1.80 for half an_hour’s work, which is pretty good pay. (We have been getting in the winter of 1903 sixty cents a bushel from the American Hide and Leather Company of Lowell, Mass.) We ship the manure by freight in bags. We buy these bags when we can from farmers who have large herds of cows and who use considerable grain, and they let the bags go for one and _two cents. apiece. Second-hand bags in the Boston junkshops cost from four to nine cents ‘apiece. The leather people let the bags pile up and then send them back to us ina bunch. We are particular to save not only the manure in the unit pens, but in the sorting and mating cages and coops. We cover the floors of these cages with bur- lap, not tacking the burlap down, but stretch- inz it over three finish nails tacked at the backs of the cages and two nails tacked at the front of the cages. The manure cakes and dries on the burlap as it would on the floor. When there is a layer about half an inch thick, all tramped hard, dry and odor- less by the constant hammering of the feet of the birds, we take the burlap off the nails and stretch it outside, bottom up, then sprinkle water on the back and the manure drops off in large cakes, The burlap then is dried and replaced. This method saves an immense amount of time which otherwise would be consumed in scraping the floors of the cages. We have 108 of these cages at the farm and in our Boston shipping room, each capable of holding from 12 to 20 pairs of birds, and we have burlap carpets on all of them. We use a large amount of burlap not only for this purpose but for small grain bags to go with orders for breeders to dis- tant points, and also for the floors of our 148 shipping baskets, We buy this burlap in large roils weighing 150 pounds and contain- ing irom 300 to 320 square yards. We do not hem it or sew it in any way for the cages, simply cut it and in stretching it over the nails fold the raw edges under. Having read che Manual, you know that we do not use sand or sawdust in our squab houses, so we are able to deliver manure which is absolutely pure. The tanneries do not like to get lots of impure manure and of course pay more for the unadulterated _arti- cle. It is just as easy and more business- like to keep this by-product pure. Feathers and grain in the manure do not injure it for tanneries. : The manure in the houses has no odor, but when we have got it scraped up and banked in the manure house, it gives forth a pungent, ammonia-like smell. As the manure house is entirely cut off from the squab houses by the slide in the passage- way, this pungency does not trouble any- one, It is not a nasty smell, anyway. We have had customers from as far off as Illinois write that they were quite charmed with our story about the manure, and that they were saving up bags of it to ship by freight to the American Hide and Leather Company at Lowell, Mass. This tannery is a branch of the Leather Trust, which has other tanneries, so use your wits and find out which tannery is nearest you, and ship to that one. If you can find a tannery not in the trust, sell to that, if you wish to. you sell to a trust tannery, the check which pays you will come from the New York of- ice of the trust, same as ours do. e Tec- ommend our New England customers to ship'to Lowell. We have always found the leather people square in measuring the manure, in fact they have given us credit on two ,or three occasions for more than we thought we had. They pay after you have sent your bill of lading and the report of the measurer has gone to the New York of- fice. You need not be afraid of swamping the leather trust with pigeon manure. They will take all you can scrape up. Chemicals which are used as substitutes when pigeon manure cannot be had are said to, be injur- ious to the hide. We write the above to help you sell the manure from your squab houses. Do not ask us to advise you further on this point, for we cannot. If you cannot find a tannery within shipping distance, try the florists or market gardeners. We are informed that the florists’ exchange in New York City is a good place to sell pigeon manure, and customers near that city have told us that they are selling there. SQUABS IN THE POULTRY PRESS. The magazines devoted to poultry are beginning to take up squabs on account of the increasing interest shown by poultrymen in the subject. In the Poultry Keeper for November 15, 1902, appeared a contribution by A. P. Spiller. NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK After giving the general arrangements for caring for the birds, he says: “‘At about four weeks of age the squabs are ready for market. Some markets require them dressed, others only killed. Good breeding pigeons will hatch and rear from six to eleven pair of young a year. The cost to keep a pair of breeders, including the raising of the young, at the pres- ent time is about eighty cents a year, this, of course, varying some with location and cost of feeding stuff. Wild game birds are becoming more scarce each year. The properly raised cquab pigeon comes nearer taking the place of these wild birds than anything else. That they make fine eating, those who have eaten them cannot deny. There is always a ready sale for good plump squabs at hotels, restau- rants, markets and private families, prices ranging from $2.50 to $4.50 per dozen, de- pending upon quality and season. When one begins to raise pigeons it is better to try to secure strains from some reliable breeder who has stock bred along profitable lines. There is a difference in regard to breeding and feed- ing qualities and results obtained which war- rants the paying of a little more at the start in obtaining more profitable stock. The writer is in favor of the straight Homer, carefully selected as to size, shape, breeding and feeding qualities, as it is well known that the Homer pigeon is one of the best feeders and breeders of any variety, and the numbers they will pro- duce in a year more than balance any slight advantage that may be obtained in size. The breeding of pigeons is fascinating to most people. It is true there are some losses, but with care and some experience in manage- ment the few losses that occur to the beginner may be reduced to a very small percentage. The work is light and not as exacting as in some other lines, affording a lucrative employ- ment almost from the start to those who are not strong, as well as to the most robust. A flock once mated will give but little concern to their owner, as they remain constant for life regardless of the numbers contained in the flock, and for years will amply repay in profit and pleasure for the feed and care given them.” e wish to call the special attention of our readers to that portion of the above article by Mr. Spiller where he says that the cost of a pair of breeders is eighty cents a year. We say the cost is sixty cents a year at the present prices for grain (1903). In his article Mr. Spiller says nothing about keeping the pigeon manure free from dirt and gelling it to tanneries. This must be done in order to hold the feed bill down to its lowest notch. Wesay that the manure will pay one-third of the grain bill, and taking Mr, Spiller's figure of eighty cents, and deducting one-third from it, we have as the net cost fifty-three cents. We asked one of our friends living in West Newton, Mass., to ask Mr. Spiller if his esti- mate of cost was made when he was saving the manure and selling it to tanneries. Mr. ees replied by letter as follows under date of February 16,1903: “No, the manure was APPENDIX A not taken into consideration at all. I do not know what the tanneries pay for it.”’ The owners of large flocks of common pig- eons in the West who are breeding squabs for market do not sell the manure and for this reason they lose an important source of rev- enue. It is remarkable to us that pigeons pay with them at all. Certainly the manure is a very important by-product, and you should re on selling it just as you figure on selling the squabs, NEWSPAPER MARKET QUOTATIONS. Only a few of the daily newspapers of the country are in the habit of printing regularly market quotations on squabs. The Boston Globe has an article about once a week for the information of the household and in this article squabs are regularly quoted. At Thanksgiving time, 1902, the Globe quoted squabs at from $4 to $5 per dozen. In the Globe of February 14, 1903, squabs were quoted at $4.50 and $5 perdozen. If our New mgland customers will buy a copy of the Friday or Saturday Globe each week, they will probably find this household article containing the quotations for squabs on one of those days. SQUABS IN THE STATE OF WASHING- TON. The squab raisers in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania are very well satis- fied with the New York and Philadelphia mar- kets for squabs, and we have done consider- able talking about the New York market our- selves, but let us tell you that the market for squabs on the Pacific Coast is a fine one, too. Here in the East we think Seattle is a long way from home and you may find some city chaps around us who think that city is but just on the edge of the tall timber. If you live out in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, or any State in that section, you ought to feel pretty sure that the markets for squabs around you are good, after you have read what we are going to tell you here about the market for squabs in Seattle and its vicin- ity. These letters were obtained for us by a customer who lives near Seattle: Fulton Market, corner Second Avenue and Columbia Street, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 11, 1903): ‘Yours at hand and will say that if your birds are as you say, we can use on an average of twenty dozen per week at $2.50 per dozen, feathers on.” A. D. Blowers & Co., 817-819 Western Avenue, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 12, 1903): “Your valued favor to hand regarding squabs. In reply will say that most of the squabs used in this city are brought from the East and held in cold storage, so that native birds will no doubt sell much better than this article. We have made some inquiry about them and find that there will be no trouble in selling four to six dozen a week, and no doubt many more, as the trade would open up. We do not think there is any one in this part of the country who 149 raises them for sale, and think if you can pro- duce a good article that you will have no trouble whatever in selling them here. The price for eastern squabs is $2.25 to $2.50 per dozen. Some of the customers prefer to have them plucked, others alive. We think it would be better, perhaps, in the first ship- ment to send them alive until a regular trade is established. Our commission for selling them will be ten per cent of the gross sales. If you have any nice ones, it would be well for you to send two to four dozen along and see what we can do with them for you.” (It is better to ship squabs killed and prop- erly cooled. Do not send them alive to your market. Few butchers in the commission men’s employ understand how to kill and cool a squab right. Do your own killing and cooling and packing as we have given you precise directions and you will know, not guess, that your product is reaching the con- sumer in perfect condition.) Palace Market Co., Second Avenue, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 11, 1903): ‘‘ Squabs such as you speak of would be worth 20 to 25 cents each, ould prefer the feathers on. We can use all you have.” California Commission _Compan: 923 Western Avenue, Seattle, Wash. (Be. 11, 1903):‘‘ Your favor to hand and contents noted. In reply we beg to state that squabs are selling from $2.50 to $3.50 per dozen, according to the quality of the peas We want them with the feathers on and not drawn. You may ship us two or three dozen for a trial and then we will be better able to tell what we can do for you and see how many we can handle at a time. Our commission is ten per cent. on all goods. We are certain that we can give you entire satisfaction and know that our business methods will please you. We make prompt returns and keep shippers well posted on the market conditions. Trusting to be favored with your further valued orders.” C. W. Chamberlain & Co., 905-907 Western Avenue, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 13, 1903): “‘ Yours of the 9th at hand and contents fully noted. Squabs, such as you mentioned, would sell here for about $3 per dozen. Our selling charge is ten per cent. Twelve to fifteen dozen per week could be disposed of from present information at hand. They should be shipped alive.” J. F. Gayton, steward Ranier Club (this club is composed of the richest men of Se- attle), Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 13, 1903): ‘I am in receipt of your letter with regard to squabs. Yes, I want some squabs at any time. Will be glad to have them. I will take a dozen at 25 cents each, either dressed or undressed, three dollars per dozen. After I see the first birds I can tell whether I can take them regularly.” Williams Bros., Gilt Edge Cafe, Everett, Wash. (Feb. 12, 1903): ‘In reply to yours will say, I cannot say at present how many VIEW FROM PASSAGEWAY. VIEW FROM INTERIOR OF SQUAB HOUSE. Above are two views of a model made to illustrate what we call the dowel Byshen of feeding and watering. It is a great time-saver in a long house. Between the floor of sduats house and the lowest tier of nest boxes is one foot space. Fill this space with three-eighths inch doweling set one and one-half inches apart, as petted (This doweling comes in any length from a carpenter and is very cheap.) Set galvanized drinker and feed trough as shown. The trough has a three-quarter inch slot in its bottom so that the grains will fall into position ready for eating on the back side of the bottom strip into which the dowels are driven. The birds stick their heads through the dowels to eat and drink, and cannot foul either grain or water. Push a wheelbarrow with grain along the passageway and a house one hundred feet long can be attended to in fifteen minutes. Without this arrangement if you go into each unit pen to feed and water, you will use up at least an hour, and it will be harder work. By this method you need enter the breeding pens only when killing or cleaning times come. APPENDIX A 151 squabs I can use, but will start with two dozen a week, picked, at $2.50 per dozen. Ship as soon as. you please and will look the market up for you in the meantime.” Gordon & Co., commission merchants, 811 Western Avenue, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 1903): ‘* Replying to your letter will say that we have telephoned to several of the hotels and restaurants here that would be apt to use squabs and we find that there are some places that make a specialty of using them and we do not believe we would have any trouble in disposing of them nicely. We would suggest that you send down a small box of them and let us show the customers just what they are and find out just what they will be willing to pay for them. They have been selling recently for 25 cents each. If you care to make this shipment, we will be glad to get it.” Seattle Market, Cor. First Avenue South and Washington Street, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 10, 1903): ‘‘In reply to yours would say, it would be a good idea for you to ship us in two or three dozen squabs forsample. Icould get the hotel and restaurant people’s opin- jon on price and quality and be able to talk to you on quantity. Eastern frozen squabs are selling on this market for $2 to $2.25 per dozen. If your stock is as you say, I think it would be a better seller than frozen goods.”’ Maison Barberis, ‘restaurant and dining arlors, 204-210 James Street, Seattle, Wash. treb, 11, 1 03): ‘* We will take thirty dozen squabs every month; have them plucked, and will pay you $3 per dozen. Please answer and say about what day of the month you will send them in.” : E. C. Klyce &-Co., commission merchants, 906 Western Avenue, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 13, 1903): ‘‘ Yours regarding squabs to hand. We have investigated the market here and find a good many of the first-class hotels and cafes will take them at very fair figures. There seems to be a variance of opinion as to what they will pay, but we presume that the supply has been very limited, and they would pay just about whatever the seller would ask in order to get them. We think the average price would be about $2.50 to $2.75 per dozen. Of course there would be some bidding among the different buyers in case they were scarce, and we might get more for them. We have immediate access by ‘phone and salesmen with all our customers who serve squabs for short orders or other- wise. By this means you would be in close touch with the people most in need of them and would always try to get you top notch ices, We believe this is a good investment ioe you to grow them for this market. course you would have to start in and grad- uate up to find how large the volume of trade will be that we can command you on them. ing in the way of game, fowls or meats are staple sellers at good prices.” Hamm & Schmitz, Hotel Butler, Seattle, Wash. (Feb. 12, 1903): ‘‘In reply to yours, will say that we could use three dozen a week of the squabs and will pay three dollars per dozen for plucked birds, laid down here.” The above letters indicate to us that peo- ple in the State of Washing m who eat squabs have to pay from $3 to $4 a dozen for the cold storage, frozen kind. Poor as_ these are (they are the lightweight squabs of com- mon pigeons) they are in active demand. Of course the consumers would pay as much, and no doubt more, for fresh-killed squabs bred from our fine Homers. The commis- _ sion men are certainly eager to get squabs. They are willing to pay from $2 to $3.50 per dozen, They resell them at a profit. The above letter from E. C. Klyce & Co. is sensible and could well be written by any commission firm in any state in the Union, or by any commission firm anywhere that sells poultry, eggs and butter. Wherever there is a sale for hens and chickens, dressed or with feathers on, there is a sale for squabs at higher prices not only because they are a greater delicacy, but also because good eaters everywhere know they are a greater delicacy, and expect to pay, and do pay, more for squabs, pound for pound, than they pay for hens and chickens, geese and turkeys. We ship to Seattle by the fastest express trains, The birds go from Boston _to St. Paul (Minnesota) by the Wells-Fargo Express Company, At St. Paul the birds are taken by the Northern Pacific Express Company, which has charge of them to destination. Every express messenger in the employ of thése two companies of this long route has handled our shipments and made a fine record, and is trained to the work of feeding and watering all sizes of shipments. Our Seattle trade can be sure that their ship- ments will be treated right and will reach them in perfect condition. That is what we guarantee. . MORE LETTERS. Here are more letters from squab buyers, unclassified, as they came to us in the first part of February, 1903: Allyn House, Hartford, Conn. (February, 1903): ‘‘ In answer to yours will say we are continually using squabs. We buy them plucked in all cases. We pay all prices, ac- cording to size, age, and condition when re- ceived. They run from $2.25 to $3.25 per dozen. Sometimes the market is a little higher.” Russell House, Detroit, Michigan (Feb- ruary, 1903): ‘‘In reply to your letter would say that we use quite afew squabs here, Am paying at present $2.50 per dozen for splen- did stock. If you care to send me any at that, you have to pay the express, I should be glad to have same.” Duquesne Club, Pittsburg, Penn. (Feb. 13, 1903): ‘‘Wish to know, if you have squabs of first quality. Should you have about three dozen on hand, I would pay you per dozen, 152 squabs plucked and delivered from $3.59 to $3.75 per dozen. If price suits you please let me know.’ Signed by E. Max Heinrich, superintencent. incoln Hotel, Lincoln, Nebraska_ (Feb. 16, 1903): ‘Replying to your letter. We can use about two dozen squabs per week in our cafe at present. Will pa 2.50 per dozen delivered here, feathers on.” . Hotel Victoria, Pittsburg, Penn, (Feb. 18, 1903): In regard to your letter, will say, we use about one dozen or one and one-half dozen per week, just depends on the business, and will pay $3.50 per dozen delivered here at the hotel.” Fred Harvey, general office, Union Depot Annex, Kansas City, Missouri; Chicago office, corner 17th Street and Wentworth Avenue (Feb, 14, 1903): We can use 15 to 20 dozen squabs per week if the birds are very nice and the price reasonable. Can use them with feathers on. Do not know what we can afford to pay, it depends entirely on the birds. If you will please send three dozen squabs by Santa Fe baggage car to Kansas City, charging them at such a price that you can afford to furnish them, I will use them asasample. If the birds are not of the right quality and the pace is too high, we will not need any more, ut if the birds and price are right, we can use quantity given above. I enclose baggage car shipping bill; be careful to fill it out correctly. This bill is made in duplicate: you hold one copy as your receipt and the other goes with the birds. Please put the squabs in a small box with a little ice.” Hotel Savoy, Ewins-Childs Hotel Co., pro- prietors, Kansas City, Missouri (Feb. 16, 1903): ‘‘What is your lowest price on best squabs in five-dozen lots? We are not in the habit of sending out of town for our supplies, but if you have something better than we can get here, it is possible that we can do business with you." (Siged by George Thompson, steward). Frank E. Miller, superintendent Dining Service, Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway System, No. 707 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, Missouri (Feb. 16, 1903): “I have your favor relative to squabs. It is proper for you to state the price per dozen. e occupy eight or ten large dining stations and require a large number.” Hollenden Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio (Feb. 19, 1903): ‘In reply to your letter making inquiry regarding squabs IJ will state that we are paying $3.00 per dozen for nice dressed squabs. e do not buy any unless they are fully dressed, no feathers on.” Louis A. Fisher, Manager Cen Club, Cleveland, Ohio (Feb. 17, 1903): ‘‘We buy all our squabs in New York as the prices of three and four dollars per dozen prevailing in this city are too high—that is, we buy cheaper in New York than here.’’ A. S. Barnett, steward Morton House, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Feb. 11, 1903): ‘In NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK reply to your inquiry in regard to what we would pay for squabs such as you have, we are paying $2.25 per dozen. Should you consider our price an object, would be pleased to learn how many you could furnish a week.”’ Hotel Schenlen, Pittsburg, Penn. (Feb. 10, 1903): ‘‘Your squabs must be according to the weight and you should find a ready market for such stock, Nice white squabs are bring- ing $3.50 today.” Hotel Rider, Cambridge Springs, Penn. (Feb. 11, 1903): ‘‘We can pay you $2.25 per dozen for genuine squabs (no pigeons) de- livered here. Can use six or eight dozen at a time, but we do not want anything but young birds.’”’ E. A. Goodrich & Co., commission mer- chants, 103 South Water Street, Chicago, Illinois SEED, 13, 1903): ‘Your favor at hand. If you mean fat young pigeons that have left the nest and can fly, they are worth 75 cents to $1 per dozen, and the trade wants them alive. (This is the way the trade in Boston wants them, but they pay more.) If you mean nestlings, or very young pigeons which have not left the nest and are unable to fly, we can get you $2 to $2.25 per dozen, dressed neatly. Either kind is good sale at prices named and can handle for you any quantity from five dozen to one hundrny dozen. If nestlings, tie in one-half dozen bunches packed in ice and ship by express.” A FINAL WORD. Our object in printing the letters from marketmen and other squab buyers, in this appendix, is to convince any intelligent man or woman that there is a mar- ket for him, provided he goes to raising squabs, no matter where he lives. We have hundreds of similar letters on hand, but we have not room to print all, and we think we have printed enough. If you are not con- vinced by what we have printed that there is a paying market for squabs within five hundred miles of you, do not write to us and ask us to tell you the names and addresses of squab buyers in your town or city, or your county, for that we may not be able to do, but sit down at your writing desk, or go out in person, and find out for yourself. It is unnecessary to argue the squab mar- ket with any one of common sense who lives east of the Mississippi and Missouri tivers, and on the Pacific Coast, and within shipping distance of Denver. If you live in a barren territory or a foreign country, and wish to take up this subject with us, we will reply to the best of our ability, but remember that you are on the ground, and can find out such facts for yourself better than we can tell you, This Manual is intended to be a book of facts, backed up by evidence. If anybody has any additional facts as to squabs which will improve this Manual, we will be glad to con- sider same, and will pay for them if accepted APPENDIX B Many interesting points with regard to squab raising, the management of a plant, and so forth, are disclosed by the letters which we receive from customers, and the following pages will repay reading as showing the practical side of the business. The stories of success, letters from customers, which appear in this Appen- dix B, were received by us in 1905, along with hundreds of others of similar character. These show results duplicated over and over again by our cus- tomers, and they came to us in the ordinary run of business, day by day. We do not print the names and addresses of these customers. Many of them are regular buyers of our birds. We would advertise them as breeders to our loss. We guarantee the genuineness of the letters here printed, and will prove it in any way desired. The originals are on file at our office at Boston and may be seen there. Here are stories which tell of hardy, vigorous parent stock; of one-pound squabs; of quick results from a small purchase; of flocks from us bred for ee without a single death; of remarkable breeding qualities; of handsome omers which attract admiration wherever they go; of prizes won at fairs; of excellence demonstrated over Homers of any breeding in every State; of many women who are making success with our birds; of customers who started with small flocks-and later bought of us by the hundred pairs; etc. See page 153 for the difference between sand and grit. Same page also for conditions in Florida. See page 155 for points about moulting. On page 157 read what a correspondent says about inbreeding, and the author’s reply; also causes of failure in squab raising. More about the excellent market for squabs in the State of Washington is given on page 159. Breeding without having any sickness or deaths is told on pages 159 and 160. The experience of a squab breeder with five hundred common pigeons is told on page 164. OUR PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS ARE great many pigeon fanciers. We have sold STRONG IN AND AROUND BRIDGETON, more Plymouth Rock Homers in this [Cum- NEW @omeeu WHERE THERE ARE _berland] county, around Bridgeton, than any SOME ITICAL BUYERS AND BREEDERS breeder or set of breeders in that county, —READ THIS LETTER FROM ACUSTOMER and the reason for it is just what our cus- IN SOUTH VINELAND. Will you kindly let tomer in South Vineland states above.) me know when is the best time for me to buy more pigeons, as those I bought of you three years ago are doing finely, and I am perfectly satisfied with them and I tell people where SAND IS NOT GRIT—CONDITIONS IN FLORIDA, AND SOMETHING ABOUT THE GREAT MARKET THERE. I have plenty I got them, and several persons told me they were going to send for some from you. There are lots of people come to see them, as the’ are fine birds, and when I send for more want them mated like the ones I got before; but I wiil not send until I hear from you. got twenty-four pairs the last time. There were two that died a little while after I got them, but that was all I lost—O. W., New Jersey. (This customer lives in South Vine- land, New Jersey, a few miles from Bridge- ton, New Jersey, and in this territory are a of beach sand and would like to know if you really need to ship me the grit, for I am going to cover the ground of the flying pen with the sand.—J. S., Florida. Answer: Gravel is grit, but sand is not grit. It is all right to cover the ground of the flying pen with sand and use sand generally about the squab house. In Florida there is nothing but sand, and this is true of other localities also. I wish everybody who has perce or poultry would read and remem- er what I say about sand and grit. Sand LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 153 STORIES is the product of the washing of the ocean’s waters. This incessant beating and washing have worn off all the sharp corners. As a matter of fact (as skillful breeders of poultry in Florida know), if the birds can get no grit and are forced to eat sand, then the sand which they eat packs tight within them, and if you cut open one which has died from some inexplicable cause, you will find the bunch of sand. It is not grit at all, and does not cut and grind the grain as grit does. This is the cause for many failures with poultry in Florida—lack of grit. The breeder thinks he has grit all around him, when he has none. It is all right to cover the flying pen with sand; it is clean stuff and the pigeons will not eat it unless they are forced to by their owner’s failure to provide rit. Make no mistake, pigeons can tell grit rom sand. For further remarks on grit see Supplement to Manual. It is fully as im- portant as grain and grain is not good for anything without it. fast a word about the Florida squab outlook while I am answering this Florida query. I spent four months in the winter of 1905, in Dade County, three hundred miles south of Jacksonville, to get rid of a cough. I found three of my custom- ers in and around Palm Beach. One lived in Jupiter and was raising them all right but the market was not to his liking, and he was a good man, too. Another at Man- gonia, two miles from Palm Beach, was an experienced poultry man, and he was a good business man. Although well-to-do, he gets on his bicycle every day during the winter season and sells his poultry and eggs to the Tich cottagers at first hand. You would not believe me if I told you what prices he gets. As for squabs, I state here with full knowledge of the facts, that any number of squabs may be sold in Palm Beach from January 1 to April 1, for $1 apiece, $12 a dozen provided they are good squabs, such as Plymouth Rock Homers breed. The Hotel Royal Ponciana at Palm Beach (called the largest in the world) the winter I was there had fifty-two thousand separate names on its register in its three months’ season. These were the richest people, in Florida for amusement, and ac- customed to the choicest table delicacies. ‘This is only one hotel; there are many others, including the chain of great Flagler hotels from St. Augustine to Miami and Nassau. Who also in Florida has the business sense to see an opportunity and follow it up by providing these tens of thousands of rich northern people every winter with squabs? always considered California the ideal climate for breeding squabs, but Florida is just as good; it is perpetual summer _ there and the winter market beats anything I have ever seen or heard of. As for the summer and fall market, it is not good for much. If you must sell squabs and poultry then to keep a-going, you will have to ship North by the OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS Clyde line, or else sell your goods to native folks at about half the price you get from northern sojourners in the winter. WOMAN HAS RAISED ONE HUNDRED PAIRS. Two years ago we bought some pigeons of you. We have some fine ones now, about two hundred. or one hundred pairs.—Mrs. W. B., Pennsylvania. BRED SATISFACTORILY ALL WINTER. Enclosed money order for supplies, etc. I have some stock whose parents came from you and can say they are certainly all you claim for them. They have bred satis- torily all winter and bid fair to continue.— R. A. S., Massachusetts. SYSTEM AND DIRECTIONS PERFECT. Your system and directions for handling birds are about perfect, and your Manual is almost ind. p nsable for any one who is in the pizeon business. The drinking fountain, bath pan and nest bowls reached me. They are just what I have been looking for for a long time.—Mrs, H. J. S., Pennsylvania, VIRGINIA WOMAN ORDERS A SECOND LOT. My pizeons came safely Saturday morning and are exceedingly fine birds. I like them so much that I enclose remittance for another lot.—Miss A. M. D., Virginia. THEY PLEASE EVERYBODY. The one dozen pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers I received from you on November 9 are all doing well. Quite a number of persons have seen the birds and all seem to think them fine —W. B. R., New York. RUGGED STOCK. HE HAS LOST BUT FEW EGGS AND BIRDS IN HIS EXPERI- ENCE. I now have in my flock about two hundred birds which are producing squabs rapidly and seem to be doing well. ave lost but few egzs or birds during my experi- ence. I have two parties figuring to buy me out. I have been enlarging my plant and will divide the flock unless I sell. will send for more nest bowls in case I do not sell out.—-H. H. K., Missouri. STRENGTH AND VIGOR OF OUR STOCK SHOWN BY AN EXCELLENT JOURNEY TO CALIFORNIA. The pigeons you shipped me on the 2d reached me the 9th in excellent condition. The first thing they had after being put in the squab house was a bath, and I never saw anything more grateful than they seemed to be. I am glad you sent the extra pair of birds, I think the way the birds stood the long trying trip speaks volumes for the strength and vigor of the flock. Thank you for the promptness with which the order was filled.—Mrs. J. F. P., California. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 154 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS SOON TO SEND FOR MORE BIRDS. Enclosed find money order for $2.88, for which please send to my address three dozen nest bowls for pigeons. My birds that I got of you last fall are doing well. Thanking you for past favors. and that soon I am send- ing for more birds—Mrs. M. H. P., Con- necticut, PIGEONS WERE MOULTING. Can you explain to me why my birds start in and make their nests and then stop? They have done very little since October (it is now December). They are looking fine. They are all mated Their house is cleaned twice a week. They are fre from lice. ‘hey have shell, salt and coddsh in froné of them all the time, no rats or mize to trouble them. 1 have about sixty. The house is twelve by thirty. The house is not cold. The, have plenty of nest material. Not a sick or dumpish bird in the lot. If you can tell me what else I can do, you will con- fer a great favor. I bought my birds of you in May, twelve pairs. I have over sixty; do Gs think they have done well?—F. E. G., lew York, Answer: If you had applied to one of the know-it-alls (who know nothing about pig- eons), he would ha e told you that your trouble came from the fact that you did not orizinally buy your birds from him, but the simple truth is that your birds were moult- ing late, and would not lay until through shedding their feathers and getting their new coats, GOOD GRAIN NEEDED FOR GOOD BIRDS. Enclosed’ find remittance for one hundred pounds best red wheat and one hundred pounds hempseed. Ihave had hard wor«< to get good red wheat lately, and I find it poor practice to feed the inferior grain, as the birds scatter it all over the house, so thourit I would try and. get some from you. I thiak my birds are doing first class, and I intzid to put in two or three more lots as soon as I can arrange for them.—C. E. B., New Hampshire . CONVINCED HIM THAT THEY ARE PROSITABLE. About a year ago I bought from you half a dozen pairs of Homer pigeons, ani at present time they number over fifty birds. The way they have increased and the little, but necessary, care thev need convinces me that they must be profitable. I enclose twenty-five cents for the working plans for enlarzed house, which I intend to build as soon as the weather permits, with the idea of stock- ing it in the early spring.—H. B. R., New York MORE THAN PLEASED IN ARKANSAS. The ieee that you shipped arrived here O. K.—twenty-six in all. Many thanks for the extra pair. They are doing fine, and lam more than pleased with them, and hope to send for more soon.—A. H., Arkansas. SATISFIED WITH SQUAB HOUSE AND BIRDS. The pigeons and also the letter stating they were shipped arrived yesterday morning at nine o'clock, This certainly was fast time froin Boston as the stamp of your letter shoved 5.30 p.m., forty-eight hours previsas. fo say that we are pleased with the birds do2s not exoress it. ‘They are certainly fine birds, and we will try to do our part to make a success of the business. We built our houses after the plans given in your squab book, and are well pleased with them. As soon as we get them painted we will send you photozraphs of them so you can see where we keep our birds and how we care for them. The birds were all in good shape and seem to have received goad care from the express company.—H. A. B., Illinois. DOING NICELY. Enclosed find stamps for which please send me some aluminum tub- ing for leg bands. The birds we bought from you are doing nicely.—A. H. W., Pennsyl- vania. GOING TO SELL HIS COMMON PIGEONS —EXIRA PLYMOUTH ROCKS THE BEST BREEDERS TO BEAHAD. Ihave had pigeons only about a year. At present 1 have about seventy, half Homer and half common pig- eons. 1am going to sell the common pigeons, and in the fall you shall have my order for breeders. I think your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers are the best breeders that are to be had. Mrs. Street, who lives here has some of your Homers, and I think they are all you claim for them.—W. W. P., Arizona. FINE AND HEALTHY. Enclosed find $1.70 in two-cent stamps, for which please send me the lez-band outfit. My birds are doing very nicely. They look fine and are very healthy.—C. C. R., Pennsylvania. FIRST SHIPMENT DOING WELL, SO HE ORDERS ANOLHER. Enclosed find money order for which send eighteen pairs and four dozen nest-bowls. The first order of mine was peecec O. K. The birds are doing fine. ., Lowa. FAST WORK—HAS NOT HAD HIS BIRDS A MONTA, BOT HAS PLENIY OF NESTS, AND SQUABS ARE DUE. Iam very agree- ably surprised with the pigeons which you sent me. I received them on May 18. They were so quiet and seemed so much at home that I let them into the fly on the 22d and had no trouble with them, They went in and out and did not have to bother with them. On Mav 24 I received the nest-bowls and put them in the house the same afternoon. The next dav one of them commenced to make a nest and lay. She is setting now and should hatch about the 16th of June; so I think I will have some squabs before I have had the pig- eons a month. I think this is pretty fast LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 155 OUR PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS ARE BOUGHT AND BRED BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AT WASHINGTON The Plymouth Rock Homers are being bred by the United States Govern- ment at Washington successfully and satisfactorily, exactly according to our Manual and the directions which we give our thousands of customers. The Government buys our birds because they are the best. The first lot of our Extra Homers which we shipped Uncle Sam brought us back a letter from the superintendent saying: ‘‘ The birds were in perfect condition with the exception of a single individual whose eye had been injured. Iam very much pleased with the pigeons, which are certainly a fine lot.” The birds did well and a return order for more birds came to us later from the Government, the order stating: ** Referring to my letter of March 24, I have the pleasure to inform you that the pigeons received from you have now become satisfactorily established in their new quarters, and it seems that we can advantageously increase our stock.” To fulfil the United States Government specifications, breeding stock shipped as per orders given us had to be not only the best of its kind, but absolutely healthy. One pigeon in the first shipment died after a time and the remains were turned over to the biological department of the Department of Agriculture, for a microscopical examination to discover germs of con- tagion. None was found, and the flock continued in rugged health. It is a compliment to us and a good advertisement for us, for the United States Government to buy our breeding stock. THE STATE OF WISCONSIN is another of our customers, having bought an outfit of both birds and sup- plies for its Northern Hospital for the Insane. We have supplied many well-known American families with squab- breeding flocks and outfits, including the Rockefellers, Carnegies, Goulds, etc. These very rich people, accustomed to the best table delicacies, breed their own squabs from our birds, because in this way only can they be assured of a steady supply of unvarying excellence, the markets and the breeders of ordinary squabs not being dependable. Some of our customers have exclu- sive contracts with rich families who take all they breed. One customer, a woman, supplies the Brandegees, multi-millionaires of Boston. The Carne- gies have a large estate in Florida. Three years ago we received a trial order for twelve pairs of our best birds from one of the ladies of this household. She did so well breeding squabs and was so well pleased with our birds, that the manager of the farm visited us in the summer of 1907 and gave us a large order for Plymouth Rock Homers and supplies which later we shipped to Florida. ’ 156 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS work, Several more are making nests and laying. I thank you very much for sending me the fine stock which you did. One of my friends told me the other day that he had written to you last fall about your pigeons but had never received an answer from you. I told him his letter must have miscarried. He is starting in the squab business with com- mon pigeons, and they will be likely to fail. My birds have been greatly admired by all that have seen them, and I hope to interest some of my friends in your Homers, Thank you for fair treatment.—E, W. T., New Jersey. BETTER HOMERS THAN THIS ILLINOIS CUSTOMER EXPECTED TO GET. My fifty pairs of pigeons arrived safe and sound yesterday. They are fine birds, better than I expected. The express was $5.05, which was reasonable enough. If these birds do well will order fifty pairs more in December. Thank you for your prompt and square way of doing business.—C, D. P., Illinois. HIS EXPERIENCE WITH RUNTS A FAILURE. I have been raising squabs from runt pigcon’ and have lost so much on them that J cannot afford to risk any more money on stock which may turn out to be as bad as some that has been passed off on me. Please give me your prices on your Extra Homers and nest-bowls.—G, W. M., Pennsylvania. PRETTY BIRDS IN TEXAS, ALWAYS HEALTHY, NEVER SICK. You will remem- ber that I bought six pairs of birds from you last July. Ihave now about twenty pairs on hand as nice and pretty birds as you ever saw, well marked. They are perfectly healthy, never sick,—Mrs, L. C., Texas. PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS HAVE MORE THAN COME UP TO HIS EXPECTA- TIONS. My intentions are at present to give fifty pairs of your birds a thorough trial for one year, and if it proves successful I intend to move my place near New York City and then increase it to one thousand pairs to start with. The birds I received from you have more than come up to my expectations, and if the business moves along as it has I do not think I will hesitate one moment next spring to increase my flock to the amount stated. Thank you for past favors.—J, D., New York. BREEDING WELL IN FLORIDA. En- closed find money order for $1.70 for which lease send to me by mail your leg-band outfit. My birds are doing finely. I wish I had twice as many, but must be contented with these at present, The young squabs are leaving the nests every day or so.—G. A. G., Florida. LOUISIANA CUSTOMER BRED THEM. Enclosed herewith find money order for fifty cents, for which please send me your squab book also quote me your best prices on birds, See fountains, etc. You sold me twelve pairs of your pigeons and shipped them to Wilson, Louisiana, and I like them very much, and they did all you claim for them.—T. J. C., Louisiana. _ QUICK WORK IN OHIO. The birds ar- rived Saturday, May 6, and on Saturday the 13th three had laid and were setting. Today, May 16, five are setting and one odd egg is in another nest without the nesting material._— C.G. A., Iowa, NO AILMENTS AND BREEDING SATIS- FACTORILY. The birds ordered of you on the 13th were received on the 16th, and find them the same as the other order—satis- factory in every respect. I also wish to thank you for the extra pair. My first order of birds, which I received from you five weeks ago, are doing finely—no pigeon ailments. have squabs, and the majority of them are hatching.—D. & S., New York. SOMETHING ABOUT INBREEDING, TO- GETHER WITH REMARKS ON WHY SOME PEOPLE FAIL AT SQUAB BREEDING. Enclosed find draft for $40 for which please ship per Adams or Southern Express, to above address, twenty-four pairs Plymouth Rock Homer pigeons. Will want four times as many more if these prove satisfactory. I was ite interested in your National Standard Squab Book, but am a little inclined to criti- cise some statements. On page 41, it seems to me it would be we\l to substitute gizzard, for crop, when describing the necessity for grit in the digestive process, and in your comments on inbreeding, you evidently lose sight of the fact that in all doves and pigeons, in the wild or natural state, the young hatch in pairs, male and female, almost invariably, and that they almost invariably mate, and have done so for centuries without deterioration. The Gentry swine, which took about all of the high prizes at St. Louis, have been inces- tuously inbred for twenty-five years. The Hart herd of Jerseys, finest in the State of Ohio, have been bred sire to daughter, son to mother, brother to sister for ten generations, and have constantly improved in size, vigor and productiveness. The Bishop merinos started with three animals and never had a drop of outside blood in forty years, and were then the finest in the world. So there is nothing to be feared from dnbreseiah if stock is well cared for and ordinary intelligence is used.—H. R. C., Ohio. Answer: Good; I am glad to get that kind of a letter because it shows that the writer is LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 157 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS able to think for himself. However, I do not inbreed pigeons, and I do not think you have authority for making the sweeping statement that in a wild state the pigeons almost in- variably mate in pairs as they were hatched. I will prove that to you right now by asking you, Have you not seen male pigeons, both in a wild state and domesticated, fighting for the possession of a female? Certainly, we all - have; it is an every-day occurrence among pigeons, depending on a hundred different notions which may-form in the minds of the pigeons, This domination of the strongest and handsomest over the weakest and ugliest is the law of life among human beings as well as animals. This survival of the fittest would not be true if it was the law and the rule and the custom, call it what you will, for nest- mates to mate for the reason of propinauity: alone. Now, as a matter of fact I know that there are a great many Homer fanciers in this country, mostly Englishmen, who have bred pigeons all their lives, who win prizes with Homers as well as other kinds of pigeons, which are the product of inbreeding. There are a dozen fanciers within fifty miles of my plant in Massachusetts who come to my place regularly and there pick out young birds which we band with seamless bands for them and sell them when weaned, and I know for a fact because some have told me so, that they take these birds and inbreed them. However, as a matter of business, it would not do for me or for anybody selling pigeons in the open market to inbreed them, because there is a sort of horror, a repugnance, among people generally, especially women, against that sort of thing. Nearly half my trade is among women, and I think that as a rule they master pigeons better than men, and I don’t think I would sell to many women if I advocated and practised inbreeding. If you are a follower of poultry, you will read advice from many theorists and impractical men, who work eight hours a day at something else, but who will sit at a desk in their evening hours and with a pen direct breeding operations for anybody offhand, and one of the stock re- marks of these folks, unable to follow their own ideas in breeding successfully is, when some one writes them that his or her pigeons are not raising young satisfactorily: ‘Your pigeons are probably inbred, and are worthless, being weak.’ It is a foolish and senseless remark, because it is a guess, and nothing more. In my Manual I decry inbreeding and, as I say, do not practise it, because I do not think it is nature’s way. An animal wants a handsome and attractive, or otherwise satisfactory mate, and is willing to fight for it—this is nature’s way. While I am on this subject, I will tell why people fail, as some do, with pigeons. There are generally men and women who have failed with poultry, and with everything. It is their fault not the fault of the pigeons. If they start with pigeons, strong and rugged birds, it is up to them to get results. I have seen people start with pigeons who absolutely could not get an egg or a squab to amount to anything for mont.s, and then sell out to somebody of sense and gumption who inside of a month would be doing so well with the birds that he would buy more. Is this sur- prising? Not if you have had much expe- rience with people and their habits. There is a large percentage of folks who cannot man- age their own eating and drinking right; their bowels are always out of order; they are,dos- ing with patent medicines; they seldom or never bathe. Others who look after them- selves perhaps better cannot do the simplest things of life successfully; cannot write their names legibly; cannot compose a letter and address the envelope correctly; cannot man- age their children so as to hold their respect; cannot keep friends with their neighbors; can- not earn money, or cannot save it; and so on. Yet many of these people (and there are hundreds of them who turn to a new thing like squabs for the long-souzht touchstone) will take hold of animal breeding, requiring at the outset, and all the time, the sterlinz qualities of patience and common sense, not to speak of some degree of skill which must be acquired, and then wonder why they fail. From squabs they go to bees, or vice versa, or to ginseng or pecan nuts, or truck gardening, or poultry, but never back again to something at which they have failed. The Creator put these things into the world, and the devil has put many temptations along too, to winnow out eople, to separate by their own acts the wise rom the foolish, the skilful from the unskilful, the good from the bad, etc. The acquisition of a flock of pigeons, or anything else, will not turn a poor tool into a good one. SPEAKS OF US IN HIGHEST TERMS. Enclosed find draft on New York in $10.25, for which please ship me four hundred pounds mixed pigeon grain. My Homers are doing nicely. Ihave only lost one more bird, two in all. Quite a number are laying, a few setting. It affords me pleasure to speak in the highest terms of the Plymouth Rock Squab Company. —wW.B.W., Arkansas. ONE BIRD SICK, THE ONLY ONE IN A YEAR AND A HALF OF BREEDING. You no doubt remember me as one who purchased two lots of Homers from you a year ago last January. I am now prepared to sell squabs as my enclosed card will show you. I send you this card to show you that I have not been asleep in the business, and that I have given constant care to the flock ever since the first day I asked you, What is a squab? Ha,ha. It makes me laugh to think that I was so green. I now have one good customer here who gives me $3 a dozen for them, but he says they are not selling very fast this time of year (May). Others said, when I presented LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 158 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS my card, that they would think it over and let me know. One fellow wanted to give me $2.10 per dozen: what do you think of that? . He did not get them, I assure you. I have no other birds except those I received from you, and I have not had a sick one among them in the year and a half, with the exception of one that had a large lump on its wing. I painted this with iodine. It moped around for six weeks or more but now it and its faithful mate are building a nest. Here is a strange freak of nature which puzzles me. I have a pair of young birds that always lay four eggs. The first four did not hatch. Out of the next four they hatched one bird. The third, also four eggs and one bird. I have separated them as I found them to be nest mates. My object in writing this letter to you, besides informing you of my success thus far, is to ask for the address of some one, not too far from me, to whom I can sell my squabs at ‘his time of the year. One man wrote to me and said he would buy all I raised “if I bought the breed- ers from him.” But may first thoughts were, of course, to see you first.—F. ,, Ohio. (We told this customer where to ship in New York City, and he shipped accordingly and ‘received satisfactory prices). STARTED WITH 24 OF OUR BIRDS IN 1902, AND NOW HAS 700 OF THE FINEST EVER SEEN. In July of 1902 I bought twenty-four birds, Homer pigeons for breed- ers, from you. I now have seven hundred of as fine-looking birds as any one ever saw and all full blooded for which I thank you for the good stock sent me.—C. E. L., Michigan. FIRST ORDER FOLLOWED BY A SECOND. The six pairs of pigeons were received O. K. Enclosed please find New York draft for $21.92, for which please send me twelve pairs Homers and two dozen nest-bowls.—D. C. S., Minnesota. (A third order followed inside of a month from this customer.) SQUABS SURPASSING ALL EXPECTA- TIONS AND BRINGING $5.50 PER DOZEN. Could you furnish me with a price-list of breed- ing stock and supplies as I have misplaced the one you sent me last spring with my National Standard Squab Book. I desire to state that the Homers are surpassing all expectations along the line of sauabs and I have been getting as high as $5.50 for them in New York. Wishing you continued success in your honest dealings.—A. H. T., Ohio. FIRST ORDER QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER. The twenty-four pairs of Extra Homers were received in good form as you know, and are so satisfactory that I de- sire to duplicate the order and enclose_here- with an Adams Express money order. Please send us twenty-four pairs as good as the others as soon as possible-—G. P. W., Con- necticut. FLOCK DOUBLED IN THREE WINTER MONTHS. I bought some pigeons from you about Christmas. I am pleased more than I seperted to be with them. They are doing nicely. I have doubled my lot with squabs from them. I want to ask you if it would be safe to let them out into the flying pen now. You see I have had them about three months now.—A. S., Virginia. THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IS CER- TAINLY ALL RIGHT FOR SQUAB BREED- ING—WE ARE SHIPPING THERE STEAD- ILY. Enclosed you will find a Great North- ern Express money order for $80, for which I want you to ship me forty-eight pairs of your thoroughbred Homers as soon as possible for you to do so. I sent some time ago to you for a free book on squab raising and since then have read up your National Standard Squab Book on squabs and looked up the markets in Seattle and Everett. I find that there is a better market for squabs than any- thing else I know of at present, and I am going to devote all my time to raising them. I have a building almost completed for the first forty-eight pairs. Just as soon_as I get them settled to business I will send for forty-eight pairs more. I have seen two or three flocks of your birds near Seattle and must say they look like business if given half a chance. The owners seemed well satisfied with them, but I think they would be more so if the birds were given the right attention, which they did not look to have.—G, T., State of Wash- ington. . “ BEST LOOKING BIRDS THE EXPRESS- MAN HAD EVER SEEN. The birds arrived here yesterday in good order. They are beauties. The expressman said that they had lots of birds pass through here, but these were the best he had ever seen. Thank you for the extra two pairs which you sent, and for such fine birds. I shall build a fifteen or twenty unit house jus# as soon as it gets a little warmer, and I shall want a lot of your best Extras to fill it; none but the best for me.—H. A. D., Massachusetts. WANTS THE PURE STOCK. You will soon get another order from_me, because I want the pure stock and the Plymouth Rock Squab Company is the only place to get them. —A, C. F., Oregon. MANUAL GOOD, SANE AND PRACTICAL —MODEL OF GOOD ENGLISH—GOOD WORK APPRECIATED. I have your favor of the 19th inst., also the Manual, and beg to thank you for both. I have read your book very carefully. It is not one of my habits to go out of the ordinary course in matters of business; but I think I know good, sane practical work of almost any kind when t see it. If you will allow me to say so, your LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 159 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS Manual is, from every point of view, that is, as a business book, a model of the rare thing called “ good’? English, and almost as a Na.vuralist’s standard work—the best thing I ever saw. This letter does not call for re- ply, but it does no harm to any one to know that a good piece of his work is recognized and appreciated by some one else who believes in and strives to do good work himself. I wish you continued success—F. G. A., San Francisco. HIS NEIGHBOR HAS DONE WELL FOR NINE MONTHS AND WILL NOT SELL ANY. The pigeons came two hours ahead of your letter informing me of the shipment. They arrived in fine condition, had plenty of feed and water, and were delivered promptly, and I am pleased with them. ‘hey are beauties. My neighbor, Mr. Cole, bought six pairs from you last June and now, nine months later, has nearly fifty pigeons, and will not sell one of them at any price. tried all over this city of sixty thousand peo- ple to buy six pairs of pigeons and could find only one pair forsale. I return basket today. Please sere thanks for your prompt de- livery.—R. M. T., Ohio. TREATED IN AN HONEST AND GEN- EROUS MANNER. My pigeons arrived yesterday morning in perfect condition and I am delighted with them. They are beau- ties, and I want to say you have kept your word to the letter and treated me in an hon- est and generous manner. Return basket today.—Mrs. A. L., Illinois. HE IS PROUD OF HIS FIRST PUR- CHASE. My pigeons arrived safely Satur- day in fine shape, not even soiled. Iam very much pleased with them and thank you for the extra pair. They are a fine lot of birds, and I am proud of them. You will hear from me from time to time.—V. M., Virginia. CANADIAN CUSTOMERS PLEASED. I take pleasure in letting you know we received our stock in very good condition. We re- ceived them one day before we got your let- ter. We got them home and with much sur- rise we counted fourteen instead of twelve. e return many thanks to you for your kindness and liberality. They are doing nicely.at present. They are lovely birds.— L. B. S., Ontario, Canada. FIFTY PAIRS TO START—THESE DID WELL ENOUGH TO MAKE THE CUS- TOMER RUN HIS ORDER UP TO THREE HUNDRED PAIRS IN THREE MONTHS. Enclosed find check for $125, for which please send us fifty pairs of your extra breed- ing stock. Hoping same will be satisfactory, and if pleased with stock will probably want more soon. Please ship first of next week if convenient, (Three months later.) En- closed find check for $385, for which please send me two hundred and fifty pairs Extra Homer breeding pigeons. I have taken credit of $40 on the first order as I was informed at your office when down there, if the order was made three hundred pairs within three months I could have a rebate on them. Hope this is satisfactory.—C. W. P., Rhode Island. BEST BIRDS EVER SEEN IN NEW JERSEY. The birds you shipped me are a fine-looking lot, and I think are the best I have ever seen.—H. J. F., New Jersey. FILL REPRESENTATIONS TO THE LET- TER. The pigeons arrived safe and sound. They fill your representations to the letter. I am more than pleased with them and wish you all the success that honest dealing en- titles you to.—C. A. V., New York. HE EXHIBITED HIS PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS AT THE FAIR AND WON WITH THEM. I took some of my pigeons bought of you to our Fair and got first and second premiums. I have taken good care of them.—W. A. C., New York. “WHAT FINE BIRDS, AND HOW LARGE THEY ARE.” I received the pig- eons all right. Every one whosees the birds says, ‘‘ What fine birds, and how large they are. I never saw such large pigeons before’ and it is just what I think. Thank you for sending such fine birds.—S. L., Michigan. TO FLORIDA IN FINE CONDITION. I received the birds shipped by you to me last Friday, having made the trip in fine condi- tion, and I feel proud of them. They are certainly beauties.—A. C. H., Florida. HE HAS NOT LOST A BIRD, YOUNG OR OLD, IN BREEDING FROM PLYMOUTH ROCK STOCK. Will you please give me address of parties who buy pigeon manure? The birds purchased of jot one year ago next month have done well. I have not dis- posed of any and have not lost one young or old. It has caused considerable talk here- about, for many parties have pigeons and have lost many of them. Newcomb who bought a few of you on my advice, told me he wished he had bought all of you, but he bought of several other sources and has been dissatisfied. I have about completed my big house and shall soon call on you for more birds.—A. P., Massachusetts. THIS WOMAN IN CONNECTICUT OUT- GREW ONE HOUSE AND BUILT UP INTO A FINE PLANT. It is some time since you heard from me and so I will write a few lines to show how I am getting along with my pig- eons, They are doing fine. have squabs all ages. I have about thirty-five pairs of old LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 160 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS ones, I have put up a large house for them. The other one was not large enough, so when I ae them ina ae e place, I think I will havea e plant.—Mrs K., Connecticut, WOMAN HAS INCREASED HER Flock FROM 25 PAIRS TO 275 BIRDS INA YEAR, You will recall that I purchased twenty-five pairs of breeding stock from you about one year ago. They are all doing nicely now and I have about two hundred and » seventy-five birds, all in fine condition.—Mrs. J. F., Connecticut, GOING TO BRANCH OUT. My birds bought of you are doing fine and I am going to branch out into the business. I will move from New Hampshire to Bridgewater, Mass., in the spring and puale a large house and put in all your birds—H. G., New Hampshire. LARGE FLOCK RAISED FROM A START WITH SIX PAIRS EXTRA. I would like one hundred bands from you, as I need them now for young birds. The six pairs Extra I bought of you March 23, 1903, have done fine, and I have a large flock raised from them.— L. B. R. B., Massachusetts. BREEDING ALL THE TIME IN MAINE. have got about one hundred birds now, all raised from those I bought from you last spring. They are all wee" healthy and breed- ing al ‘the time. —J. W.S., Maine. GONE TO WORK IN A NEW HOME IN DEAD EARNEST. The nappies arrived all tight, and we are well pleased with them. Our birds have gone to work in their new forty-foot house in dead earnest. Enclosed please find Pacific Express money order, for which please ship us by express No. 1 Ply- mouth Rock Homers and Extra Plymouth Rock Homers as specified. Kindly rush this order,—J. A. P., Missouri. WORKING RIGHT ALONG IN ALABAMA. Enclosed you will find a post-office order amounting to $15 for which please send me six pairs of Extra Homers. This is my second order and I will expect some extra fine birds. The birds purchased of you et February are working right along.—B. W., Alabama. THIS MAN HAD SOME FINE HOMERS, BUT WHEN HE SAW THE PLYMOUTH ROCKS HE HAD TO WILT. Our birds are doing fine and breeding rapidly. There is a man about one and a haif miles from our place who thought he could not be beat with his crowd of pigeons, but I invited him to my place and showed him my birds. He gave in right away; he was not in it alongside of my birds, e size of my squabs at three or four weeks set him a-guessing. He wanted to buy of me right away, but no, I told him he should purchase from Boston, for I did not have enough myself yet. I have a pair I do not think four months old yet, and they set and have a pair of splendid squabs out just burst- ing with flesh. A person would be surprised to see the flock that I have out of the small number of birds that I bought last fall in September.—J. B., New York. FOLLOWED DIRECTIONS AND THE BIRDS WERE QUICKLY NEST BUILDING. Please pardon my delay in not announcing the safe arrival of the thirteen pairs of fine Homer pigeons. I followed your directions as near as I could, and I am glad to say the birds are already laying and building nests. I returned the basket today., I understand that my brother ordered twelve pairs of birds for me, but thirteen came. Please accept thanks for the extra pair.—Mrs. D. W.S., Georgia. STARTED IN 1902 WITH OUR BIRDS AND HAS A FINE FLOCK NOW. In October, 1902, you sent me at Oak Park, Illinois, forty- eight pairs. I came to this place two years ago and now have my lofts filled and am ready tosell. I have three hundred pairs mated and at work. They are as nice birds as you sent me.—H. W. C., Michigan. BIRDS PROVING THEMSELVES VERY SUCCESSFUL. Being pleased with the Homers you sent us and finding we have room in our building for another dozen birds, we forward you an express money order for $16.92, for which forward six pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers and two dozen nest- bowls. The birds are proving themselves very successful. Already we have five pairs on nests.—I. D., New York. INSTRUCTIONS CLEAR—AND PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW THEM ARE SUCCESSFUL. I have your instruction book, the National Standard, Squab Book. It is the clearest thing in the way of a guide book that I have ever seen.—C. F, W., Oregon. STARTED ae EIGHT PAIRS EXTRA AND NOW HAS FORTY-FOUR. Enclosed find fifty cents for which please send me at once that much leg-banding material. I need the leg-banding material badly. My birds are ae simply doing fine. I have eighty-eight fine birds now. I think that is doing finely for the time I have had them, and had such a few to start on, I started with eight pairs. —Miss S. 5. G., Louisiana. THE VERY FINEST. The pigeons arrived on time and in good shape. e had some very fine birds but no better than a Thank you for your prompt attention —A. E B., Pennsylvania. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 161 OUR PIGEONS SHIPPED NINE THOUSAND MILES, ALL ARRIVING ALIVE; ONLY TWO OUT OF CONDITION Elmer C. Rice, Esq., Treasurer, Plymouth Rock Squab Co., Boston, Mass., U.S. A. Dear Sir: On the 20th of this month I fad the pleasure of receiving the fourteen pairs of Plymouth Rock Homer pigeons. They were in fine condi- tion and had been well looked after on the voyage, which lasted fifty-five days, from New York to Colombo. There had been some wars amongst the Pigeons on the voyage; and two were more or less mauled, but they had been kept separate and will, no doubt, do quite well. Iam very much pleased with them and thank you again for your kindness. Yours truly, (Mrs.) F. I. SINCLAIR. Colombo, Ceylon, September 28, 1907. Note by E. C. Rice: With regard to the distance covered by the above shipment, the agents of the steamship company write me as follows: ‘‘ The actual nautical miles from New York to Colombo are about 8600, and the SS. Swazi before arriving at Colombo stopped at Algiers, Port Said, Aden, Tuti- corin and other ports, which brings the total nautical miles up to about 9000.” The following is from the Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post: MONEY IN SQUABS—The Government gives a practical demonstration of what they can be made to pay. It has long been known by practical breeders of poultry that there is money in raising squabs. Now the United States Government has given to this fact official confirmation, based on scientific tests. The record of profit reveals the great opportunity awaiting those who engage in this industry. In the practical experiments conducted the diet of the birds consisted of wheat at eighty cents a bushel, sifted cracked corn at $1 a hundred weight, Kaffir corn at ninety cents a bushel, millet at ninety cents, hemp at $1.30 and peas at $1.10 the bushel. At these rates the cost of feeding was one-seventh of a cent a day for each bird, or about fifty-two cents a year. On that basis the net annual return was $1.50 a pair. There were four hundred and twenty-five pairs of pigeons in the flock and they reared four thousand four hundred marketable squabs in twelve months. This is a practical, conservative record, bearing the government’s bona fides, and may be duplicated by any one who will carefully attend to the requirements of the birds. 162 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS PLEASED, AND ORDERS MORE SUP- PLiks. I herewith enclose $2.46 in express money order for which send me by Adams Express two drinking fountains and one dozen wood fibre nest-bowls. The birds which I received from you last fall are doing fine. I am well pleased with them.—A, E. B., Penn- sylvania. SQUABS ARE HEAVY. I write you enclos- ing $1.50, for which please send me your Manual and one dollar’s worth_of the best kind of leg bands for pigeons. I have about four hundred pigeons. The stock came directly from the Piymouth Rock Squab Com- pear by Mr. Hulet. He sold out and went ast and I bought his entire stock. They are fine. The squabs get like stones. When people ask me about my stock I tell them they are from the Plymouth Rock Squab Company. Am I right? If I am not, tell me and I will quit it.—J. A. M., State of Washington. SIX WEEKS’ WORK. In taking account of stock today I find I have sixty-eight nests containing sixty-two squabs, the oldest just two weeks old, and fifty-six eggs. Do you consider this a fair showing for the cne hun- dred and thirty-seven pairs of birds I received from you about six weeks ago? One female bird died. I wish to thank you for the extra birds sent alonz to cover this emergency.— E. E. T., New Jersey. swer: Yes, we consider this a fair showing for six weeks. Do not believe any stories you hear or see,printed that the dealer or writer can sell pigeons which will go to work at once as soon as they reach their new home. Some may and some may not, but this is a matter which is settled by the pigeons themselves, and anybody attempting to control the mat- ter is a pretender. PLEASED WITH SECOND ORDER. The second order of pigeons came in good shape and the crate will be sent back today. We are very much pleased with the birds.—G. P. W., Connecticut. SMALL SHIPMENT DOES WELL; HE ACCORDINGLY ORDERS 300 PAIRS OF EXTRA PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS. The pigeons you shipped me arrived in good condition with one exception, that is, one bird seems a little inactive or dumpy. Will advise you later if the bird does not pick up. (Later): Herewith please find check for $67.17 for which you will send me by freight at once the following bird supplies: Six hundred and twenty-four wood fibre bowls, thirty bath pans, nine drinking fountains, one spraver. You may expect an_ order from me July 15 for the three hundred Extra Homers as per yours of May 15.—J. R., Ohio. HANDSOMEST LOT OF PIGEONS THIS -and third hatch. PENNSYLVANIA BREEDER HAS EVER SE¢N. My tiock consists of in the neighbor- hood of one hundred and fifty pairs, and in- cludes twenty-four pairs of the best Homers, which I purchased of you in Auzust, 1902 for $60. The.balance of the flock i: bred from these birds, and they are the handsomest lot of pigeons I have ever seen.—C. L., Penn- svlvania. A LONG AND SUCCESSFUL RAI JOURNEY TO NORTAHWEsT TERRITORY, CANADA. The thirteen pairs of Homers and one dozen nesting bowls you shipped May 27 arrived in condition June 2, being six days en route. They have a good home and I wil send you another order soon. ‘The barrel of freizht shipped May 16 has not ar- rived yet. Thank you for prompt and court- eous treatment.—E. L. B., Northwest Ter- ritory, Canada. WHITE WHEAT AND RED WHEAT. Would it be all right to feed my birds white wheat? I have much trouble getting red wheat. I wish you would tell me, as I do not wish to run any chances, as my birds are doing fine. I have twelve youngsters. The first hatch is setting again, also the second Té I would run any risk in feedinzy white wheat let me know.—W. G.S., Michigan. Answer: White wheat is all right, and is fed by most of our customers. If there is “any tendency to looseness caused by feeding white wheat instead of red wheat use it spar- ingly, or feed rice to offset, ; CUSTOMER OF THREE YEARS' STANDING HAS RAISED THEM RAP- IDLY. The original birds which I bought of you nearly three years ago have increased so rapidly that it has been quite a task to care for them and to dispose of the squabs. I have always spoken a good word for the busi- mess and your company in particular, and without dou t have made business for you. —H. C., Michigan. . HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF HIS FRIENDS. The five pigeons you sent to replace the four I returned and the one that died were received today in good conuiiion, and I take pleasure in reporting that they are entirely satisfactory, unless one vhould prove to be a cock; but even if that is the case I shall enter no complaint, as you have been so entirely fair. I am very much pleased with the birds and expect good results from then. My, f-iends who were not pleased with the first lot I ordered and received some white Homers from a dealer in your State, but are far from please1 with them. They now think that I have the advantaze of them, and have been wll treated by you. I shall LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 163 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS i faa certainly have a good word for you,when an occasion offers.—R. H. S., Kentucky. STARTED WITH EIGHTY PAIRS EX- TRA, BRED THEM TO FIVE HUNDRED PAIRS. What will you givé me for my en- tire stock of Homer pigeons? I have from one thousand to twelve hundred birds, all strong and healthy, and from your best, stock of birds. I am compelled to sell for the reason that I have taken this hotel and it takes all my time to look after it. Hope to hear from you_by return mail.—H. C. F., Missouri. (This customer started with eighty pairs of our Extra Plymouth Rock atomiers) HAS 150 PAIRS OF THE FINEST HOM- ERS IN THE STATE OF COLORADO. About a year and one-half ago I bought fifty pairs of your Homer ‘pigeons. I have now one hundred and fifty pairs of the finest Homers in Colorado. Fifty pairs are the original ones that I got from you; the rest I have saved from my young ones.—D. L., Colorado. BOTHERED BY MICE. I wrote you that my birds were not doing well. Since writ- ing the same two hens are setting, and from the amount of driving going on I hope to have them all at work in a few weeks. Since my last letter to you I have been setting traps and have caught seven or eight mice. I suppose that is what has been bothering them.—F. H. M., Tennessee. - DEATH ‘OF AN OLD AND VALUED CUSTOMER. My brother-in-law having died very suddenly in New York, three weeks ago, where he had gone a few days on busi- ness, this squabbery is left without any one to carry it on. The Homers he got of you two summers ago, in 1903, two dozen pairs, have done very well indeed, owing to the excellent care he gave them. They were for his own pleasure, so he has not sold any squabs, but used them for the table and to send to friends. I should think there are nearly two hundred birds in the two pens at present. What prices should I ask for them? I have writ- ten to you ‘knowing what confidence my brother-in-law had in your judgment, and that under the circumstances you could help me dispose of the pigeons advantageously.— Miss G, M., Maine. TREATED FINELY — SQUARE DEAL- ING. In reply to my inquiry I received your answer which was very satisfactory, and have shown it to some of my friends who thought that I had been fooled in buying of you. They now think that I have been treated finely by you. I will say that I ap- preciate your square dealing and will speak _a good word for you, as there are quite a number here that are going into the busi- ness, who have been watching the results of mine.—W. W., Rhode Island. STARTED WITH FIVE HUNDRED COMMON PIGEONS AND MADE A FAIL- URE. A short time ago we put up a build- ing after the plans which I purchased of you, and put in five hundred and twenty common’ pigeons. Since then we have discovered that we made a mistake. The flock is a failure in more ways than one. We got one hundred and sixty-two pairs of birds from a party we did not know, and the birds were sick when we got them. We received them on a Saturday afternoon, and on Monday they were dying. After losing quite a few, the cause of which we were not able to ascer- tain, we_have finally decided to_start over again. We are going to put in Homers and . start on a more cautious scale. We are go-' ing to get rid of all these birds, clean out the building and start anew. We have tried the common pigeons and have been convinced that they are not the right stock. As we are new in the business we have a great deal to learn, and will have to get our informa- tion from those who we are sure do know. Remember, we are willing to pay for the in- formation. If there is any charge gree name the price and we will remit. e are beginners and would like to make a success of the business, and do not expect to get for nothing information that has probably cost some one both time and money.—J. D. C., Pennsylvania. Answer: We do not think you read our Manual before buying your common pigeons, or if you did, what we say about common Pigeons there must have escaped your atten- .tion. Common pigeons are useless in com- parison with Plymouth Rock Homers, and it is unwise to experiment with them. GEORGIA PREACHER FINDS THEM SPLENDID. Enclosed I send you _ post- office money order, for which please send me one leg-band outfit. The birds you sent me are doing splendid.—Rev. L. H. H., Georgia. SECOND SHIPMENT—FIRST LOT IS HARD AT WORK. Enclosed find express money order for $20. Please express to my address twelve pairs Homer pigeons. The first lot you expressed to me is_hard at work and making fine headway.—G. F. T., Alabama. INCREASED FROM TWELVE PAIRS TO TWO HUNDRED PAIRS IN TWENTY MONTHS. I have somewhat about four hundred pigeons that are most all bred from your best stock. They area nice lot of birds. I started with tweive pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers twenty months ago —G., P., Massachusetts. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 164 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS THREE HUNDRED PAIRS SHIPPED TO THIS CUSTOMER, EVERY BIRD IN THE BEST OF CONDITION. Your favor of the 11th inst. received on my return home Friday night, and would have been answered but for the fact that I had quite a busy time, partially through outside business and partly on ac- count of arrival of the birds. I wish to tender my most hearty thanks for the manner in which you have carried out your part of the transaction. Every one of the 312 pairs of birds seems to be perfect in every respect, and they have already been admired by every one who has seen them. The twelve pairs Extra which you so generously presented me for my nephew have been forwarded to him, and I feel sure will greatly please him. I shall see him possibly Monday next week on my next trip, and will thoroughly instruct him. Once in a great while I get to Boston. Next time I am there I shall do myself the honor of calling on you to see your plant, so I can enlarge mine on the same lines or at least get some ideas of that end. Thank you again most heartily — G. F., New York, GOOD LUCK WITH THEM IN NEBRASKA. I bought twelve Homer pigeons, or six pairs, of you nearly a year ago, with which I have had fairly good luck, and I may order more birds of you in the future, as I intend enlarg- ing my plant soon. But I want to ask a favor of you today. It is this: Will you give me, on the enclosed card, the name of the tanning company to whom you sell your pig- eon manur€?—L, S. M., Nebraska. BIRDS BREEDING WELL. Please find enclosed express money order for $5.34, for which ship me by Wells-Fargo Express four dozen nest-bowls and leg-band outfits. My birds are doing very well.. I have twelve squabs.—H. H.S., New York. SECOND ORDER TO COME BECAUSE OF GOOD WORK IN MARYLAND. We enclose you herewith check for $11.52. Will you kindly send us at your earliest convenience twelve dozen nest-bowls? We are glad to report that the pigeons received from you a few months ago are doing nicely and we expect to order more shortly.—M. P. F., Maryland. THIRD ORDER FROM INDIANA MAN. Please ship me at once twelve pairs. I en- close draft f.rsame. This is my third order.— V.N., Indiana. SECOND ORDER FROM ILLINOIS WOM- Please find enclosed express order for $30. Send me twelve pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers. This is my second order.— Mrs. J. W. G., Illinois. A MINISTER ENCOURAGED TO GO AHEAD. The pigeons I purchased of you aa last Ai ine months ago) are doing well, but I have'so far found it impossible to go into the house for five minutes or so without all the birds leaving the nests. Can you tell me how to obviate, this? Will you be kind enough to inform!me about how much money it will take to Build a house including heating plant and flying pens in first-class shape for fifteen hundred pairs of birds? Y, will greatly oblige me.—Rev. L.C.H.A., New York. © SECOND ORDER; FIRST SHIPMENT WORKING WELL. Enclosed please find Adams Express money order for $15.96 to pay for six pairs Extra Plymouth Rock Hom- ers for squab raising, and one dozen bowls. The birds first bought are doing well, and I am well pleased with them.—L. D. P., Illinois. SECOND ORDER WITHIN ONE MONTH. Herewith find draft for $40.75, for which please send me two crates of your Homer pigeons and one drinking fountain, by Ameri- can Express, to my address. This is my second order within one month. I am well pleased with the first shipment.—L. D., Iowa. GOOD SHOWING MADE BY OUR BIRDS IN ONE MONTH AFTER ARRIVAL. I am having such good luck I thought I would write you about it. Just one month ago to- day the 9th of May, I received my thirteen pairs of birds from you. I now have eight squabs from four pairs, and six more pairs setting. The two hens that were in bad shape upon arrival are getting better, but have not nested yet, and the thirteenth hen I think is going light from too hard driving by the cock. He drove her all the time and pulled out half her feathers, but he has mated with another, hen now and doesn’t bother any. What do you think of this for so short a time? Ihave as fine a home for them as can be built—built just as you say with a fly ten by ten by twenty feet, with a big load of lake sand for the floor, and keep the squab house cleaner than lots of kitchens I know of.—C. G. A., Iowa. EXCELLENT BIRDS AND EXCELLENT CARE FROM MELROSE TO NEW MEXICO. The pigeons arrived safely last Saturday even- ing; each and every one of them was in perfect trim and must have had excellent care on the way, as not one seemed in the least discom- posed by the six days’ journey. Your kind- ness in sending us the extra pair I do assure you is most highly appreciated. We are delighted with the birds and as soon asI return from my summer and fall trip, will send you a large order.—Mrs. T. H., New Mexico, IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON. You will find stamps to the amount of $2 for which kindly mail me one hundred aluminum V- shaped leg bands for pigeons. I am glad to tell you that.‘the pigeons are doing nicely. — G. A. T.. Washington, A LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 165 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS THIS WOMAN IS POSTMASTER IN HER TOWN—SHeE oLARTED LN 1903 WITH OUR BikDS AND THis is WHA SHE HAS DONe. in July, 19038, I purchased a few birus trom you. Ihave bought no others but have now got over a hundred and would like some advice relative to shipping squabs. Will it pay to ship one or two dozen at a time _ to Boston, and will you tell me who would be reliable parties to ship to? As I told you in my first letter, this is a somewhat isolated place; however, there are quite a number watching my experiment, as I have the only store here and have recently been appointed postmaster. Every one notices the birds and my success will probably bring you orders. I have lost only one bird and that one by acci- dent; no sickness or lice in my flock at any time,— Miss L. K., New Hampshire. PLEASED WITH FIRST LOT, WILL OR- DER ANOTHER. I am so well pleased with the coop of birds shipped me that as soon as I get my house built and nappies in, will order another coop of your highest-priced birds —. R. H.N., Georgia. : AN IMPORTANT STORY TOLD IN FEW WORDsS—THIS CUSTOMER IN PENNSYL- VANIA FOUND A LARGE FLOCK OF PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS BY HIS EXPERIENCE BEYOND REPROACH. Please ship balance of my order of Extra Homers (one hundred pairs due me) at earliest moment. Kindly telegraph night of ship- ment. The first lot (two hundred pairs) are beyond reproach.—C. K., Pennsylvania. REACHED TEXAS IN GOOD SHAPE— CUSTOMER SATISFIED. I beg to advise you that the pigeons reached here yesterday all in good shape. So far I am very mich pleased with them and with your prompt shipment. and good treatment. I hope to send you_another order soon for a dozen pairs.— A.G. M., Texas. ALL: AND MORE THAN EXPECTED: On Saturday.I went out to my country place and found the pigeons. They are all and more than I expected and are in every way satis- factory. -I presume my man will return the empty. pigeon crates this week.—H. A. K., Illinois. . SQUABS FROM OUR EXTRA PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS WEIGHING 10%, 10% AND 1134 POUNDS TO THE DOZEN. y first shipment of squabs will be made Ap il 11. 5. far my squaos have averaged ten and one-quarter, ten and one-half and eleven and one-half pounds to tae dozen. If you can give me any data necessary for spring and summer it will be appreciated—C. M., Michigan. (This ¢ustomer started with four hundred pairs of our Extra Homers.) INCREASED FROM A DOZEN PAIRS TO 250. I bought a dozen pairs ot birds from you two years ago, and now have two hundred and fifty. Is that doing well? Will you kindly inform me by return mail how you separate the pigeon dung from the other matter it gets mixed with, and I will be greatly obliged. F. M. F., Iowa. INSIDE TWO MONTHS HAS YOUNG BIRDS BEING RAISED IN A SEPARATE PEN. I bought a dozen pairs of Homers of you and received them March 1, two months ago. They have mated and produced quitea . number of squabs. 1 have the squabs in a separate house, as I intend to raise them for a year or so until [ intrease my tlock. 1 have been advised to pull out the tail feathers of the squabs when they are old enough to put intoa house by themselves, as it would decrease the death rate among them, as all their vitality can go to the bird and not into the tail feath- ers. Is there anything in this advice ?—J. W. W., Rhode Island. Answer: We believe it is best not to pull the tail feathers out of the young. We have never done it ourselves. Certainly the Creator does not pull out the tail feathers from these young birds when they are weaned. RECREATION FOR AN IOWA MINISTER. The twenty-six birds came in good. shape, Spoarently no worse for the journey. Most of them are active. I am well pleased with the birds. We are making friends rapidly, some of them eating almost at once out of my hand. I wish them to do well, and as soon as I get accustomed to their ways it is my inten- tion to put in enough stock to make their care worth while. I wish to show my appreciation of the way in which the order was filled.— Rev. N.F.D., Iowa. 7 IOWA LADY GREATLY PLEASED. I am greatly pleased with my flock arid expect to send another’ order sometime later.—Miss A. A., Iowa. © 3 PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS THE BEST IN COMPARISON WITH ALL OTHERS. I received the birds in good shape and the grain and gravel. The birds are doing well. I have got two sets of squabs and five more pairs oneggs. The reason I did not write you before is, I went around to different people that have had pizeons from other places arid the same people have seen your stock; and they all say yours is the best. I shall give you more orders when my, pocketbook will permit me. I think you do your best and I thank you again for the nice big birds you sent me.=- J.H.H., Michigan. MADE THEMSELVES AT HOME IN KEN- TUCKY. I received from you in March two dozen birds. They have been layinz for over a month and I have now (May) four pairs of LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 166 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS young birds. I am very much pleased with them and the way they have taken to their new conditions.—R. F, W., Kentucky. GOT AGOOD START. The birds are doing fine now. I have seven pairs young and two oH eggs since March first.—L.,C. M., New ork, : REMARKABLY WELL IN SHORT TIME. Several weeks ago I received one dozen of your Homer pigeons from you for which I paid $10. These are all mated up and doing fine, except two. Four of them are setting and another one will be setting in two or three days. I think this is doing remarkably well for the short time I have had them, as I ‘did not expect them to lay until at least three weeks after they had been here.—B. W., North Carolina. SELLING SQUABS AS FAST AS THEY COME AND GETTING ORDERS FOR MORE—ANOTHER SMART WOMAN. Find enclosed post-office money order and send me eighteen pairs. The last lot I got were $15 for six pairs; also want two extra hens for two extra cocks which I have. I have been saving up some of my young during the fall and winter months and have two extra cocks, Am selling everything as fast as they come and even engaging ahead most of the time. The Country Club manager spoke to me a day or two ago to try and have squabs for their little dinner parties, which will begin to be popular about June, and as I have two standing orders at present for all I have to spare I must put in some more breeders. have about sixty birds now. Of the six pairs ordered last fall, one hen died within a week with diarrhoea.—Miss J. M., Illinois. BIRDS BREED SO FAST THAT HE HAS NO MORE ROOM FOR THEM. I have about seventy pigeons, They are six months to one year old. What can you allow me on them toward more breeders? These birds are all raised from stock I bought of you. The reason I want to exchange them is be- cause my house is too-small for them and I have no more room. I am going to put up a large building in the spring and then I can take care of more. I am satisfied there is money in the business if any one can get started right.—H. A, M., Massachusetts. A BRACE OF SQUABS BRED FROM PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS WEIGHED OVER TWO POUNDS. I weighed two squabs from your birds and they weighed just two pounds, two ounces.—]J, A. O., New Hampshire. BEST HOMERS IN HIS FLOCK— THEIR SQUABS BRING HIM THIRTY- FIVE CENTS APIECE FROM BOSTON HOTELS ALL THE YEAR ROUND. The birds I purchased from you are the cream of the flock, I have been selling the squabs at the Boston hotels for thirty-five cents , apiece the year round. and Nathan Robbins, at the Quincy Market, was glad to take them at $3.50 per dozen. I have saved a few young birds, some of the very finest,— C. L. P., Massachusetts. KANSAS MARKET IS LOOKING UP. The birds arrived in good order and I am today well pleased with them. I think some of them have as fine plumage. as I ever saw on a pizeon. There is a party here in town that has a flock but they are not first- class birds, yet he gets $2.50 per dozen for the squabs and could sell five times as many if he had them in Kansas City. We are favorably located here, sixty-five miles to Kansas City, forty miles to St. Jo., Missouri, and twenty-five miles to Topeka, and we ought to do well. If I can get hold of a place just out of town I will increase my flock next spring or possibly this fall—C. H. K., Kansas. RATS TROUBLED HIM. I have not bought a bird since you sent me one hundred pairs of Homers. At first they did not do much, The very hard winter we had and I being away in New York most of the winter, and the birds not. having the ‘proper care, of course they did not do much; but now they are raising ‘‘Cain,” and they are chasing each other to the nests. I now have about two hundred young ones that escaped the rats, and two hundred and twenty-two eggs, hatching. I am satisfied with them and they must have been strong and hardy birds to have lived. I have lost. as many as one hun- dred birds by rats. - I have tried everything, - and am now laying cement floors on three barns, but guess I will have to build new buildings. will mail-you: a -photograph- of the place in a week or so. I have not sold a bird as yet, but have had plenty of chances, —C. M.5., New York. ATTRACTED MANY ADMIRERS IN THIS EXPRESS OFFICE IN TdE STATE OF WASHINGTON. In acknowledging - re- ceipt of the six pairs Extra Homers I wish to thank you for the additional pair, and to say that they reached me in the pink of con- dition. My delivery man told me that many “persons copied your address from the basket at the front of the express office, where they attracted considerable attention. The re- markably beautiful black bird I have named Black Champion and his consort Queen. She will hatch next week. At present I have- five squabs, one egg ‘failing to hatch. If beauty counts for anything, the birds are worth the price—Mrs. P. M. V., State of. Washington. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 167 STORIES OF SUCCESS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS MANUAL PRACTICAL AND BEST. Your Manual came to hand and can see that it is a book everybody ‘should have who may be interested in pigeons. I have had birds for eight years and read all kinds of books. I think yours is the best which can be had,— H. E. E., Pennsylvania. HIGHLY SPOKEN OF IN VIRGINIA. Will you kindly send me your price list of books and circulars giving your prices, etc. Being very much interested in this industry and expecting soon to go into business, I wish to get your prices and information. I have heard your company spoken very highly of here in Virginia and wish to get acquainted with youu—J. W. K., Virginia, A GUARANTEE WHICH GUARANTEES. The two sick birds are improving and are almost as lively as the others. our offer to make them good in case they did not get better- shows that your guarantee means something. A good many persons have seen them and all agree that they are far ahead of the ordinary run of pigeons, and any one who understands anything at all about live- stock of any kind ‘can see it at a glance.— J. G., Pennsylvania. A CUSTOMER IN THE BERMUDA ISLANDS GETS HIS HOMERS IN GOOD ORDER. The pigeons arrived here all safe on Monday, December 5. One of them is a little dull, and we have separated it from the others and hope that it will get all right.— G. S., Bermuda Islands. PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS HAVE THE CALL IN JERSEY CITY. Enclosed find remittance for which please send me six pairs Plymouth Rock Homers by Adams Ex- press. If these are satisfactory and as nice as some of your birds I have seen in Jersey City, I will want more shortly, as I have ac- commodations for about one hundred pairs. —F. E. F., New Jersey. BIRDS DID BETTER THAN HE FIG- URED WHEN HE STARTED. Can you favor me with the address of some squab buyer in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York? The birds I got of you a year ago are doing finely and surpassed my expectations. Am having to enlarge again.—W, L., New York. EXPRESS DELIVERY BEAT THE MAIL, Pigeons came yesterday in fine condition. I am more pleased. Thank you for filling the order so promptly. The birds were here three hours before your letter telling me that you had shipped.—C. M. G., New York. HER SECOND ORDER FROM FAR- OFF WASHINGTON. Find enclosed $68.17, for which please send me forty pairs Plymouth Rock Homers and supplies as specified. This is my second order.—Mrs. M. G., State of Washington. GOT A DOZEN, NOW HAS 200. Please send me the names and addresses of some of the firms in New York City and other places which deal in squabs and pigeons. I have now about two hundred pigeons. I got a dozen pigeons from you to start with in June, 1903. What is the price of squabs and old pigeons now?—J. G. G., Pennsylvania. SQUABS ARE A “TERRIBLE SIZE.” My flock is increasing rapidly and I must provide for them. I also inform you that my birds are doing finely and breeding steadily right along and are very healthy. Our squabs are of a terrible size. Anyffone would be astonished to see them at four . weeks old.—A. B., New York. PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMER USED AT THE CHRISTENING OF A FOUR-MASTED SCHOONER DOWN IN MAINE. I write to say that the Homer pigeon which you sent to Mr, E Chapman a few days ago, was uesd at the christening of the new four- masted schooner ‘‘ Augusta W. Snow ” which was launched at the yard of Messrs. E. and I. K. Stetson this forenoon, and was released at 11.20 a.m. today, and if she turns up at home I shall be very glad if you will inform me of the time, etc. The following inscrip- tion was attached to her leg. written in in- delible ink on a piece of linen—‘* Bangor, Maine, Christening Fiseon from launching of Schooner Augusta W. Snow, May 6, 1905.” —wW. B.S., Maine. WELL SATISFIED AFTER A YEAR OF BREEDING. It is one year ago last Decem- ber that I received thirty-six pairs of your pigeons. I am well satisfied with the results. ‘They have demonstrated without doubt they are breeders all right. I have sold a few dozen squabs, eaten a couple of dozen and in- creased our flock by many dozens. I have as fine lot of pigeons as one would wish and they are producing squabs right along. The pigeons I raised last year are producing birds and are an unusually fine lot of pigeons.— H. P., New York. A GOOD START IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS. The pigeons I bought of you in July have done finely. I think I got seven pairs and now (February) I have close to twenty-five pairs and the young ones have begun to lay now. I see that they will mul- tiply very fast.—T. E. G., Alabama. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 168 APPENDIX C (Copyright, 1906, by Hlmer C. Rice) In 1907, we expect our trade to be even greater. In 1906, we sold more birds ard supplies than in any previous year. That our trade is larger than that of all others combined is not an idle boast, but is very much of a fact, due to this, namely, that we sell Homers which are larger, more prolific, and which breed larger squabs, than any others. ~This supremacy we intend to maintain. We offer additional proof in the following pages. For every letter which we print here, we have a dozen just as good, or better. The following letters, only a part of many received in nine months of 1906, are not from customers merely pleased by the fine appearance of the birds on arrival, but are accounts of breeding which has won success. There are some very strong letters here. All are worth reading for the practical information and news they give of the squab industry up to date. We do not print the names and addresses of these customers. Many are regular buyers of our birds. We guarantee the genuineness of the letters, and will prove it in any way desired. The originals are at our Boston office and may be seen there. We ask your trade for 1907 by deserving it. If anybody tries to make a sale to you by “ running down ” competitors, insist that he or them demon- strate the worth of claims by furnishing proof in volume and character, con- cerning birds, matings and management, equal to the letters we print here and in our other publications. birds had a long trip to reach him. We expect to sell him more yet, judging from his last letter. We will be pleased to_ show the correspondence at our Boston office. The OUR LARGEST 1906 ORDER. In looking back over our year of business, 1906, we recall first an order from a customer whom we started in 1905, with 120 pairs Extra, for which he paid $300. We sent him 125 pairs, five pairs free. A year later we received the following telegram from him: : “ Wire bottom prices for one thousand pairs Extra, including two thousand nappies ard date you ship.” d We quoted him our regular price for Extras, the same to all, namely $1.70 per pair in large lots of 300 pairs and over. Our customer was a man of few words and knew what le wanted. Three days after sending us the above telegram he sent us the following letter: “‘ Enclosed find draft for $2111.25 as payment in full for 1150 pairs Extra a-d supplies. I trust you will exert every care in interest of shipment. You will please held the birds until May 10, as it will crowd me to get my quarters ready before that time.” We shipped 1200 pairs, giving the customer 50 pairs free. He lives in the West and the point we wish to make is, that we are the only firm anywhere actually filling orders this size, or able to fill. them, and that we earned the confidence of this customer by giving him his first lot of birds so good that he kept on patige with us. More 1906 experiences ‘ollow. STARTED WITH SIX PAIRS EXTRA AND IN TWO YEARS RAISED SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX SQUABS. Nearly two years ago (in October. 1904), I purchased of your firm six pairs of your best Extra Homer Pigeons, from which I have been breeding since, and it may be of interest to you to have some particulars as to results. I should pre- mise by saying that I was, at the time, a nov- ice pure and simple—as a matter of fact a lawyer by profession—and knew absolutely nothing of the care or culture of pigeonsy 169 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906 However, study of your squab book, close and constant observation of the birds, tneir habits, etc., with tne resultant experience, enable me to get along pretty well. tie . My pigeon house was not originally in- tended or constructed for that particular pur- pose, but had, hitherto, been used for a hen house. It is about 40 feet by 12 feet, with five windows. Along the whole of the west front and extending across the south end I built a fly 10 feet wide, 12 feet high and about 70 feet long. My flock has hatched, up to the time of writing this, six huadred and thirty- six squabs (636); without those consumed at my own table, but I contemplate marketing the squabs this fall as the overcrowding stage is rapidly approaching. If you can find time I shall be glad to hear whether or no, in your expert opinion and in the above circumstances, you think that I have been fairly successful. Although I feel reasonably satisfied with my progress, were I to start again, ab initio, I think that I should do so with a complete flock of fully matured birds rather than waste the time consumed raising stock, by breeding, to a business basis. Wishing you continued success.—W. C., Massachusetts. DOING GREAT WORK. The Homers which you sold me two years ago are doing great work. I am_ perfectly satisfied with them.—F. S., New York. TOOK FRIEND’S ADVICE, Enclosed find an order for birds and supplies with remit- tance: A friend here was much pleased with our birds from your lofts ana decided to go into the business. We prevailed on him to order from you because we felt your birds were the best. He could have bought here in Illinois at a much cheaper rate but he took our advice. So we trust you will do well by him and trust you will send us another order blank like the one enclosed.—Mrs. K., Illinois. MULTIPLIED SIX-FOLD. About two years ago next June, I bought of you 60 pairs of your Extra selected Homers and they were a very fine lot of birds, and I have raised a very fine lot of birdsfromthem. I haveabout 400 birds now, and they are straight bai wing and mottle “vith the exception of about eight chocolate—A. C., New Jersey. GETTING THREE DOLLARS A DOZEN. Please send me your new literature on squabs. I bought 18 pairs of you in 1903 and now have a flock of 190 birds and am getting $3.00 for my squabs in St. Louis. If any one in this section writes to you for squabs you may refer them to me.—F, L., Missouri. NEIGHBOR PLEASED. Your favor of the 21st to nand, also price list of $1.7U for Extra Homers in 300-pair lots. Mr. y. A. Westen- dorf, of tnis city, purcnased of you on a trial order five pairs of Hxtra. Why cannot yeu make me tue $1.70 rate for 50, 100 or 200-pair lots? In going over my buildings I find that I cannot accommodate 300 pairs so would not like to order that number for fear of being too crowded, . Mr. Westendorf is pleased with his birds and if the birds you should send would be the equal of those I would be more than satisfied, —A. S., Missouri. ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY. Please send me the feeding slip that you have published as your daily feeding ration. The birds we got from you are entirely satisfactory.—J. D., Pennsylvania. ; RECOMMENDED BY ANOTHER. Will you kindly let me know how I can expect to receive birds ordered from you to be sent to the above address? I have been recom- mended to try your birds by Mr. R. Warner, of 9 DuBois Avenue, and if you can guarantee safe shipment I will place an order with you as soon as I hear to this effect. And if they are as you represent them, I shall be a regular customer of yours. If you will give me the desired information, you will greatly oblige — G.S., New York. THIS SHOWS WHAT A CUSTOMER DID WITH TWELVE PAIRS OF OUR BIRDS. My Extra Plymouth Rock Homers have done finely. I sent to Boston $30 for 12 pairs, The birds arrived before I expected them and they all looked fine. I got my first egg March 21,1905. I raised all of my young to increase the flock for one year and found at the end of the year that I had 271 young birds, all geam- less banded, and as fine a lot as I ever have seen. This year I am selling squabs and mated pairs, raising my best young, and have already sold squabs, and mated -pairs which have to date netted me $60. I kave sold my squabs for $3 a dozen, and mated pairs for $2.50 a pair. 5 a I now (September 10, 1906), have 400 birds that I have raised.. A good lot of them are worthy to be put ih the show pen, and if they were they would be among the winners. | Wheao I went into the pigeon, busiress I bought what I thought was the best stcck to be obtained, namely, Extra Plymouth Rock Homers, and my flock shows that I did rct go wrong, for every one that has seen my birds .Pronounces them the best lot they have ever seen together. » : , My birds now are in the midst of moult, but most of'them are breeding right along. These are strong letters. Read them over. You want some assurance, when you buy pigeons, that you will be treated right, as these customers were. 170 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. I now have 95 mated pairs at work and as soon as tne moult is over [ suall begin mating again. By Novemper | expect to have 5U pairs more mated and at work. { feed tue best of grain, using cracked corn, ka.fir corn, red wheat, buckwheat, a little hemp, and during tne moult sunflower in the head, letting the birds pick cff the seed as they like. 2 T use the self feeder Mr. Rice describes in his Manual and [ find with it the feed is always clean. Inever feed on floor, I use automatic water fountains and scald them out every two or three days. I give the birds a good clean bath every day. ; i I have trays to feed any dainty which I have, removing trays when seeds are eaten. One thing that is essential with pigeons is cleanliaess. I clean loft every Saturday, cleaning out nests that have yee puttin, in few straw, and spraying over lofts wit: Tiquad disinfectant. : have followed the instructions of Mr. Rice’s Manual and found it to be good solid advice, ‘ ~ In the past 18 months I have been in a good many pigeon lofts and have seen exhibits at New York State Fair and Rochester, N. Y., Pizeos1 Siows, aid never have seen any better birds thai I have raised from the Extra Ply nout2 Rock Homers. : an perfectly satisfied with what my birds nave done and when I buy more they will surely be Extra Plymouth Rocks.~ _ The feed bill will not exceed eighty-five ceits a year per breeding pair. I use tobacco stems for nesting material and like them. I shall always try and speak a good word for the Plymouth Rock Squab Company; for I have found them always ready to assist at any time.—W. R. R., New York. THEY HAVE NCT LOST ABIRD. I wrote to you som2 time ago in regard to the squabs we got from you in the month of May, or rather pigeons, 50 pairs, and have yet to lose our first bird, which not only speaks well for your birds but it looks as if we are giving them the rizit_ attention. There is one thing we wrote to you about, those not working—but they are doing fine and, counting your birds, we have 100 pairs, besides we have sold some which were greatly, admired. . . The hotel we take ther: to in Washington gives seventy-five cents a pair all the year round dressed, the commission merchants never hicher than 60 cents a pair.—M. B., Maryland, MANUAL INDISPENSABLE TO SUCCESS. In reeard to the National Squab Book which you publish, would ask if you ever revise it. The one I purchased of you in May 1904, is all rigat and I could never have raised the number and quality of squabs I do witnout its guidaace. Of course you are learning new points about your business and if you have a later edition tnan mine please let me know. The Homers nave started in on their annual spring campaign and from all appearances they are going to outdo their former produc- tions. With best wishes for your continued success.—A. T., Ohio. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO HIM BY OTHER CUSIOMERS. Some time ago I wrote your company for their free book on squab raisin z. ater I sent for your National Standard Squab Book. I have read each one from start to finisa and am well pleased with them. I have made up my mind to give the squab business a trial as I am quite sure that there is money in it, if properly conducted. I realize that to make a success of any business one must thoroughly understand it. As I have had no experience in this line I wish to start in with a small number and increase them as I grow to understand the business. My plan is to buy 12 pairs of the very best breeders that I can obtain and keep only the best of their increase for breeders till I get my flock to the desired size. Now, from reading your books and having you highly recom- mended to me by other parties, I have made up my mind that you can give me what I want in this line.—H. B., Illinois. FROM FOUR PAIRS TO THIRTY PAIRS IN NINE MONTAS. Nine montns ago I bougat of you four pairs of Extra Homers. had to move them twice to make room, I have now 60 first-class Homers. I have had several chances to sell some of the squabs but I think too much of them. By studyin your manual carefully I have not lost a bird. on a friend of your Homers.—W. M.,' New ork. . NO DISEASE. You no doubt have my name on your books as a pas of 10 pairs Extra, which I purchased of you last winter, I am still enthusiastic over the industry. have all the originak11 pairs you sent me and 33 young, all the offspring of your birds, 55 birds in all. They are every one in finest condition, disease has never touched my flock, —J. P., Virginia. FIVE MONTHS IN CALIFORNIA. When I received those birds from you in March T turned them into a pen and have been so taken up with other work that they have been left to themselves until now. At present I am taking all the working birds out and banding, and when they have young squabs I have Beware of anybody who tries to make a sale to you by running down the Plymouth Rock Squab Co. Insist that he show you letters like these in proof of his claims. 171 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED Bs THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906 moved them also, putting them in a corres- ponding section in the other pen, the arrange- ment of the pens being the same. I find that the old birds find their young and go right on keeping house just the same as before they were moved. At present I have 100 young birds, the oldest being less than five months and already at work. The squabs are fully developed and out of the nest at three weeks. I expect to have about 80 or 90 pair of birds at work about the first_of November. Then I shall begin to ship.—E. R. C., California. GETTING ALONG IN VIRGINIA. . Please ship by freight to us six drinking fountains and six bath pans. We got some birds of you last year. They have done very well. Thank you for the advice—P. N., Virginia. GENEROUS TREATMENT OF CUSTOM- ERS. Your letter of May 21 was most satis- factory and certainly very generous. I hope I made it very plain to you that you were not at all to blame for the loss of one of my pigeons. Your offer to replace it free of charge was quite in keeping with my impression as to your very generous treatment of your cus- tomers. I have at last found that the lost pigeon, was a female and if you think a white pigeon would be well received by my colony of three checkered, I would like to have a white female Extra Homer pigeon. My igeons are ‘in fine order and doing: well.— Mrs. H. C., Georgia. LOST ONLY ONE SQUAB IN FIVE MONTHS. Five months since, come the 12th, I received of you, by express, 13 pairs of your Plymouth Rock Homers. Up to date I have lost but one squab (and I think he was killed by a dislocation of the neck), possibly 10 eggs, several by frost. I have 54 squabs, most of them able to take care of themselves, and seven pairs of eggs. Three pairs of young ones have hatched and begun to build their nests. Now I wish to ask you if you think they are doing well. Ido, and Iam proud of my intelligent birds. I am now preparing to remove all young ones from the pen except those that are mated and then as fast as the others mate, to do as _yow say, put them into the breeding pen. I shall also build on another unit to my breeding pen in a short time, as I figure on 110 birds in my present house, I wish I was financially able to put in a good lant as‘these birds have demonstrated their ecundity. I notice you say that there is little liability of nest-makers mating. I have not discovered any with the few [ have. I have just gone through the nest boxes with whitewash containing a good per cent of carbolic. acid and vitriol solution. I clean out houses often and so far have not had a sick bird. Occasionally I put ginger in the drinking fount and I firmly believe it is by following your plain and definite instruction that they keep as well. I hope I am not trespassing on your valu- able time but cannot resist telling you how I am getting on with your stock.—W. G. P., Wisconsin, CONVINCED AFTER TRIAL, I have de- Jayed in writing you as I wanted to see how the birds were going to turn out. Can say now, I am,more than pleased with the birds. I have now 18 squabs and five pairs of eggs. Three squabs died and six eggs went to waste. That is all over with now. Don’t expect that to happen again. As far as I can see squab raising looks to be very simple and profitable. I have a nice clean house and running water so the time spent is nothi Enclosed you will find my check for 12 pair Extra more.— J. S., Washington, GETTING FOUR DOLLARS A DOZEN FOR SQUABS. Please send me_as rey as possible 25 pairs of Extra Blue Homer Pigeons. I have now about 125 pairs of birds bred from the original 20 pairs I bought from you about 18 months ago and am selling squabs at $4.00 a dozen. I am building a coop 48 feet by 14 feet which will accom- modate about 600 birds and if successful will enlarge my plant shortly. ill you kindly supply me with the name of the large Commission house in New York mentioned in your circular? The_ original birds were bought from you in November 1904 and shipped to my partner in the busi- ness.—H, B., New Jersey. QUICK TIME. I have read a large num- ber of your testimonials, none like this how- ever. Now I will make an affidavit that I received the 38 pairs Saturday morning, put them in the pen by ten a.m. I gave them a few tobacco stems from a crock on the floor in the corner. At] five p.m. a hen laid an egg. _ She laid her second egg to-day, Monday, and is now setting. Can any of your cus« tomers beat this?—S. H., Illinois. _ THINKS WE ARE TRUE BLUE. I am giving my pigeons occasionally lettuce or some raw cabbage, which they most heartily enjoy. Is this conduct prudent? The last batch of birds you sent me ‘‘Extra selected” were magnificent. You people (The Ply- mouth Rock Squab Company) seem to be “true blue.” I like to deal with your kind; don't find them all the time. Please answe: Is there anybody in your town who has failed at squab raising? Some play at pigeons as they would with a new toy, then they give them up. If they bought of us, the trouble is with them and not with the pigeons, 172 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. the above and return to me. Yours well satisfied with your treatment.—O. J., Illinois, SUCCESS IN TEXAS. In October 1905 I purchased from you 25 pairs of birds and since’ that time I have had fair success in raising squabs. I have about 175 young birds on hand at present. They are all strong and healthy, having had the best of care, and a.great many of them are mating now.—W. B., Texas. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER. I seceived the birds all O.K. The last ones were every one all right, as were the first. A taousand thanks for your kind, courteous, and prompt treatment in all our business dealings and you will be sure to hear from us again. If our letter will help you any, you are perfectly welcome to use it. Thank you again.—J. C. H., Michigan, SELLING MANURE. Some time ago I bought 24 pairs Homer Pigeons from you. I have had fairly good luck with them, havin, increased my flock to about 200 pairs. want to write you in regard the manure. You state in your National Standard Squab Book, that the Leather Trust used it for tanning purposes. Now I have considerable on hand and I wrote them. They said in reply, that they did not use it at all, which was a surprise to me as I have been careful in saving it.—W. H. H., Pennsylvania. Answer. The trust does use pigeon manure or did, the last we knew. We shipped to one of the Lowell plants of the American Hide and Leather Co. for: three years. Perhaps your letter was directed to one of the plants of the trust which does not use pigeon manure. We have printed so long the fact that pigeon manure is salable to tanneries of the trust that the New York office of the trust has been bombarded with pigeon manure letters for the last five years to such an extent that they are sick of the topic there and give an in- quirer poor satisfaction. For some time we have been selling our pigeon manure to Jeather men whose factories are within ten miles of our Melrose plant. Their teams call for it and take it away with very little trouble to us. We get sixty cents a bushel for it, same as usual. If any customer of ours wishes to ship manure to New Jersey or New York, we will help him to find a buyer there, as we have letters from tanneries in both States on file asking us to sell them “pigeon pure.” HIS FLOCK GROWING. About a year I bought some birds from you, some $5.00 ger Sake and some $2.50. My flock is growing and seems to be getting along pretty good, having now 180 birds—will soon have 200 birds. thought I would try and sell some now. They are all good birds. I want to try and sell what I raise now and if possible make a business of the squabs if there is enough in it to warrant putting up more buildings and getting more stock. It costs me about $1.90 per week for feed for this amount. Am I feeding enough?— M. N., Massachusetts. BUILT NEW HOUSE. I have built a new house for my pigeons. Have increased my, flock from the original six pairs to 50, besides selling 30 pairs of squabs. Could I have done any better than that? Have been having some trouble by a few going lizit and have followed your advice and think have got the better of the difficulty. I Jay the trouble to the poor quality of wheat they have been furnishing me. It seems to be all shrunk up and they don’t eat half of it. —A. D. V., Pennsylvania. Answer. More pigeon troubles are caused by wheat, or too much of it, than almost any- thing else. Squabs which are thin and dark are caused by too much wheat in the ration. Pigeons fed on too much wheat get thin, with sharp breastbones, and will not lay as they ought to. A good ration of Canada peas and hempseed is necessary to bring eggs and keep the flock in condition. A pigeon will not thrive if not kept in condition by nourishing food. The results of too much wheat are loose droppings, stupid and non-productive birds. Pigeons should be active and eager. IN FINE CONDITION. My birds I bought a little over a year azo (12 pairs) are still doing fine; have sold several small lots of squabs. I have been following your manual’s instructions as close as possible. Ihave about sixty pairs. They are in fine condition and have lots of eggs and youngsters.—C. W. H., North Carolina. SQUABS WEIGHING NEARLY A POUND APIECE WHEN ONLY THREE WEEKS OLD. Please send me your price list on birds and supplies as I intend to get about ten more pairs of Extra Homers and want to get them of you. Tne birds I have now, which I got from you, are doing fine and I have doubled my flock. I could sell all the squabs Ihave but want them for breeders, Would you kindly advise me if oats are good for breeding pigeons if fed moderately. Also do you think it wise to sell my squabs when they are from two and one half to three weeks old, as some of them will weie’ about fourteen ounces at that age.—A. P., Ohio. Look up the standing and character of the concern with which you contemplate dealing. Your bank will find out the facts for you. tion are worthless. Avoid advertisers whom you find out by investiga- Have their ratings looked up for you. 178 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. 1906 THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTd ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS CF 1906. Answer. . Pigeons do not care much for oats. Pigeons in the street eat them, as they eat peanuts or bread, Of course if you have oats handy and cheap, you can feed some, but pigeons will eat almost every other grain in preference. When squabs weigh 14 ounces they can be killed, no matter what their age. MOVE THEM AS YOU PROPOSE. I have pigeon breeders in unit numbers one -and three. Squabs in unit number two, from one to three months old. I wish to put num- ber three with number one. Number three is breeding right along. Will it hurt to move nest, pigeons and squabs out of number three into unit number one? Will it damage eggs and squabs to do so? If rot I can move them tirough unit number two, as I can let number two in flying pen while I am moving number three. : i I shall want more pigeons by fall. I got 13 pairs from you last year, and I have 100 pairs in all now, so you see I have done well with them. I wish you would answer as soon as possible as I do not wish to molest them before I hear. from you.—J. P. M., Michigan. Answer. Move them as you propose, putting the nests in the same relative posi- tions in the new nest-boxes. You will lose few, if any. INCREASED STOCK. In May, 1903, you sent C. I. Bruce forty (40) pairs of your igeons at $2.50 a pair, and in 1904, twelve 12) females. We have sold and increased stock since then by. breeding, until, at present, we have about three hundred (300) birds.— Miss H. J., Connecticut. BEST. HOMERS HE EVER SAW. You favor of the 12tn June, answering my inquir - ot the 9tn June, was dulyreceived. Thank for the information,., I had fully intended t> visit your plant, but, just as Iam ready to © start, my wife, who was to accompany me on a two weeks visit tc the New England coast is taken sick, I have seen the birds which you sent to my neighbor, Mr. P. C. Evans, and they appear to be all you claim for them, tie best specimens of Homers I have yet had the pleasure of seeing. Tf vou can let me have a small lot of one- half dozen pairs, at same price as paid by Mr. Evans, you may enter my order for same, with dozen bowls, for early delivery.—G. W. G., Pennsylvania. FLOCK WENT TO WORK QUICKLY. Out of the seven pairs of Hxtra Homers you shipped me June 2, 1906, I have already (August 10) got twelve squabs. I am very iach pleased over having such good success, but I have no way of marking ther. You will please send me an outfit for raking them by mail. Send about what you think a beginner ought to have. As the business grows, will send you a larger orcer.—L. L., Nebraska. , A WOMAN’S WORK. I have 50 pigeons on hand, bred from the 26 my husband bought o ,you a year ago last April_—Mis. H. C., nos. STRICTLY ALL RIGHT. A friend cf mine of this city recommended you to me as being strictly all rigat. I will thank you to send me your literature explaining tne cost of starting a squab farm of about 250 pairs, raising and marketing same, as I contemplate going in that business. Thank you in ad- vance for any information that-you may give me.— A., Alabama. RESULTS. TELL THE STORY. As all of my birds secured from you in May this year have their second pairs of young ones and I think will continue to multiply as fast, will you kindly forward me a list of commission men as stated in your letter of recent’ date. Am perfectly satisfied with the results ob- tained from your birds. If you have any inquiries for birds in this locality I will be glad to attend to them for you.—J. L. T., Indiana, SIZE OF SQUABS A REVELATION. We are pleased to advise you tnat we ate our first squab from the lot of birds you shipped in May: last Sunday and wish to state that the size of these squabs is a revelation to us, being almost twice as large as any we have ever been able to secure. The enclosed tist will HANG you an idea as to their productiveness, also would like to have you answer the questions contained therein.—H. B. R. [llinois. OUR BIRDS BETTER THAN WE CLAIM. My birds reacned me in good order and was glad to see tnem when I got home from work safe and sound. I think the American Express Co. is about the best there is. Every- body tiat sees your birds say they are the finest they eversaw. I think wnen anybody is look- ing for good birds they don’t need to look any further than your place and I know they will go ahead of any birds in this. town for looks. and flying. I think we will stay here till we get a good flock of birds then we will move outside of town. The next time I send for birds I will try and send you a bigger order. Your birds are better. than you claim for them. Some of them have eggs before theif young ones are two weeks old. They get so We were the first. Our birds and methods revolutionized the squab industry and are widely imitated. But imitators who ccpy or find fault with our printed matter cannot give you our birds. We have no agents. 174 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. 1906 THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. big they just about can’t sit in the nest. I think if you would put an advertisement in some of the evening papers you would get some more trade. am advertising your birds to everybody I know.—J. S., Wisconsin. COMPLIMENTED BY AN EXPERIENCED IDGE. One of my hens made her nest and thougnt she was ready to lay but she sat all one day and part of the next and did not, but had her mouth open panting and seemed ve sick. I telephoned to Mr. M. to come and tell me what to do. When he came he held her in warm water for 15 minutes and then fast- ened her in her nest. In ten minutes she laid her egg and got all right. Mr. M. holds the world’s record for three hundred miles and has some of the most val- uable birds i2 Chicago, and he said my birds were very fine, in fact he said he could have hardly told them from his own, they resembled them so much. Z ;: en so good a judge will compliment them so highly I feel very proud of them.— A. B., Illinois. SQUABS WEIGHING ONE POUND AT TWO WEEKS. I tnought you might like to hear from tne birds you sent us a year ago. They have been working overtime since. We have 54 birds now with several nesting. Every one is a solid color the:same as the old ones. The squabs we have weighed have averaged a pound at three weeks old. One weighed a pourd at two weeks. There is a party here getting birds of all kinds and colors and claims they are better than what we got for Extras on account of the bands.—J. W., South Dakota. ; Answer. It .is quite common for parties selling poor Homers +o put bands on their legs, some of them quite ornamental, in an endeav- or to enhance their value, same as putting a gaudy label on cheap goods. It is the pig- eons that count, not the bands. Bands are useful to number the birds, that is all. NO. 1 PLYMOUTH ROCKS ARE GOOD HOMERS. It will probably be fall before I get my house built and give you an order for more birds. If money is not too scarce the order will be for your best birds, for the No. 1 Plymouth Rocks are doing even better than the Manual claims them to. Your Extra birds must be wonderful.—W. H. W., Massa- chusetts. WE “ SHOW THEM” OUT IN MISSOURI. I received the grits and oyster shell all O. K. My birds jump on to the grits and hemp seed inahurry. They are doing well. I will have abcut sixty squabs this month and quite a number mating this week. I had an order for 100 squabs this morning. It made me sick to think I could not fill it, but my time came after awhile. I will build another house soon and I want 100 more of your birds. Mr. Hall’s birds look well. They came through nice. He is well pleased and I think he. will order more, There are two more people talk- ing of going into the squab business. I will try to get an order for you.—J. W. H., Mis- souri. HAS NEVER SOLD ANY SQUABS LESS THAN NINE POUNDS TO THE DOZEN. About three years ago I purchased of you six pair of Homer pigeons for which I paid $2.50 per pair. My flock are all from the stock I bought of you and I have some nice birds. have never sold any squabs under nine pounds to the dozen at four weeks old. I never sell my birds after they have left the nest for squabs.- Will you send me your price list for ‘ains, that is, Kaffir corn_and’ red. wheat. would like the addtess of Boston dealers.— C. E. W., Rhode Island. LETTING BIRDS FLY. I would like to have your opinion and advice on a matter that is very important to me. I have a beautiful start with your birds, have followed your book exactly and the result has been very gratifying. Now what I want to do is to buy about three hundred_more old birds from you and pen them. Will the young birds be as prolific, mate and hatch as well if properly fed, watered etc., exactly as my pens are, if I allow. them to run loose on my farm? There is no danger of them being shot and I would much prefer allowing them the run of the farm. I have the buildings that I could convert into com- fortable houses at once, and I will appreciate your thouehtful opinion and advice in the matter for I know you are headquarters.— T. W., Tennessee. : Answer. Birds which you raise you can let fly because they know no home but yours, but Homers which you buy you cannot let fly safely because they know another home (their old home) and their instinct and desire to go home may lead them to leave you. NEW JERSEY NEIGHBORS ALL AGREED: The six pairs of birds received from you the first day of May are still doing fine (July). One pair has her third pair of leas at this writing—less than three months. he rest will hatch this week. Mr. Tevis (the neighbor I spoke to you about in a former 1- ::ar) came over after me to see the birds that he had just received from you. They are fine birds and he is very much pleased with them and sorry that he did not take my advice and send The squab industry is growing every year. 1 Prices were better and they are going to be as good or better in 1907. The habit of before. bett i squab eating is growing in every section. More squabs were bred in 1906 than ever 175 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. to you in the first place, but he bought about 60 pairs from a New Jersey dealer. He showed him a letter that was supposed to have come from a man that bought birds of you, saying that he didn’t want any more of them. But now he sees the difference when he has them side by side. Mr. Webster, my next door neighbor, is so well pleased with the way mine are doing that he is going to send for a few pairs this fall. I would if I could, and had the room. - T now have 16 pairs of the Plymouth Rock birds. My pen is open to any one that wants to see the birds before they send to you for breeders. I thank you for the fine birds you sent to Mr. Tevis. It shows that I didn’t exaggerate your ability, to send six pairs or 100 pairs of fine birds.—D. G T., New Jersey, FINEST FLOCK HE HAD EVER SEEN. A year ago to-day we received eighteen pairs of your Homers. Our flock now numbers nearly 100 pairs and all are doing fine. We have sold a few pairs at’ $1.25 per pair, and have had any amount of inquiries after squabs. We have had a number of fanciers up to look at the flock, and all seem to think they are an exceptionally fine lot of birds. One gentleman who keeps an excellent lot of imported birds said they were the finest flock he had ever seen, which speaks well for your birds.—B. B., Michigan. BEST BIRDS IN HIS CITY. Find en- closed $16.34 for which to send me a dozeéfi- of your Homers, a dozen of nest_bowls, an two feet of aluminum tubing. Would have liked to send an order sooner but had no place to keep them. My birds are doing fine. We have moved into a larger place where I can let my birds out in a wire cage. Your birds are the best I ever saw and the only ones I ever intend to keep. I have sold off all my young stock so I have more room for the others.—J. B. T., Wisconsin. SPLENDID WORK WITH SPLENDID BIRDS. I wish to advise you now (August, 1906). of the See luck I have had with the six pairs of birds purchased from you last May and which were received at my home on May 17. These birds, within a week after arrival, commenced to construct their nests and, out of the six pairs, five began hatching within two weeks and every egg produced a squab. Two squabs weighed at the age of four weeks and two days, 16 ounces, after plucking, and the remainder weighed from eight to 12 ounces. The two squabs, weighing 16 ounces, were the largest I ever saw and I thought you would be interested in knowing the weights. On account of not having room for any more birds, I am killing the squabs as they mature but would have liked to have mated the two large squabs, as I believe that their offspring would have_averaged 16 ounces each 8, P. N., New Jersey. DOUBLED IN THREE MONTHS. En- closed find money order for $1.70 for which please send leg band outfit. The birds I bought of you in April are doing fine. They have doubled themselves.—W. A., Missouri. DOING WELL IN CANADA. Saw your advertisement in R. P. Journal, “‘Squab book free.” Anything new in it? I have your book of 1904 with two dozen your Homers. They are doing fine. hat would you sell me one dozen more?—P, I. B., Quebec. ORDERS FOR A FRIEND. I enclose you herewith a check for $30. Please ship to enclosed address 12 pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers. Be sure to send. him some nice ones. Those we bought of you some time back are doing nicely and if these show up as well I think that I will be able to send you some more orders soon.—S. W. T., Georgia. HAS DEALT WITH THE FAKIRS. The pigeons that youshipped to us have arrived in fine condition and the best of health. We are shipping back to you, via American’ Express the wicker basket in which you sent our pigeons. Also our many thanks: for the trouble you took in selecting the different colored pairs. I wish to say that the pigeons are beauti- fully mated, because one pair have started in business already, the hen having laid two eggs, and all the others have showed promis- ing signs of mating. 7 After having dealt with poultry fakirs and receiving their treatment, r fully appreciate your kind treatment which is so unlike that of these fakirs, but your endeavors are not in vain, as I soon expect to order some more pairs. Your treatment has encouraged me. I have provided an excellent house and pen forthem. Thank you for your interest shown in this matter.—L. J. H., Mlinois. IN THE BLUE GRASS STATE. Could you kindly tell me where I could get some white Homers? The Plymouth Rock Homers New laws passed a year ago by the legislatures of Massachusetts and New York forbid the sale'of quail except in the months of November and December. for every quail found in the hinds of any marketman or restaurant keeper. The penalty is a heavy fine Quail are no longer found on bills of fare in these two states except around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Squabs are on the bills of fare all the year everywhere. Other states, it is said by sportsmen, will follow Massachusetts and New York with a similar game law. 176 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. I_ got from you are doing fine—R. L. J., Kentucky. HIS SECOND ORDER. Enclosed please find express money order for five dollars for which please send me three pairs of your No. 1 Plymouth Rocks at your earliest convenience. A previous order which I received from you has been doing fine —J. E. D., Pennsylvania. PROLIFIC BIRDS. I purchased 12 pairs Homers of you about 18 months ago and they have done fine work for me. I have 50 pairs mated birds, saved the best ones and sold the second class.—J. A. D., Pennsylvania. SENT SISTER GOOD BIRDS. I enclose a money order for $17.88 for which please send three dozen nappies and six pairs blue checkers. You sent my sister such fine birds that I would like the order duplicated.—H. S$. B., New York. RECOMMENDS OUR BIRDS TO EVERY- BODY. The birds arrived in good order and Iam pleased with them. I have 14 fine birds from the first ones I bought of you and I think the last four pairs will go to work soon. I Tecommend your birds to everybody.—J. M. M., Philadelphia. HE KNOWS OUR TEACHINGS ARE RIGHT. I have read your Manual carefully, studied every point as I went, because I wanted to impress it on my mind. I have feund in my own experience that pigeons do just as your Manual says. Your book is worth two or three dollars instead of 80 cents. I want to thank you for the favor you did at finding the weet and charges of some things for me. ould you kindly tell me what would be the cost of freight charges on one hundred, two hundred and three hundred pounds of grain?—G. A. S., Georgia. 9 FIVE DOLLARS A PAIR WOULD NOT BUY HIS. Birds came Friday at noon, and accept many thanks for the fine birds you sent to me. My friend says $5.00 per pair would not buy his.—J. P. B., Georgia. PLEASANT BUSINESS FOR A WOMAN. ‘You will possibly remember that a year ago last April i bought from you twenty-five pairs of your Extra Homers. ees I now have some eighty pairs in my house and have used something like two hundred ‘squabs. My birds have done well and I have Jost only one of my original stock. 7 I am thoroughly convinced that there is money raising squabs and it is a very pleasant business for a woman, requiring only a little time each day to attend to them and one soon becomes very much attached to them—Mrs, M.L., Kentucky. GENEROUS TREATMENT. The pigeon that I wrote you about a few days ago has died. I think it must have been injured in shipping. It was a female. I think your promise to send another a very generous one, and I would appreciate it very much. In about two or three months I expect to order more birds of you. The others are doing excellently.—A. H. B., Massachusetts. TRADE BEGETS TRADE. I have been instrumental in making some sales of pigeons for you. At least I have recommended you to several people who said they would buy of you. Did a doctor of Fairhope buy a lot of pigeons of you? He came over here to see me about what I thought of the business and I recommended you to him strongly. I just sold 30 pair of my pigeons to Dr. O. F. Caw- thon and E. J. Buck and I recommended them to buy 10 or 12 pairs of you. I will continue to advertise you all I can. Later on I want to acon my house and build up a big place and I will send to you for what I need. —M. O., Alabama. GOOD INCREASE IN SIX MONTHS. Yesterday I wrote you for the Manual or National Standard Squab Book, but I forgot to tell you of some of your birds I have seen. Last ae ot September a doctor friend of mine in Brunswick bought of you six pairs of Homers. In two or three weeks they began to lay and hatch. He sold four or five pairs at $1.00 to $2.00 a pair. He has now between seventy and eighty total. They are beauties and if mine are as pretty and do as well I don’t think I will be disappointed. Please send Manual as quick as possible-—G. S., Georgia. GOOD RECORD FOR FIRST MONTH. I deem it will be gratifying if you know how the 13 pair of Homers I received from you on May 8d are doing. There has not been a sick one in the lot and they are very much admired by all who see them, and are pronounced first-class Extra stock. They_are contented and very busy all the time. Eight pairs are breeding now, with three nests each having a pair of nice healthy squabs. I think this a splendid record for the first month in a new home.—S., H. W., Penn- sylvania. LOST HIS TEXT BOOK. Please find en- closed 50 cents, and send me another Nat- ional Standard Squab Book. I have mis- Remember, these are stories told in 1906, by customers who are really raising squabs with our birds and not merely talking about what they are going to do. 17 satisfactory results day after day. They are getting 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. placed my other one and can’t find it. My birds are doing well. J have had 15 pairs of young birds since Ihad them, Isold one pair of old white birds for three dollars to a bird store.—H. K., Missouri. ATTRACTING ATTENTION. Please to send some literature to address of gentleman enclosed, descriptive of the squab business, and give him prices on same. I have been talking with him in regard to the business and as he has a couple of farms over in Michigan, I have no doubt but what he will make an investment. The pigeons that I purchased of you last spring are doing very. nicely. Our pen is attracting considerable attention. We have about 75 in it now and we are about to build larger accommodations.—T. T,, Illinois. ENLARGING PLANT. Will you kindly advise the address of party who purchases pigeon manure? i My birds are getting along very nicely. Intend putting up a large house for them in the near future and will write you later regard- ing wire for flies —B. T., New York. SWAMPED WITH SQUAB ORDERS. It is impossible for me to fill the orders that I have for squabs. I am sending you an order. Please get them out as soon as possible. When I receive them, I will order another dozen Extras. I now have about 350 pair of breeders. They are doing fine—H. &., Louisiana. SATISFIED WITH ALL. I received the two baskets containing 36 birds on Thursday. Pardon delay in not answering sooner, as I was out of town. I am perfectly satisfied with all the birds I bought of you and hope to be able in the future to secure more. Am shipping the two baskets this morning by National express, homeward bound.—J. W., New York. GOOD REPORT. Please find enclosed a money order for which please ship me 12 pair pigeons as I saw some birds which you shipped to Mr. Walter of this town. I received a booklet from your firm some time ago but did not order birds until I saw Mr. Walter report on his. I decided to give you an order if you can send me mixed colors. Ship via Adams express. Wishing you success.—L. D., Pennsylvania. ONE YEAR’S GOOD TRIAL. Qucte me prices on your No. 1 Homers. Those I bought of you one year ago are doing nicely. —C. M. R., Pennsylvania. THIS LETTER WAS WRITTEN BY ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS TO HIS FRIEND IN A NEIGHBORING TOWN. I am pleased to know that you are getting along so nicely with your squab house. Wish you could see the last consignment of birds I received from the Plymouth Rock Squab Co. of Boston. They, are beauties, and they commenced building their nests the second day after they arrived. I have no idea where you are going to purchase your birds but I certainly think you will make no mistake if you get them from Mr. Rice, for the ones he sent me are the finest I ever saw. I am confident if you buy your birds of Mr. Rice he will use you right for he has done the tight thing by me.—F. B., New York. WANTS 500 PAIRS IN THE SPRING. My pigeons are doing very well but they are shedding a great many feathers. I want to make arrangements early in the spring for 500 pairs of your best stock, but before build- ing my houses I want to take a trip to Melrose and look your plant over, in order to get all the ideas about construction, maintenance, etc. I enclose separate slip with a’ few questions that I would like to have you answer if it is not too much trouble.—J. W., North Carolina. LOST ONLY ONE BIRD, AND THAT BY ACCIDENT. I recently bought a few pairs of birds that you sold to a gentleman in this city about March Ist. He was moving to St. Louis and had to dispose of the birds. With what I got from you and the seven pairs I bought from him I now have 65 birds. Have never lost but one bird and that was my own fault for I was experimenting on it and accident- ally killed it. Ihave a market in St. Louis for all I can ship at $4.00 per dozen. If not ask- ing too much would you kindly give me the address of a couple of Chicago and New York commission men that handle squabs.—W. E. T., Missouri. STARTED WELL. I write you in regard to the pigeons you will remember we bought of you (24 pairs) about two years ago this month. Our Homers have done very nicely. I have about 200 pairs. We sold. 40 pairs last year. We have quite a nice little plant started.—A. C., Wisconsin. DOING WELL, GOING TO BUILD. Please send me a plan for your multiple unit house. My pigeons are doing fine.—D. B., Lilinois. STARTED IN TO MAKE REFORMS. Please find enclosed check for nine dollars Somebedy handling the small, stunted Homers may tell you that eight pounds to the dozen is good weight for squabs and that squabs are not bred to weigh more from Homers. That is true, from his Homers, Plymouth Rock Homer squabs. In these pages you will find that eight pounds is low for 178 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. tor which kindly send us one dozen drinking fountains. We would like you to get these off as soon as possible. I was very much pleased with my visit to your plant at Melrose which I made yesterday, especially with your facilities for mating birds up. Got some new ideas along with a lot of good advice from your superintendent, and to-day have started in to make a few new reforms here—T. H. D., Connecticut. KNOWS PLYMOUTH ROCKS BY EX- PERIENCE. I saw your advertisement of Homer Pigeons in a magazine. I would like very much for your company to send me one of your catalogues, and how much you charge for Homers a pair. I know from experience that a Plymouth Rock Homer is a good breeder. A friend of mine got some from your people a short time ago, but I did not inquire as to the price of them. In answer to letter from vou, I will send for some, and if they are satisfactory, I will be glad to get more, as I am a great pigeon fancier—W. A., Illinois. ONE YEAR’S SATISFACTION. Send one bushel of Kaffir corn and one bushel of Canada peastome. It may interest you to know that the birds I bought from you a year ago are in every way satisfactory. I have doubled the number of workers in that time and have had all I wanted for my own table, and sold quite a number.—J. B. H., Massachusetts. SOME WEIGH 14 OUNCES WHEN 15 DAYS OLD. I received your pigeons in May when I was in Longueuil. They have done well, as I have had some which weigh 14 ounces at 15 days old. What do you think of a mirror in my squab house? I will be very pleased to receive all your advertising booklets.—G. C., Canada. 4 SUNFLOWER SEEDS ARE GOOD. Your book doesn't say anything about feeding pigeons sunflower seeds. il they eat them or isn’t it good for them to havethem? Please let me know. The pecs I ee from you are doing pretty well, I think. may get more next year.—B. J., Vermont. ; ' Answer. Sunflower seeds are a good pigeon food and are used by many of our customers. They are rich and oily and should not be fed in excess, but as a dainty, A good way to feed them is to throw the whole head in front of the birds and let them pick out the seeds themselves with their bills. BREED WELL IN CALIFORNIA. En- closed find money order for 40 cents for which kindly send me two feet of your aluminum tubing for bands. Also send one of your price lists, as mine ‘has been mislaid. Twenty-four pairs of Homers purchased of you one year ago are doing fine. Flock now numbers 150.—W. J. M., California. CONTINUOUS SATISFACTION. Enclosed find check which is to cover enclosed order. All the birds which you have sent me so far are very satisfactory.—G. S., New York, FINEST BIRDS AROUND. Your birds I bought of you a year ago are going fine—the finest birds around, so my friends say.—Mrs. J. J. M., Massachusetts. HOTEL KEEPER RAISING HIS TABLE SQUABS. Am very glad to know that you were pleased with our menus and will con- tinue mailing them to you from time to time if you do not object. I hope that the temp- tation will be strong enough to cause you to come to our city and look over our squab farm. I have been quite successful and have a fine lot of birds. It is more than likely, however, that I shall want some additional birds in the very near future. I would like a few show Homers, Dragoons and Runts For squab raising purposes, I could not ask anything better than I now have. Will mait you an order for supplies in a few days.—W. S., Georgia. BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY BIRDS. Will you please quote me the price of your wicker shipping baskets, size for 12 pairs, or kindly forward me the address of the manufacturers of same. Also state in your letter if the drop- pings must be entirely free from straw and feathers, or reasonably so, to satisfy the pur- chasers at the tanneries. The six pairs I pur- chased of you two years ago have increased to 150 or 170, besides what I have killed, and the stock has proven entirely satisfactory in every way. I have taken pains to follow your instructions to the letter so now i have the above number of beautiful, healthy birds.— W.H , New York. Answer. It is impossible to get all straw and feathers entirely out of the manure. Sweep out what you can with a broom before cleaning the squab-house. -The leather peo- ple do not care if some straw and feathers get in but they do not want gravel and tobacco stems. The latter discolor and stain when wet. BIRDS THAT FLY AWAY. On about. April 20, 1905, we bought of you six Plymouth Rock Homer pigeons. Since then they have For six years we have had a complete monopoly of the fine trade cf the United States. We sell more Homers every year than all other firms and breeders combix:d. The reason for this is that our birds demonstrate their value and make friends wherever they go. This supremacy we intend to maintain. 179 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 THEY WERE RECEIVED BY ‘TTHE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. done exceedingly well, and we have got a pretty good start in pigeons now, but what 1 write you to-day for is this, This morning at 9 o’clock one of the birds we got of you got out of the flying pen. She flew into the air and ‘started for Boston. This was a brown bird, and we thought she might arrive at her ‘destination, so I wish you to keep a lookout ‘for her and see if you can tell if she gets there. If she does arrive, would you mind letting me know? I am anxious to know if she gets there. This was a female bird and she left a youn bird about a week old in the nest.— . lowa. Auswer. No Homer would fly that dis- tance. We receive many letters like the above. Customers should watch the doors of squab-house and pens and not let their ‘birds get away. LARGE, HEAVY AND FULL-BREASTED. Enclosed find money order for one more ‘dozen pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers. . I did not rush a letter down to you the same afternoon I received the other birds for ‘the reason that I wanted to try them out first. The dozen pair of Plymouth Rocks, o1 their arrival weighed exactly 22 pounds, while a few days later I received another ‘dozen pair from another company and they weighed only 17 pounds. ‘hey were not full-breasted like your birds. I received first shipment on the 2nd of March. ey are: now working like good fellows. Have three nests with eggs in. You will hear from me occasionally with ‘further orders.—A. P. S., Michigan. WANTS TO BUY SOME GOOD ONES. Kindly send your catalogue and any other ‘printed matter you have about pigeons. An Sequsintance: wants to buy some good birds and he is going to look at my lot that I ‘received last Thursday. I feel sure I can land him as a customer for you.—H. D. C., Pennsylvania. GOING SLOWLY. Please send free book, “How to Make Money with Squabs.” The birds bought of you are doing well now and some of their young are hatching. Have ‘enough now to ship a dozen a Thoth now.— . M., Maryland. JUST THE BIRDS. I thought I would Tet you know how my birds are getting along, ey arrived on Tuesday, May Ist, at wrote Pat y of the same week one pair commenced to build.. At this writing four pairs have eges. The others are build- ing. That is what I call going right to work. I am very much pleased with them. There was a party here this morning looking at them. He talks of putting in one hundred pair, and says they are just the birds that he wants. He is coming up to see your plant. Of course I showed him my birds and told him just what they were doing and where they came from_so I think he will be a cus- tomerfor you. I shall advertise the Plymouth Rock birds wherever I have a chance. Thank you for your kindness.—J. C., New Jersey. SQUABS WEIGHING ONE POUND APIECE WHEN ONE MONTH OLD. I received my pigeons from you April 20, 1905. I have one pair that has hatched eleven (11) times up to the 22nd day of April, 1906, so you can see that they have had fairly good care. I now have 110 birds and am getting them fast now and will commence shipping when I get 70 or 80 pairs. I have weighed a number of birds four weeks old that weighed 16° ounces and I think that is very good.—L. F., Iowa. QUICKLY AT WORK. Please pardon my delay in acknowledging the receipt (right side up) of the pigeons you shipped to me at Harpers Ferry, W. Va., which place I left before the shipment arrived. My wife informed me that they were all in good shape and the finest specimens she ever saw. Also thought they had returned the baskets to you. As soon as I go home, which will be in a few days, will send you another order. My wife’s third letter tells me that 16 pairs out of the 18 have gone to sane Don’t think you can beat that at home. e have everything good to feed them, peas, kaffir corn, wheat and millet. and we intend to make a success of the business.—W. S., Virginia. SQUABS HAVE AVERAGED ONE POUND APIECE. Enclosed please find certified check for $173.98 for which kindly send me birds and supplies as enclosed. Kindly send the shipment of birds as soon as possible as I would like to receive them before Tuesday. All my birds are doing nicely. My squabs, under your system of feeding, have averaged a pound apiece and I expect from the present outlook of things to make them average a good deal more.—E. H. M., Pennsylvania. THIS WOMAN IN BRITISH COLUMBIA KNOWS WHAT A FINE HOMER IS. A week ago I wrote you complaining of non- acknowledgment of my remittance sent in with my order. As I was beginning to wonder if it had miscarried, I am pleased to be able to inform you that I received the best possible answer to my letter in arrival of the birds I ordered from you, They arrived The equipment at our farm for mating birds cost $2000 and no expense was spared to make it perfect. is heated by hot water so as to get t A thousand ae coops are in constant use. The principal mating house le best and quickest results in the cold months. 180 1906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY JHE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. about the same time as your letter (May Ist). All of them are in first-class condition and I am very pleased with them, as I consider that they are a fine lot of birds, and I think I know what a fine Homer is when I see it, as my father and brothers have bred and sold trained flying Homers for years in Lancashire, England, some of them worth twenty-five d 's a. pair, Although I never heard of squab raising before I came to Canada three years ago, when I first saw your book adver- tised in Munsey’s I thought it was some kind of game bird reared in captivity, and sent for your book more out of curiosity than any- thing else. I think I shall like the business very much and shall probably be sending another order in a month or two when I see how I go on with the birds Ihave got. Thank vou very much for the two pairs extra you sent, also nest bowls. They were a very agreeable surprise to me as I did not expect anything like that on such a small order. The express charges were six dollars, and 25 cents duty on nest bowls. If you would write me from time to time giving me your prices I shall be much obliged—Mrs A. R., Canada. SQUABS WEIGHING FROM 13 TO 16 CES. Please send me at your earliest convenience the names of reliable merchants to whom I can ship squabs, in New York. The 80 pairs I bought of you last fall are gong well. I sold squabs that weighed from 1 ounces to almost one pound apiece. I have over 1C0 pairs of young ones that I am sav- ing for stock.—H. J., Ohio. WORTH THEIR PRICE. Sorne time ago I sent you an order for three pairs No. 1 and three pairs Extra Homers, stating that I wished to compare with Homers a friend of mine was ordering at a very much lower figure. In a word, after due_comparison, I order six more pairs Extras. Please send me fine birds.—C. J., Illinois. SQUABS WEIGHING 16 TO 17 OUNCES EACH. Please find enclosed remittance for which send me 12 pairs and supplies noted. The dozen pairs you sent me started in to do business last month, having been moulting up to that time. The first two pairs squabs hatched, at one month old, weighed one pound each, with one that was 17 ounces. That is very good, is it not? I am well pleased with them, Make this dozen as good and I shall be more pleased.—C. B. G., Connecticut. HIS FOURTH ORDER. Enclosed you will please find money order for which you will please send me as soon as possible one dozen pairs Extra bred Homers (fourth order.)—L C., Louisiana, SUPERIOR IN LOOKS AND WORKS. The birds (60 pairs) arrived on the late train from St. Paul on Sunday night last, and remained in the depot here until early on the following morning when we took them home. Outside of the injured ones mentioned, I will say that the birds arrived in perfect condition. and are fully. up to what we expected them to. be. They are now ‘at home” and present a beautiful appearance. The birds which you sent me last November (nine months ago) are entirely satisfactory. and ‘“ out-class” any I received from the————or those which my friend here received from the same people, Mine are plump, his are “ cranish,” long-legged: and long-necked, I would not keep that id. of birds. My triend has not accommodations. for pigeons, and wanted to sell out. A doctor who for several years rented offices in my law -office building here, looked them over with the view of purchasing the outfit, and I advised him to do so, to get a start in the business. He visited my lofts, and saw my birds, wanted to buy some from me, and after he saw mine, he would not buy of my friend. I gave him your address, but have not seen him since, and do not know whether he has made a pur- chase or not. I have none to sell at this time: as we are trying to increase the flock to at. least 1200, for which we have ample accommo~ dations, then we will begin to sell. There is no mistake in saying that the birds: which I received from you, out-class those which the————— have sent here. If your Mr. Rice should ever come to this country FE would be pleased to have him stay with me and look over the “' greatest ’’ farming coun- try on earth. My elder boy (17 years of age) visited the great Minnesota State Fair. Saw Dan Patch break his record, reducing it to 1.55 flat. -He looked the pigeons over as a matter of course, and he tells me that he could find no Homers there which compared with ours. He intends to exhibit some at the fair next fall—H. M., Minnesota. MADE A SUCCESS AND GOING AHEAD ON A BIG PLANT.: I have a party that wants to go into the squab business with me, and it is possible that I will call on you during Nov~ ember for 2000 breeders, I have done ve well with the 800 I have, encouraging enoug! to put in quite an extensive plant. I would like to have your personal opinion as to whether 2000 birds will do as well in 20 units of 100 birds each with one fly 12x48x200 as they would in 20 units with 20 flies 10x12x48. On le time and energies are given to squabs. We handle trade as it ought to be handict Geneaney, courteously and thoroughly, with every detail attended to. Letters are answered at once. It is a business with us, pushed steadily every day in the year except Sun- jays and holidays, and not a side issue or an amusement, : 181 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. account of labor I would prefer the one large fly, but I want no experiments and leave the matter with you. I can get $4.00 per dozen for a large portion of my squabs, and would like to have an opinion as to what 5000 of your breeders would net us yearly when we Taise our own feed on the farm. WE SUPPLY HENS TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM. After recommending your firm to A. F. Kennelley of this city and he ‘being a purchaser from you recently, I find that he is well pleased with treatment accord- -ed him. Enclosed please find $5.00 for five female birds to be used as breeders. I bought some birds from a friend of mine and he had five odd cocks which I want to mate up. You will forward these by first express to my address.—H. E. W., Ohio.. BEST BIRDS HE EVER SAW. The Homers ordered from you reached me in due time and in excellent condition. The certainly are the finest birds I ever saw. really believe they are a finer lot than the first consignment, if that be possible. The second day after their arrival they commenced building their nests, which I imagine is a pretty good record. Some of my friends have secured birds from other parties and although I have not seen their birds, I am confident they can’t tell me that they have a finer lot than mine. — If I have an_opportunity of securing you any customers I shall be only too glad to do sSo.—B. ew York. BEST HOMERS IN CALIFORNIA. Birds received in Al condition. Your birds have stirred up quite some interest here and what I hear from people who know is that your birds are the best in the colony. As it is I am well pleased with the bunch. I have a house 12x32 feet divided into four pens 8x9 feet with a three-foot passage running the length and everything up to date. That also has -opened their eyes in the building and arrange- ‘ments in an up-to-date squab house. I have ‘had the birds less than a week and am pretty ‘well advertised already. The market here ais strong at $3.00 to $3.50 and the demand far exceeds the supply.—C. H., California. , SOLD YOUNGSTERS FOR $2 A PAIR IN ‘KANSAS. Enclosed find remittance for one leg band outfit. My pigeons have been doing fine, and are keeping busy all the time. Have ‘sold off the young Ege at eight weeks old for $2.00 per pair. at is the difference in Canada peas and the peas we raise here? ‘Will the common peas do to feed to the Pigeons?—G. W. S., Kansas. LATEST NEWS FROM THE NEW YORK T; GH PRICES WHICH ARE GOING HIGHER BECAUSE OF THE NEW LAW FORBIDDING ENTIRELY THE SALE OF QUAIL EXCEPT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER. I take the liberty of askin you for a little more advice for the birds i bought from you last November. Of sick- ness I have not seen any sign of it. I lost only two of them, one of apoplexy I think, because it, fell like shot dead, the other one died of diarrhcea. Of the young squabs, the cas- ualties have been a little higher, but out of 50 I did not lose more than six, or 12 per 100. Now I wish you would give me your opinion how I have progressed, if I am on the regular average or if I am under it. ‘he prices for squabs on the New York market have been very high all winter—have reached as high as $6.50 a dozen for squabs of over 10 pound a dozen, and $4.50 for birds of near eight pound or so. Of course private trade is better and I have been able to sell squabs for 50 cents apiece easily. I have a set of birds that give me three eggs and have hatched them successfully with three days late for the extra one. Does that happen often?—H. G., New York.* WILL NOT BUY ANY HOMERS BUT PLYMOUTH ROCKS. Last May I ordered from you twelve Plymouth Rock. Homers. They arrived on the eighth of May and on the twelfth of the same month the first egg was laid. Five pairs of them went to work almost immediately and have been at work ever since, I raised the squabs during the summer. Thave now 13 pairs of mature pigeons. Twelve pairs work constantly and 1 am very much leased with them and want to thank you or them and as you are so kind as to offer to answer questions and to help we people who do not know all about raising squabs I shall be so much obliged if you will give me a little help. My present ambition is to increase my plant. I want to buy some Extras from you as soon as I can raise the capital. I can buy Homers nearer home but yours have done so well for me that whatever new stock I get I would like to get from you. You say in your book that you will ete your patrons the address of a good New York buyer. Will you lease send me the address?—C. O., New ersey. BRANCHING OUT. Please quote me your best figures on the following: Homer pigeons in pairs ready to go to work in lots of 20, 50 and 100 pair lots. Hempseed in bushel lots. Health grit in 100 pound lots. I have your prices of last year but presume there are some changes. I purchased 12 pairs of Homers from you last spring and they raised me about _ These are strou Pigeons, that you wil letters. Read them over. be treated right, as these customers were, 182 You want some assurance, when you buy ‘£906 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS 1906 STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906, 60 young ones by the first of November.— R. W. H., Iowa. : BLOOD AND HIGH BREEDING COUNT. Enclosed find draft for which you will send by Pacific express, Extra Homers, as per memorandum, Several weeks ago I ordered 15 pairs of: . When the birds came I did not think they were much more than common birds. A friend in our town wanted some breeders and I got him to try your birds. They came last night. There is a big differ- ence between the birds. My first birds do not show any white on bill to amount to any- thing and they are most all white or very light color. Yours show their high breeding. Blood tells, when you put them together. sold mine at half price to-day to get shut of them. What I want is blooded stock or nothing. Please send me a good collection of assorted colors, blues, reds and checkers. I ordered one of your squab books some time ago and I think it the best I ever read on pigeons.—J. A., Missouri. TRIFLING DEATH LOSSES. In January of this year I purchased 12 pairs of your Extras. They are now (April) in fine condi- tion and have hatched out 24 young ones, 22 of which are living and doing fine—-W. J., Massachusetts. SEVEN PAIRS WORTH $25, THIS ARKANSAS CUSTOMER THINKS. Writing you a few lines to let you know that I got the pigeons all O.K. They were all well. I got them two weeks to-day and out of the seven pairs, four pairs of them have built and are setting on eggs already. I would have written you sooner but wanted to see what they were going to do. I would not take $25 for the seven pairs. Sending the basket back this evening with the letter. You can put this letter on your list. I think it is the only one from Arkansas.—C. W., Arkansas. GOOD SHOWING AFTER THEIR 3000- MILE JOURNEY. Enclosed please find Wells Fargo Express money order for $1.70 for which please send me by mail post paid, one leg band outfit at your very earliest convenience. My birds received from you March 17 are doing fine. They got right to work and one month from the day I received them I had three, pairs of squabs hatch. Since then one more pair has hatched and two more pairs are setting and two pairs building. I think that is a pretty good showing in six weeks for 10 pairs after travelling 3 miles. I lost one hen. She got sick and I could not find what was the trouble. She did not have diarrhoea, but just seemed to droop and die. The remainder of them are as fine as could be. Will you please quote me prices on nine pait Extra Homers to be delivered in June or July, Caunot tell yet just when I will be ready for them, but either June or July sure. Best wishes for your continued success.—E. M., California. ARKANSAS CUSTOMER IS PLEASED WITH SQUARENESS., I received your Man- ual a day after I wrote that letter, and J received another one. I have sold both of them, and find enclosed $1.00 to pay for your extra one and another one for myself. You people treated me so well I won’t buy any Homers from anybody else. I was surprised at your squareness and have told every one about it and got them all a-going in the right direction. I was very, very much pleased with your Manual.—G. R., Arkansas. HIS MONEY TALKS FOR HIM. Last August ( purchased 124 pairs of your Extras ada now in the market for about 375 pairs more. Iam also in need of some extra hens of the same quality. Can you supply same? Also let me know if you can furnish these birds in pairs in the following colors: biues, blue checkers and red checkers in any number I may desire. Please state your very lowest price on above number of pairs. Let me hear from you by return mail, as I am in a great rush for the birds.—S. T., Indiana. CANNOT SAY TOO MUCH IN PRAISE OF OUR HEALTH GRIT. Enclosed find $2.00 for 100 pounds of health grit. I find this grit the best on the market for pigeons. I cannot say too much for it as it keeps the pigeons in fine health. Although the price is high I would never be without it. I have quite a few people that want to get this grit from me. Can you let me have it cheaper, so that I can make something out of it? Answer and let me know.—R. O., New Jersey. BIG SQUAB FARM WHOSE OWNER BOUGHT HIS BREEDERS OF US. _I visited a squab farm last Sunday and before I left found that the owner bought his breeders of your company, five hundred pairs. He has 1100 pairs at present and is making a fortune. After seeing this farm I was more than con- vinced that the Plymouth Rock Squab Co. is O. K. Jf 1 eet as good a lot of birds as he has I certainly will be pleased. Tam sorry that I did not figure on handling more birds than I did. Have built house to accommodate 100 birds. Enciosed find stamps for which please send plans and specifications for squab houses. No doubt you will receive a larger order from me in a short time. Will notify you in a few days when to ship birds. Beware of anybody who tries to make a sale to you by running down the Plymouth Rock Squab Co. Insist that he show you letters like these in proof of his claims. 183 1906 LETTERS FROM STORIES OF SUCCESS ON THIS PAGE ARE NEW. CUSTOMERS 1906 THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY OF BOSTON IN NINE MONTHS OF 1906. I want to have everything complete before I have them shipped.—I. S., New York. HAS TRIED THEM AND KNOWS. I am at present debating with myself and with some of my relations in negates to starting in the pigeon business. My folks are trying to persuade me that it is going to cost too much to start, and that I will not realize any great ponte very soon. As I see, and at the best can figure it out, it will take about $100 to start in with fifty pairs of breeders and builda home to accommodate them, getting the price of building down as low as possible with lum- ber at its present price. What I want to know is, do you think it would pay me to start and about how long do you think it would take to get back the amount paid out if I relied entirely on the birds? I think I could get it back in four months at the most, because I have three pairs I pur- chased of you in January, besides the young ones Ihave raised. I have watched and studied their ways and know something about them. I know how fast they breed, etc. Now am I tight in my estimation as to the time it would take to regain my money and would you advise me to start if possible? My birds I have now are doing fine.—S. A., Massachusetts. MANURE FOR SALE. Will you please give me the address of some firm to which I can sell my pigeon manure? My pigeons are doing well this spring.—T. O., New York. RHODE ISLAND SUCCESS. I am enclos- ing money order for which kindly send me enclosed supplies. If this money order does not cover cost do not delay the grain but send me bill for extra. My birds are all doing finely.—B. O., Rhode Island. THIS IS THE KIND OF PLAIN TALK ONE LIKES TO HEAR. I am finding out for my- self if there was money in squabs and I have found it to be true by other squab breeders. I was to a man’s place this afternoon and said he had no trouble in selling his squabs for a good price. I guess the only trouble is people are sleeping half the time. That’s why they don’t know much about squab breeding. Ifa fellow doesn’t believe in squab breeding, all he has to do is to open his eyes and look around. I’ve been to a couple of bird shows and have seen nothing to go ahead of your birds yet. My friend was saying what nice birds they had at the show, and I thought I would go down with him. We had to pay 25 cents to get in. After we looked at the birds, he said that mine would get the first rize if I would take them down. Then I Foul out that I have some of the biggest birds ‘Send by American express. in town. I would like to get some pictures taken and show you some of the birds I got from yours. I found your book to be a book anybody can read and knows what he is read- ing about. Everything is so plain—what a beginner wants to know about neue birds. I was thinking of sending you my third order. If I do, it will be next week, Hoping you are doing a good business. My birds are doin, fine. Your birds are the best breeders and won’t take any others.—S, C. H., Wisconsin. NEST BOWLS ALL RIGHT. Please find a money order for one dozen more of your nest bowls. They are O. K. Put them in the house one evening and on going in the next found that a pair had already taken posses- sion and started a nest. Have 11 Rew setting on eggs and they are doing fine. intend to purchase more from you later as I am going to build a unit to start this spring and enclose money for your plans for squab houses. Wishing you every success—W. A., Massa- chusetts. ENLARGING. Enclosed find check for which please send me seven pairs of your Extra Homers and one dozen_fibre nests. This time I would like to have different colored birds. The birds and supplies you sent me in Janu- ary came in good shape. I was well pleased with same. Am thinking some of putting in 50 or 100 pairs more this summer if I can arrange for another house.—H., B., Indiana. BEST EVER SEEN IN OKLAHOMA. Enclosed please find money order for which send me your best Extra Homers as specified. Send all blue-speckled birds, as shown on right of special offer sheet. Your last ship- ment of birds are fine ones and every one that has seen them say they are the finest they ever saw. Trusting these will be the same or better and that I may receive them at your earliest convenience.—W. H., oma, BUYING MORE AFTER ONE YEAR’S EXPERIENCE. A little over a year ago, I bought 24 pairs of your pigeons. Now I wish to buy 300 pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers and am fixing a house for them and will be in shape to receive 75 pairs a month, say March 1, April 1, May 1 and June 1. I see that $1.70 per pair is your price in lots of 300 pairs and upwards. I should want the best birds as I believe they are the cheapest. Now if this arrangement is all right, you can let me know and I will send yeu $127.50 for the first 75 pairs. I want your best birds.—E. F., Ohio. ; Is there anybody in your town who has failed at squab raising? Some play at pigeons as they would with a new toy, then give them up. 184 them and not with the pigeons. If they bought of us the trouble is with APPENDIX D (Copyright, 1908, by Elmer C. Rice) Squab market prospects for 1908 and 1909 are excellent, as encouraging as they ever have ‘been — always a hungry demand. To keep the subject up to date we give on the following pages a fresh lot of facts bearing on the industry. We have pictures mostly contributed by customers to whom we have sold breeding stock. During the past ten years the demand for squabs has more than kept pace with the supply and this is true today (January, 1908) although the supply has been systemized by us and enormously increased, for in this period we have sold over half a million Homers, and we estimate that now there are breeding on the Western Continent, from these Plymouth Rock Homers, at least two million pairs of Homers. The squabs from these Homers bred from stock originally sold by us are in every market on this continent where poultry is sold. These figures show what we have done for the squab industry, and they are conservative. In fact, before we began shipping breeding stock, the squab business was of no volume. Our methods and our birds have created this new vast industry. Our efforts, of course, would have been useless without the co-operation of a large and enthusiastic body of customers, whose Joyalty is our pride and satisfaction. Let the good work goon. More people are going to eat squabs. Squabs for dinner are nowa settled habit with hundreds of thousands of families. Our advertising constantly in the best periodicals suggests every week to many new people that squabs are a new delicacy for their tables, and thus the demand grows. We print on left-hand pages immediately following letters received in December, 1907, from three representative New York squab buyers, Messrs. Silz, McLaughlin and Heineman. We have selected these to show the present eager market for squabs bred from our birds. They were written by these dealers when prices for everything were temporarily set back by the short-term panic. Prices for squabs during 1908 and 1909 will be as high or higher than in any previous year. We have selected these New York marketmen for reference because they have been largely instrumental in working with us to standardize and develop the national squab market. Mr. McLaughlin’s system of grading by weight per dozen is now in common use not only in his own city but all over the United States. Refuse to ship your squabs to anybody who offers you a small price based on count. Grade your squabs by weight and get what you are entitled to for the big squabs bred from our birds. Weigh them yourself and you will know just what you will get from the dealer. You will see in Mr. Silz’s letter that he is pleased to get squabs from our birds because they are so much better. Mr. McLaughlin advises our breeders, and to keep free from other kinds, Messrs. Heineman advise the use of nothing but our best breed of birds. This is expert testi- mony by practical business men who control the squab trade in the largest city in America. Knapp & Van Nostrand, 208 to 243 Washington street, New York City, write us under date of December 4, 1907, stating that they are paying the following prices for squabs. . (This firm divides with the three others above mentioned the greater part of the enormous New York squab trade). “Ten to twelve pounds to the dozen, $4.50; nine pounds to the dozen, $4.00; eight pounds, $3.25.” Their letter continues: ‘We receive and sell hundreds of dozens every week. Squabs from shippers mentioning your company compare favorably with general receipts, Sales have increased in New York.” When customers of curs wish to begin shipping squabs to the four firms above mentioned, orany other New York squab dealer, we give letters of introduction which will smooth the way for them. 185 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 No matter in what part of the United States or Canada you live, we will put you in touch with your nearest best squab buyer, provided of course you have not a private trade of your own, which always pays best. In Pittsburg, for example. there is a concern which has a very large trade and is constantly after good squabs, They write us: ‘For eight-pound squabs we are paying $3.00 a dozen, nine-pound $4.25 a dozen. When communicating with your custom- ers, kindly let them quote us price on the different sizes. We would like to get in touch with some shippers who can supply us the year around with what squabs we want. We can use 100 pounds to 150 pounds per week. Kindly put us in touch with some good shippers.” A correspondent living in West 36th street, New York, writes us under date of October 12, 1907, after personal investigation of the New York City markets: ‘I am studying up the squab business, with the intention of going at it up at my home in Pennsylvania, when I can con- veniently see my way to it. Your statement about the market for the product in 1902-1903 still seems to hold good here in New York. I was down at weeenb ron Market not long ago to inquire of commission men how the call for squabs runs. They all said that the supply hardly equals the demand. Many of them were selling or offering for sale little bony, discolored parca that would hardly tempt a starved cat. So when I am ready I shall talk business with you. ‘ In the first part of our Manual we quote prices in a great many cities in force in 1903 or thereabouts. e have not the space to follow the quotations in these cities year by year. What is true of New York is true of Chicago, St. Louis, Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Fran- cisco, Seattle, Portland, all the large places. The demand everywhere continues eager at high prices as vou can readily find out for yourself if you live near a city. In your nearest city you will ane Plymouth Rock squabs going in regularly to the dealers there and dominating the market. We quote as follows the prices prevailing in New York City from the summer of 1907 to the end of the year. These quotations are not retail prices, remember, but are what a dealer paid breeders for supplying him with squabs. The first quotation, in each case, is for squabs weigh- ing ten pounds to the dozen. The second figure is for squabs weighing nine pounds to the dozen, The third figure is for squabs weighing eight pounds to the dozen: iy As chara Reese aN e $4.50 $4.00 $3.20 uly ED 2 hu akan ossibbaniece: ies Boolisueh sues a5 4.40 3.75 3.15 August AD. .c ssouneelauaere.Oneacnsvaneatsaners 4.20 3.50 3.00 September 2................22... 4.25 3.50 2.75 September 80........... 0.50000 ee 4.50 3.75 3.00 October Uw ccwceavecannes B15 3.85 -B.25 November. 24s ve-cirseains secaaiacecoes 5.00 4.00 3.50 November 18. s..esieacascseceaves 4:75 4.00 3.50 December 2) sscsngeae ce besewan 2 4.40 3.60 3.25 December (95 cs.2cseey. o-25 dances 4.20 3.40 3.25 The reader of all the quotations we print must be impressed that the chorus for the big squabs grows each year larger in volume and more insistent. Dealers want the big ones and to get them they offer the very attractive bait of substantially-increased prices. It is folly for anybody to start breeding squabs now with inferior birds, for his squabs weighing six or seven pounds to the dozen) will be crowded to the back of the counter in every market and the breeder will have to be content with a price which will pay for the grain, perhaps, but little more, This is not unSupported talk by us, unfounded sayso, but, in the words of our ex-Presi- dent, is a condition and not a theory. We have actually supplied the breeding stock whose squabs now constitute the squab markets of the country and are making the weights and prices. Before we introduced the Plymouth Rock Extra Homers, there were in the New York or Philadelphia, or any markets, no squabs weighing over eight pounds to the dozen. No such Squabs were traded in because no such squabs existed. in commercial quantity. Now they are s the markets every day by thousands of dozens weighing from eight to twelve pounds to the jozen. The letters which we print on the following pages are selections from a large number received by us in 1907. These show a great many facts Eegone apes all sides of the industry and we recommend their reading for the news they contain. any of the writers note ways of their own showing original thinking and adaptation. We withhold the names and addresses of the writers for the business reasons stated so many times by us, but we assure new friends as well as old, that all are genuine, every one, written by real customers not connected with us in any way excent by the sale of our birds and supplies to them. The original letters are filed at our office in Boston, where we will show them to anybody. If some one is holding back an order from us thinking that any letter here is ‘‘ made up,”’ and cannot come in person to Boston to see these letters, as many do, we will pay the fee of his representative living in or near Boston for examining our files and reporting. Write us first, and we will convince you if given the opportunity. : X LETTERS RECEIVED FROM saci PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 1 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 READ THIS STORY OF SUCCESS BY A MAN 80 YEARS OLD. HE HAS DONE SOME ORIGINAL AND EFFECTIVE THINKING. NO BUILDINGS FOR HIM. HE USES AN ATTIC ROOM AND GETSTHERE.” Being cold (80 years), failing s:zht drove me out of a mechanical business and the prospect before me was to live and lean on my children. I had always been a lover and keeper of pigeons from boyhood until a few years since when the telephone, etc. came, and I killed all off. My daughter saw your advertisement in a magazine and sent for your booklet. I saw at a glance the chance offered, I knew you were telling only what was the exact truth about pigeons, and the pictures showed them to be the best kind for the purpose. Had I been 20 years younger, I would have gone into it with all my means, so as it was I made a very modest beginning. In February, April and June you sent me three small lots, 40 in all, not your Extras. I put them in an attic where I had birds before with nest boxes, some hung up, some on the floor, any way to keep them apart. They soon began to work. Six pairs had eggsinaweek. When squabs began to come six, seven or eight at a time, a butcher took them, and since then we have given him over three dozen in one week. He first paid at rate of $3 per dozen and has risen twice since to now, $3.75, and has not been pushed. My daughter takes them in and gets the cash as if they were gold or wheat. The butcher says it is not the size but a plump breast that tells, so they go large and small many times, between seven and eight pounds to the dozen, bled and dressed. Of course my stock has been increased by some getting out of nest, or saving some peculiar color. I keep those with’ odd markings-and know them personally. The first year the 18 pairs averaged eight pairs each. I do not keep them to be a month old as they would all be on the floor then and butcher looks for wool on head. Seeing none he says: “ How long has this been flying?’”’ So I send them at 24 or 25 days. The younger they go, the faster the old ones breed, as well as saving of feed. So since May, 1905, when I began with 18 pairs, I have sold 805 squabs and increased stock from 18 pairs to 56 pairs, and no stint of feed. I sell no manure. . 7 You are right on feed question. Cabbage is good. I give (when I have it) lettuce, parsley and even marshmallow weed and sunflower seeds, but my birds avoid wheat, eating very noe They know me personally, come in from outside when I go in and get down under my eet. My attic where I breed is a queer shape, with two places for them to get outside, and feed boxes on floor to give them a chance to hide from the others at times. The other 20 pairs are in an old wagon-house with the boxes over head to be away from rats, and a cat there most of the time. I suffer some from the makeshift pens I have. _ I need the arrangement you have, though I have a third place for the young unmated. When a pair in that place gets poe. say 14 days old, I move pair (box and all) at night into one of the regular units and that fetches thein. But here comes what few and those only that know me will believe. In the course of this April and May seven pairs have had three eggs each. Three pairs hatched all and are gone to butcher. Two more are hatched and doing well and of the two to come, all eggs are good. Some have had one smaller than other two, then I take the small one and give it to another which has younger or some of same size. I am raising them atl. The books say pigeons often have only one, but nothing about three. Are we getting a new breed? I have none for sale alive so this is no advertisement. For squabs I have received in money just double what I spend for feed.—D. G. L., New York. Note. There is a great deal of sound sense and experience in the ahove story of this valued customer, written by himself. Eighty years old, and with failing sight! Not much; he is young and keen. First, he had confidence that he was being tuld the truth by us and would get good birds, for he had known pigeons all his life. That is half the battle. He sold his squabs when they were plump, even if only three weeks old, before they had a chance to walk around and train off fat. He treated his birds so that they loved him, His butcher had customers which evidently did not weigh the squabs. Asmall plump squab is good but a big, plump squab is what 99 dealers out of 100 are after, because they get much more money for them. The educated markets oncesupplied with the big ones do not fancy the smaller ones, Our customer if he had started with our Extras would not have been content to sell to the butcher, but would have looked up the butcher’s customers and received also the 50 per cent profit made by the butcher. p As to three squabs in a nest, this comes to pass, but we never knew so many cases in a flock of this size at the same time. That was extraordinary. : His practice of changing the smaller squab in a nest for a squab of size equal to the one remain- ing is common. With two squabs in the nest, if one grows larger, than the other, this means he is stronger and is continually stealing the share of the parents’ food belonging to the little one. Take the little one to another nest where there is a squab of its own size, bringing back a larger squab equal in size to the one in the first nest. | rd His story of success is that of a small flock. He simply makes a small lot, housed in a crude way, pay in profits a share of the running expenses of the home. LETTERS RECEIVED FROM CUSTOMERS BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 187 CABLE ADDRESS SILZ NEW YOR. TLLEPHONE “4900 CHELS Ey © Mr. Elmer C. Rice, Plymouth Rock Squab Co., Boston, Masse Dear Sir:- In reply to your letter of Nov. 27th, the present prices on Squabs you will find on the enclosed card. There will not be any let-up in the demand for Squabs if the prices remain normal. The season for all game closes with the end of this month so there will naturally be a better demand for Squabs after that time to take the place of game. We use from 175 dozen to 200 dozen squabs each day. Your Squabs are very much better than others, and I think you have accomplished wonders for the Squab industry, and every Squab raiser should feel grateful for your efforts in this line, and you could very appropriately be termed " KING " of the Squab_business.e Wishing to assist you in your continued efforts to put the Squab business ahead, we are, Very truly yours, A. SILZ, Ince, 188 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS THIS IS THE BREEDER OF WHOM WE WRITE AT THE BOTTOM OF PAGE 56 OF OUR MANUAL, HE FED WRONGLY AT THE START AND BLAMED US FOR NO RESULTS, BUT HE IS A GOOD FRIEND NOW AND HAS SEEN A GREAT LIGHT. I received the new Manual O.K. Accept my thanks. I think that it is up-to-date in every respect and in no way far-fetched, nothing but sensible, hard, experienced facts. I notice that you speak of a California breeder using nothing but wheat and a handful of hemp with no return for six months. I pane it was me yourefer to. Well, I deserve d it, for ‘‘a guilty conscience needs no accuser.” did not feed them enough to keep them alive. Now, Mr. ‘Rice, money will not buy the birds. active; working all the time. Even now (September 11, 1907) they are in full force nest build- ing. Ican point out lot of pairs which are now on their eighth lots of eggs. I would like to have any one show me that they have as good birds as] have. It would be a very hard matter to convince me that there are any birds as good as the Plymouth Rock Homers of Boston. In short, any one who fails with those birds should not blame the birds or Mr. Rice, for it is up to them to handle them right. Do not think, Mr. Rice, that I am “ fishing” for something. Far from it. Iam only speaking as my true conscience dictates, that there are no better birds than yours. We have just weighed six squabs and they tipped the scales at five pounds, 13 1908 They are beauties, so plump, bright and ounces. How is that? the goods. Some will say that Homers cannot do as well as that but The only trouble is the best I can get is $3 a dozen and a private trade at that. can show Have not had a chance to save over one dozen for breeders. As regards more birds. \ I certainly want more of your birds and will want only Extras, as I will use the Extras exclusively for raising my breeding stock. I will not be ready until spring for them, as I am going to build four more houses. Then I promise you a picture of my house worthy to go in your book, All I ask of you is to wait until I have completed my plans. ‘Mr. Rice, I have some Maltese hen pigeons I wish to dispose of. are mated pairs and the rest young ones ranging from two months to seven months. could trade me your Homers for them, or find me a customer I should thank you. There are about 20. Three If you I have ony kept them for fancy, Now I will close, wishing you the best of luck.—J. B. W., California. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL IN CALI- FORNIA WELL PLEASED. The four pairs of Homers shipped to me on October 2, 1907, arrived to-day in apparently first-class con- dition. The birds appear to be satisfactory in every respect. I thank you for the extra pair; also for the supplies included. After the birds get to work I shall furnish you with a further report, and if I have occasion to order again, shall not forget your prompt and liberal treatment.—C. W. L., Register, United States Land Office, Department of the Interior, California. BETTER AT $1.50 A PAIR THAN WHAT HE PAID OTHERS $2.50 A PAIR. SIX MORE ORDERS FOLLOW. I have received your Plymouth Rock pigeons which you sent me in perfect order. am very much pleased with them. They are as good as the ones I bought of and for $2.50 per pair.—P. P., New York. _ Note. The above customer has sent us in 1907 up to date (November) six orders. ONE HUNDRED MILES IN FIVE HOURS IN A STORM. Please send me one of your 1907 catalogues. The birds that I received in April, 1906, are doing finely. I broke them in at my loft. I flew one of them 100 miles, making the distance in five hours, in rain and storms. I will ship him 200 miles in a few weeks with others of my birds. I think he mu do fine in his 200-mile race.—J. M., ‘exas, SATISFIED AND BUYS MORE. Some time ago I ordered a half-dozen pairs of pig- eons from you; at the same time I ordered six pairs from the I wish to say that I have now received all the birds and I have -concluded that yours are the best. As soon as I get a little more ready money I expect to order more birds of you. It is my intention to build up a large flock just as soon as I can. Lam perfectly satisfied in my dealing with you. You can publish any part of the above letter if you want to except the name of the other company. (Later). Enclosed find check for $18 for ie pairs of your Carneaux.—L, T. P., New ork, FIVE PAIRS OUT OF SIX IN TWO WEEKS AFTER ARRIVAL PROVES FAST MATINGS. Received pigeons two weeks ago. I think the Extras are far ahead of anything T have ever seen. I have had mine only two weeks and five pairs have already gone to work. Enclosed please find stamps for 37 cents for which send me by mail two feet of alum- inum tubing.—T. J.S., Iowa. BREEDING WELL IN TEXAS. I am doing fine with my pigeons and I think they are the best kind. 4 started with 14 in November and now (June, 1907), I have about 66. They are doing fine. JI have sc many that I will have to order some wood- fibre nestbowls. Find enclosed $3.84 for which send me four dozen wood-fibre nest- bowls.—W. P. C., Texas. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 189 TEL, 1288 FRANKLIN. References:-All Commercial Agencies. Win. R. McLaughlin COMMISSION MERCHANT Poultry, Eggs, Game, Squabs, Calves Etc. 362 GREENWICH STREET NEw YORK November 29, 1907 Elmer C. Rice, Esq., Treasurer Plymouth Rock Squab CO., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir? Yours of the 27th duly received. I am pleased to hear from you once more. If beginners will stick to your breeders, they will have no cause to complain as to size, quantity and quality of squabs, and net profits they receive from same. The demand is still good for all the fancy white large squabs we can get, and the market’has kept at uniform price for a long time. In fact, since the new season started, there has been very little change in price. The small and mixed lots we must sell to out of town trade where everything looking like a squab goes at a price; while the city trade want the larger bird and are willing to pay for them. Many do not buy enpugh breeders at the start so that they can ship a fair sized lot. I can use daily all the squabs I can get and do not look for prices to go any lower during the winter,---if anything, quite some advance. I think if any two need any praising as to results brought about, and profits to raisers, it is you and myself, as I was the first to in- | troduce selling by weight according to size, and was laughed at for trying, even by those who would not now admit the change more than doubled their output. The one who does not like the change is the speculator who got the large birds for nothing, and the small birds at their actual value, and made the extra profit when selling to consumers, I would advise beginners to get a quantity of your breeders; keep free from other kinds, They will have no cause to find fault with results, and will always have a market and demand at good prices, for they can raise and ship at any time of the year. Serid me the names of: your customers yourself and I will post them as to the market, and send shipping cards. Yours truly, 190 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 STARTED WITH 12 PAIRS AND BRED THEM TO 100 PAIRS. ENLARGING BUILDINGS STEADILY. HAS COMPARED PLYMOUTH ROCKS WITH MANY AND FOUND NONE SUPERIOR. Your letter of October 24, 1907, received, and wish to thank you for the informa- tion furnished. Two years ago I built a pigeon house ten feet by 20 feet, nine feet high with a 20-foot fly, dividing the house and fly with wire screen, making two compartments. I purchased six pairs of your Homers in September and six pairs more of you in February. To my surprise, three of these pairs started building their nests the day after their arrival, and, in fact, the 12 pairs went into the business of raising squabs and have been in the business ever since. I now have 100 pairs of the finest birds in the country; no question about that, as I have made it a point to visit quite a number of places to compare birds. and I am satisfied with my birds, if they are with theirs. Last winter I built another house of the same dimensions as given above, building at the lower end of the original fly. J took the wire screen from the end of the fly, and with it divided the fly into four parts, thus saving the expense of building a fly for the new house, and the birds do just as well with a ten-foot as with a 20-foot fly, l imagine. The total cost of the two houses ae ines was about ve ati is my intention to sell squabs this winter (1907-1908) while prices are high, keeping the squabs hatched during the summer months for breeders, and caving the Saas from Tay best record birds as breeders, as I believe I will get even better results from them. - In my opinion the squab business is similar to other business enterprises, requiring patience and hard work at the start, and if a man is a “ quitter ” he will make no more money in the squab business than jn any other line. Istarted in the business for the reason that I think there is good money in it. My “‘ feathered aes Dorees look good to me, and I am placing my money so that they come under the wire ners, My advice to one starting in the squab business is to secure your birds and your Manual and then they will have started right. ill try and send you a picture of my piece in the near uture.—F. B., New York. MAKES HIS HOBBY PAY WITH TEN- POUND SQUABS. My success with your birds is the resuit of following the instructions in your Manual. When I enter my squab- house, I always whistle so as not to frighten them too suddenly, and do not often_ take strangers into the loft. Am not troubled with lice. I disinfect about every two weeks. My squabs will weigh one pound apiece, or from 10 to 12 pounds to the dozen. course, I do not ever expect to be an extensive breeder, as I have not the room, but I can accommodate about 75 pairs, and make a uttle money on the side, and enjoy taking care of them. Pigeon keeping was always my hobby ever since I was ten years old. I will say a good word for you and your birds at any time.—D. E. A., Illinois. SMALL ORDER JUSTIFIES A LARGER ONE. The 13 pairs birds that you ere to me in May have done su well that I feel justified in ordering four dozen more of your xtra Homers and 17 1-3 dozen nestbow!s for which I enclose check. Your birds have been here nine weeks last Saturday and I now have twenty-five squabs, one having died.—F. M. J., New York. INTEREST SHOWN IN WELFARE OF CUSTOMERS. I am very much obliged for the information given me. Once again, cannot too highly praise you for your prompt- ness and interest shown in the welfare of your customers. I intend ordering some more birds from you and would like to know the best time to get them.—M. A. C., New York. BETTER THAN ANY OTHER ST. LOUIS FLOCKS. I take this means to show you that I appreciate a fair, square deal such as yougave me. The birds are as you advertised them and are far superior in some respects to what you advertised. They are perfect pets and to my surprise they began building nests the second day after their arrival. They are far superior to any flocks which I have seen in St. Louis and as soon as I can find a suitable site, will erect some modern build- ings according to your Manual and stock it with your birds. It will take several months to carry out my plans.—W. E. P., Missouri. FOURTEEN-FOLD INCREASE IN ONE YEAR IN NEBRASKA. About a_year ago my father, who lives in Crete, Nebraska, purchased ten pairs Extra Plymouth Rock pigeons from you. They have increased to over twelve dozen pairs. I wish to get the whole flock if it is practical to ship them here, so I am writing to you for advice on the subiect. Can you furnish shipping crates?— C. B., Vermont. HAS KEPT PIGEONS BEFORE AND KNOWS A GOOD LOT. The pigeons you shipped me arrived all right on Friday morn- ing. I notice the pairs were broken up (from the separation, I suppose) for four days, but they are now mnBtOg agai As I have kept pigeons before, I ow a little about them. his is a good lot of pigeons and i thank you for your promptness in shipping.— J. R.S., Maryland. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 191 Telephone Call, 8261 Cortlandt. Chimeman J Co., COMMISSION MERCHANTS. Bruits. Preduce and Peultry, Southern Gegetables x. Specialty. 273 & 275 WASHINGTON STREET. Aw Yule December 4, 792 7 Mr. Eimer C. Rice, Plymouth Rock Squab Co., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir, We wish to advise you on prices afid general run of @quabs which a goodly number of breeders of your fancy Homer pigeons are shipping us. They are now selling from between $3.75 to $4.50 per dozen and, in all probability will go higher, as the winter advances. There is a good demand for this kind of birds and we are receiving quite @ deal of them. We can handle anywhere from one thousand to two thousand dozen @ week ag dur trade constantly inquires for them. We can assure you that the breed of birds we get from our shippers are very fine and we notice « large majority of these same shippers mention your fame. The market at present wants squabs weighing between 9 and 11 lbs. to the dozen, and we would advise any beginner to use nothing but your best breed of birds, as they are the cheapest in the ‘end to him. We thank you for your kind consideration and past favors. We are Very truly vours, Powe ; +G 1907 - MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 HOW TO PRESERVE, COLLECT, BAG AND SELL THE MANURE.: HOW TO USE TOBACCO DUST FOR BOTH PIGEONS AND POULTRY. I have several hundred Homer pigeons raised entirely from stock purchased of you a little more than three years ago.__I wish to write you to obtain information in regard to selling the manure. I have your National Standard Squab Book in which you say you ship to tne tannery and obtain 60 cents a bushel. I would like to know how you ship it. In bags or barrels? Tine manure has always been used on our farm, but I have recently been deprived of my husband and need the money very much, and as I cannot do the farming that he has done, feel obliged .to sell the manure. It is free from sand or sawdust. The most foreign substance will be feathers and some little nesting: material that they have scattered around, as of course I should not try to sell the old nests that would be nearly all nesting material. The packing will have to be done by my daughter and myself. I have been told that it is bought by the bushel, but it would be a hard task to measure it all, as I am considerably over 60 years of age and very lame. I find the freight will be 21 cents per 100 from here and if I ship by weight it will be easier to measure it all by the bushel and they would have to take the freight agent’s figures instead of my measure. I have quite a quantity. Have measured up one bushel and found the weight 36 pounds, which at that rate would take only three bushels to weigh a little more than 100 pounds and I think I have 30 bushels or more.—Mrs. M. W., Rhode Island. Answer. Feathers and common nesting material in the manure will not hurt it any in the estimation of the tannérs, but they like it free from gravel and from tobacco stems. The stems will ‘discolor the hides in the vats. he manure varies in weight according to the amount of moisture in it. It shouldbe dried and then bagged. two bushels to a bag. Buy a bushel measure and use it. Always ship in bags and’ get the bags back empty. They are worth at least five cents apiece even if second hand, as burlap has gone up. Squab raisers who tse tobacco stems for nesting material cannot sell the manure to tanneries. ‘he only reason for using tobacco stems is to ward off possible lice. The same result may be attained when’straw dr-pine needles are used by dusting the nests now and then with tobacco dust. We sell tobacco dust’ fér 11-cents'a poimd. It is equally good for poultry and is better than many fancy lice“powders' selling for two or three times that price. We will supply 25 pounds of tobacco powder for-$2: -In-smaller quantities 11 cents a pound. The use of this powder will not injure the manure for_tanneries. ‘ : eo SOME AGREEABLE DISAPPOINTMENTS I havé- not written you since . receipt. of birds, consequently will send you a word at this time. My first-agreeable disappointment was the promptness with which you filled my order. I live 500 miles from Boston, mailed my order for the pigeons at eight i at | five, o’clock Wednesday -morning and of o’clock Friday evening the birds were waiting for me at the express office, just about: 53 hours from the time I mailed my order until” shipment was received. I had not expected to receive the shipment before eight days. The birds reached me in first-class condition— except for a few broken tail feathers you would have thought they had never been out of their native loft. They lost very little time in getting climated, for three days after turning them loose they were nesting and soon all were hatching. In comparison with other Homers I have seen, everything is in favor of the Plymouth Rock breed. ‘hey are cleaner, better pro- portioned and less shy than any others I have seen. The squabs from these birds are everything an epicure couid desire, big, fleshy and meat the whitest. I have only words of commendation for the stock of breeders you handle. I can only wish you increased sales of your excelle-t money makers. You are at liberty to use this letter to interest prospective customers or my name as a reference.—P. F., Pennsylvania. TEN PAIRS OUT OF THIRTEEN SPLEN- DID PAIRS QUICKLY AT WORK. Our cheese maker at Aldenville, Penn., ordered thirteen pairs of Homers from you. We have encouraged his going into the business for the reason ‘that several months of the year they are not busy at the. trade and coda just as well care for a nice flock of Homers. The thirteen pairs received from you a few weeks ago are splendid specimens and ten pairs are at work at present. Not being contented, we wanted to mix the blood and ordered thir- teen pairs from an imitation squab company. The birds came yesterday and we are so badly disappointed in them that we would like yery much to return them, and not mix with our high-class birds received from you. We want eventually to put in a few hundred pairs of the party and will want from twenty to twenty-five pairs of your selected birds in a few weeks time. What will be the price and can you give us a fine lot?—G. S., Penn- sylvania. RAPID BREEDING IN MICHIGAN. I pur. chased of you last year three pairs Extra Piymouth Rock Homers and at this writing J have had them just one year and seven days and instead of having three pairs I now have 24 pairs that can fly besides a dozen squabs and as many eggs. What do you think about , that? As ] am in need of nestbowls, please send me three dozen of your wood fibre nest bowls.—R. E. F., Michigan. LETTERS RECEIVED FROM CUSTOMERS BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 193 ssefed asaqy U0 819499] 944 UL pazulid amsvard pure JUaULIEpuom Jo suolsseidxe Aqreoy oY} yO ZuTIq 484} SpNq oy} ov sayy, ‘soyse[ds ‘syou]q ‘SiaATIS ‘gaayoayp part Saayoay anjq ‘sreq any :eJay 9B spIq yUsogLUseU asayy Jo SIo[OO By} [Ty ‘amMgoid sIy} UL UAOYs [faM egw Ulesys No Jo Aynveq puUL eZIS AIBOIpsORI}xXe BU, ‘SHHNOH MOOU HLNOWATd VULXE 194 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 HIS FRIEND PURCHASED 12 PAIRS OF US THREE YEARS AGO, IS NOW SHIPPING sogaes FROM 300 PAIRS AND CLEARED $1000 LAST YEAR, A HIRED MAN DOING THE ORK. You uave been recommended to me by a friend who three years ago purchased 12 pairs of Homers from you and he has to-day 300 pairs and cleared $1000 last year without any labor on his part. He simply instructed a common laborer. Iam very much interested in squab raising. I am now attending the Iowa State College of Agriculture.and Mechanic Arts. I live in Chicago and it seems to me that would be a good market. The first six months I intend to raise for breeding purposes, and then if I succeed can put $200 or $300 more in squab raising. Do you consider this plan practical as I have outlined it?—G. C., Iowa, ; Answer. Remarkable successes are being made by customers of ours who started with 12 pairs to 50 pairs and raised up their own birds. It is not wise, however, to start with less than 12 pairs of birds, unless your stock of patience is large and you can stand waiting for two or three years before getting returns for your money. The trouble with beginners who have failed is that they have tried to do too much too fast. # RATS AND DIARRHOEA. As I am sure you are very good authority on the pigeon question, being first in the business and revolutionizing it, I hope you will not count it amiss or intruding for me to appeal to you (to use court language) for help and advice. We have lots of mice in our ee house. What could one use or do to kill or frighten them away with perfect safety? The second troublesome thing is what I call the shivers. The pigeons get to shaking violently and seem to lose nearly all interest in everything. Your birds beat anything we have from else- where at most every “turn,” I might say. Indeed, some we have from another near by who gave us a written guarantee ‘‘ for health, good workers, heavy squabs, no canker and all mated birds,’’ proved in nearly every instance a sham, for they were-not even mated except a few pairs, out of a hundred pairs, and died right along, and they were not mated for over a year after they came. | Yours are tame also, they will eat out of our hands. I think those broad-shouldered, thick-legged blue (with black broad bars over wings) are very good ones, We raised some nice breeders from them. A friend of ours at Marlton, New Jersey, spoke of getting nice birds of you. I have made interesting visits among the pigeon keepers in New Jersey.— iss M. H. 3. Pennsylvania. : Answer. Rats and mice, as we have ex- plained so many times, must be kept out by elevating the building. If it is impossible to do this, take one-inch mesh wire netting and bury it completely in the dirt floor, six inches deep. At the sides and corners bring it up above the sills of the building and fasten it with staples. This will give you.a wire-net- ting carpet for your squab house (buried six inches under the ground), and through this barrier it is impossible for rats or mice to get. It is a hard task to exterminate them by poison or traps after they have once got in to an improperly-arranged place, and if_you succeed they are bound to come again. Do it right by elevating your building or burying wire netting and that will end the bother. | What this customer calls the shivers is diarrhoea caused by feeding too much wheat. “pigeons but since I read your TWO PAIRS ONLY. I am going into the squab industry in a very small way to raise a few birds for our own use and find a pleasur- able occupation as an aside. I shall later want a few pairs of your birds. I bought some time ago ten pairs of another company, but so far am'sure of only two pairs in the lot and they hove pice me no little trouble-— Rev. G. B. L., Vermont. NINE AND ONE-HALF POUNDS TO THE DOZEN AND SOLD FOR FOUR DOLLARS. Will you kindly inform me to whom to write about disposing of pigeon droppings. I made the first sale of squabs last week. They weighed nine and one-half pounds to the dozen, plucked, bled, empty crops. I received four dollars for them. How is that?—F. H.S., io. GENERAL VERDICT. Please send me addresses of New York squab dealers. I received the three pairs of Extra Plymouths; all were in fine condition. My friends all say they never saw a nicer lot of Homers. I also thank you for the prompt shipment. ‘I expect to send for another lot in about a month.—J. B. S., Pennsylvania. SQUABS TWO WEEKS OLD WEIGHING THREE-QOaRTERS OF A POUND IN COLORADO. Birds ordered of you some days ago reached me in pretty fair shape, with the exception of one male dead. Than you for your splendid treatment to my order. Squabs from the first lot at two weeks weighed three-quarters of a pound. How is that? Will return baskets in a few days.— J. F. B., Colorado. BEST BOOK ON BIRDS HE EVER READ, I received your Manual and find it just what you say. It is the best book on birds I ever read. I have a large plant of common book I have built one of the prettiest pigeon houses and flying pens in which to put the pigecns I am ordering of you to-day, If your birds are as fine as you say I will get rid of all my common pigeons.—C. E. G., North Carolina. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 195 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 A GOOD-LOOKING ILLINOIS PLANT. gee are two of the buildings of the breeder whose letter is printed on this page. Notice his handsome white omers. LOST ae Ex BY NOT KNOWING PLYMOUTH ROCK Om NOW HE IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK. HE IS A TRAVELING SALESMAN AND HIS DAUGHTER DOES MOST OF THE WORK ON THIS BIG PLANT. SQUABS WEIGH i POUNDS TO THE DOZEN. I have i just completed my new squab unit according to your plans. Please find enclosed Adams Express money order for birds to fill same. Other parties have been working on me for this order and I told them I would buy nothing but Extra Plymouth Rocks. (A burnt child dreads the fire.) I lost enough by experimenting with cheap birds when I began. Since I began buying of you I have had no trouble. The last three shipments I received from you cannot be beat for size, beauty and breeding qualities. About one-third of all the squabs I have sold in the past 12 months have averaged a little over, il gous ter to the dozen. We have quite a lot of squabs that weighed a full sixteen ounces each, ow, Mr. Rice, as long as you continue to ship me in the future as fine stock as you have in the past, I am with you and the Plymouth Rock Co., and “‘ the other fellow”? might just as well save his postage stamps and breath. I have not lost a nipgle old bird by death or disease in 14 months. We had three or four squabs picked badly, ound by taking the squabs away at three weeks of age and placing them in a small feeding pen and feeding hempseed for a week that they fatten awfully fast. ‘What is your idea about that? I hone you bet excuse this long letter. Every time I think about my experience at the start with kinds of mixed up birds, I have “ brain storms ’’ and you can rest assured my tall over the country will be for nothing but Plymouth Rock birds. As you know I am a traveling ‘man and ought to be a good talker. Consequently in order to repay_you for favors in the past I often tell my experiences and how I lost money by not knowing Elmer My oldest daughter does all our feeding and taking care of our birds and she i is getting to ‘be an expert picees keeper and delights in the page: We are figuring on increasing our flocks just as fast as we can until we get 2000 pairs.—S. S. H., Illinois. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 196 1907 POOR WHEAT SET HIM BACK, ENGAGED BY CUSTOMERS EVEN information concerning my flock of birds, building up my flock. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS HE SELLS ALL HE RAISES, WHILE THEY ARE ON THE NEST. _J got my stock from you in 1904, and have been I got along finely with them until the latter part of last summer when I 1908 THE SQUABS BEING I write to you for had the bad luck to lose about 20 or 25 of the old birds, which broke the mated pairs up. I would like to increase my flock to the full capacity of the house built from your unit plan, 12 by 16. contained a good deal of ergot that caused the females to die. and he told me it was the wheat, at least I have I lay the loss of my birds to some poor wheat I got from the mill here that must have I wrote to Mr. Rice at the time had no more trouble since I commenced feeding first quality grain. The squabs weigh 12 to 14 pounds a dozen. I herewith send an order for 12 females to balance my flock. My original purchase of you in 1904 was six pairs Extra Plymouth Rocks. The birds arrived all safe and in good condition and attracted a good deal of attention at the time, for some of my friends put on a broad smile and have been expecting me to bust up in the pigeon business, but have been at it now for over two years and the order accompan yin like it for I can sell all the squabs I can raise. I get 50 cents a pair just kille take off the nest. 75 cents a pair in the local market. this don’t look much They are even engaged before they are fit to d, and if I dress them ready for the oven I get My squabs will weigh 12 or 14 pounds per dozen, and think it is on account of the way I am handling and feeding, for I find you cannot make meat unless you feed for it. I make my own grit of glass and it has been very satisfactory, I keep a couple of bricks of salt cat in the house, also a codfish occasionally, and they are doing fine now, if I did have some bad luck, but then one must expect drawbacks in any kind of business —A. D. D., Pennsylvania. Note. ‘ and clean water. You will never have sickness of any kind with Digeans if you provide sound grain If your grain dealer needs watching, an has not your interests at heart, examine especially the wheat and corn, tasting both. Some grain dealers will take whole corn which has germinated and make cracked corn of it. taste and sight. It is quite true, as this customer states, that feed is a factor in the weight of the squabs. much wheat keeps the old birds thin, and the squabs dark and thin. peas makes the squabs fat. You can always tell sour grain by smell, Too Plenty of corn and DISPOSING OF THE SQUABS IN SOUTH CAROLINA WHEN THEY REACH THE AGE OF 23 DAYS. RECEIVING THREE DOLLARS A DOZEN. Our order for 17 pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers was placed with you early in March (1907) and the birds arrived and were placed in our pen about the 20th. They were all in good shape, having stood the trans- portation well, and made themselves entirely at home in their new quarters. The day follow- ing their arrival one of the hens laid, and from that time until now (June 24) the flock, asa whole, has worked splendidly, and results have far exceeded our expectations. At the present. time 15 of the 17 pairs are at work, having either eggs or young squabs. We believe that every pair would have been at work, but two of our hens escaped, and we had to order two. more to replace these, and this accident upset our flock considerably. 5 eee We find that the squabs will weigh from three-quarters to seven-eighths of a pound when they are three weeks and two or three days old, and we have been disposing of them at that age. No doubt, this fast growing is due to the equable climate which we have in South Carolina. We have no trouble in disposing of all our birds at that age at 25 cents apiece. : ee The pigeons do not require much of our time, and we are so thoroughly satisfied with our experience that we are considesing ordering 20 more pairs in the next few days.—Mrs. C, B., South Carolina. SQUABS WEIGHING FOURTEEN TO SIXIEEN OUNCES. It is now July, 1907, six months since we purchased from you 44 pairs of your Extra Homers. ‘Ccven pairs met with accidents, because they were disturbed several times on account of the plant not being finished. The remaining 387 pairs are in every way satisfactory. We have at present 11 pairs on eggs and 21 squabs. On account of not having too much room for the birds and also to answer the many demands of our sick, we are killing the squabs at three to four weeks when we find them to weigh 14 to 16 ounces, ‘and at which time the mature birds are again breeding.—S. E., Illinois. RECEIVES $4.20 A DOZEN. My squabs: from your birds weigh when dressed nine pounds to the dozen and I receive at the rate of $4.20 per dozen for them. I have fed corn, wheat, peas a*d millet, buckwheat and bread. I have 1.ad su-cess by letting the squabs on the flo-r when they are four-weeks-old, that is, wien I am going to keep them for breeders. They are not troubled by the other birds and they feed themselves sooner and the old birds. get to work earlier. I have had no sickness or lice. Your Manual is all right. and is good for the starter and experienced.—P.-E. D:,. Dis~ trict of Columbia. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 197 ; 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 . SHOWING CONSTRUCTION IN FLORIDA. This building, part of the plant of a Florida customer, is built of only one thickness of lumber. Only the roof is shingled. No glass windows are needed. The climate of the South is exceptionally good for squab breeding. Puce Lesene FLORIDA SQUAB FARMER SAYS THE CLIMATE OF HIS STATE CANNOT BE B LIKES THE CARNEAUX. The Carneaux arrived here yesterday. I am much pleased ante them. They show more white than the birds which my mother sent me from ‘ance and are larger. The more I see of the Carneaux, the more I like them, and wish I had porns but them in my squab farm. I believe there is going to be a tremendous run on them as breeders. My Homers are mated and all hard at work. I was fool enough last spring of 1906 to band the ne birds of that me with colored bands, blue for cocks, red for hens. The bands ht from —————, pear rteed that they would last a lifetime. I note at least one- third ave broken and ee oO I snall have to reband 300 pairs over again. No more colored bands for me. Enclosed find check, for which send as specified. You will be glad to hear that I am making a success of the squab business, gos now have 700 mated pairs. As soon as the fall commences and the price of eight to nine pound squabs advances from its present low standing here, I am thinking of starting to ship to the New York markets. In this Southern climate our birds work better and faster, produce far better grade of squabs in the winter and spring months than _in the summer; while I understand with you the summer is your best time. I believe our Florida climate cannot be beat for squab farming. If I like and find out that the Carneau is all it is 2 ne up to be, 50 per cent of my Homers will be replaced gradually by them.—W. B. W., HEALTHY, RUGGED BIRDS. Enclosed please find. draft for $11.52 for one gross of your nappies. The birds I got of you last spring are all right. I have not lost ee one with. sickness or any other cause.—A. M. J., owa. lorida, HIS FATHER IN IOWA LIKES THEM. My father at Des Moines, Iowa, is breeding your birds and likes them very much. Please send me present price on 10 and 20 pairs Homers. I want the best that I can get regardless of cost.—C. H. D., Illinois. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 198 1907 KNOWS BY EXPERIENCE THERE IS MONEY IN PIGEONS. MANUAL “ AWFUL GOOD.” I trust: you will pardon my tardi- ness in answering your letter with reference to the new National Standard Squab Book. Of course I want this book. I do not send for these books through any idle curiosity. I have kept pigeons and I know there is mone in them if they are properly looked after.’ y want to get back in the pigeon business after the first of the year, and intend to do so, and I want to start with the best birds I can get. I think the National Standard Squab Book very fine. It is “ awful good.” More leasure and satisfaction than I can express. ion’t know of any improvements you could make, unless you went ahead and said the same thing over again. I enclose 20 cents in stamps for your new 1907-1908 Manual. I also send by this mail, under separate cover, the old Manual. I intended to purchase some of your birds when I sent for your book, but conditions have been such that it has been impossible, Can't Say exactly when, but will buy some of your birds soon. The main reason I haven’t baught some of your birds is because I haven’t had any place to keep them. I have kept pigeons all my life, know a great deal about their habits, and above all, Iam very fond of them. How- ever, I had to dispose of all the birds I had pe 18 months ago, and since that time I haven’t had the room to keep them. had to dispose of them on account of having to leave Atlanta. My lease on my: present home runs out about January 10, 1908, at which time I expect to buy me a place with large premises, where I can keep pero ae I made a good deal of money on then during my school days, and believe I can do so now as a side line if nothing more,—M., R. L., Georgia. PLEASED WITH YOUR BUSINESS METHODS AND BUYING STEADILY. have never seen a more likely lot of pigeons, and as I have room enough for another 10 pairs, I enclose P. O. order and I hope that before the next batch arrives I shall be ready for fifty more pairs. ie am very much pleased with the manner which the Ply- mou Rock Squab Co. ge business.— W. J. Virginia. MAKING THEM PAY AS HE GOES ALONG. I now _have seventy. One year ago last March I bought six pairs from you. I want a better start before I sell very many, but I make them pay for en feed. Your Manual is ‘the goods.”"—D. E., Illinois. HIS HOMERS LOOK LIKE PYGMIES ALONGSIDE PLYMOUTH ROCK EXTRAS. Lhave 60 Homers, but ee jek a pygmies alongside of your birds. LETZERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 eur HOMERS MORE THAN WE CLAIM FOR THEM. Your Homers are more than a u claim for them. At least mine are. ‘hey are models of beauty and are very large. ‘I was skeptical at first, but I am thoroughly convinced that the Homer is the only bird. Some of my Homers are’as large as the white Italian birds that I purchased from you. The squabs are fine large fellows and I am sure that a nice flock of Homers beats a drove of chickens for meat, either for home or market use. I shall take pleasure in recom- mending your birds to my friends and Prospective buyers. Please ae enclosed 50 cents for another Manual.—M. A +» Kansas, HOMER HEN SITTING ON EGGS. PIGEONS CRAVE GREEN FOOD. I bought of you June 20, 1906, 24 pairs of your Homers. I have lost ‘three birds, all of my raising, and now have 100 pairs (April, 1907). They all seem to crave somethin een to eat. What would you advise? Shall I feed them any green foods? I am giving them corn, 2 few peas, wheat and cracked corn,—F. M. P., Georgia. Answer. Yes, throw some lettuce or any green leaves on to the squab-house floor occasionally, say twice a week, and let them peck away at them to suit themselves. WISHES TO GET PIGEONS OF SUPERIOR alga eae You may hear from a gentleman, John Fyle. Send him some of yort literature, as I will always recommend your stock to all who hears to go into the squab /usiness. This Mr. Fyle has pigeons, but of an inferior quality, and having been_told about mine, wants some like I have.—R. &., Maryland. BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 199 1907 MORE STO"TES OF SUCCESS 1908 LIGHTED BY ELECTRICITY AND HEATED BY STEAM. This shows part of the up-to-date plant of the customer in New York State whose letter is printed on this page. The birds hanging in front of the brown paper are squabs just killed to get them into the picture. PAYING PLANT IN HANDSOME BUILD- INGS. I enclose .photograph showing my four units and office room. The building is made of matched lumber so that they are ab- solutely air-tight if so desired. - It is equipped with steam heat, electric light, hot and cold water and both telephone systems. In the office room the grain bins are zinc-lined and moisture proof. The top is upholstered so that when the lid is down the room has a very pleasant appearance. I have today broken ground for two more units, as my young birds are coming on_so fast that I must make room for them. Be- sides supplying the Elmira market, I am sav- ing my most promising young ones in order to increase my flock, Ihave bought from you exclusively because T liked your business methods and believe you are fair and square. Your birds are good breeders and throw heavy, white-skinned squabs. Business is good and as fast as I make money I enlarge my plant.—L. S. W., New York. : SOME AT WORK AFTER LONG JOUR- NEY. The pigeons (dozen pairs) arrived, August 12, in good condition with the excep- tion that two of them had each one wing hurt. I have waited to see how badly they were hurt before writing, but think they will pull ‘ through all right for one of them has taken a mate and is building on the floor of the pigeon house.: Five pairs of them are building and ‘three ‘pairs are driving, while several others are pairéd off.—B. V., State of Washington. FINEST BIRDS PERFECTLY MATED. CHANGED HIS HOUSES. I want to tell you about my birds. I received them the Satur- day of the week you shipped them, turned them out on Monday and they went right to building. I have got three setting and I see the others are starting to build. ‘hey went right to work without any trouble. They go into the house every night just as if they were raised there. They are the finest birds I ever saw. I have just finished .another large pigeon house and flying pen and I have put my white ones into it. Since I read your Manual I have changed most all my pigeon houses. I find they are so much better than mine. If any one is going into the pigeon business I would advise them to get one of your books on birds. I am sorry I did not get one long ago. Just as soon as I can get rid of my common pigeons I want to replace them with yours. I have got to build another -pigeon house and it will be about October before I get through with it, and I shall need nestbowls and other supplies.—C. E. G., North Carolina, SMALL ORDER FOLLOWED BY LARGER. Enclosed you will find an express money order, for which Ap cee ship me the following: 12 pairs Extra Homers, one dozen wood-fibre bowls, 25 pounds hempseed, 100 pounds Canada peas. Please ship as soon as possible, The three pairs of Extra Homers you sent Tuesday reached here Thursday in fine condition, Thank you for your prompt shipment.—G. J. A., New Jersey. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 NEW JERSEY WOMAN RECEIVES $4.00 TO $7.00 A DOZEN FOR SQUABS FROM PLYMOUTH ROCK EXTRAS, From_the six pairs of birds I bought from you in 1905 and the extra pair you kindly gave me I have raised 215 birds. My-squabs average 11 pounds to the dozen, sometimes more. The birds work all the time. They breed on the average of nine pairs every year, I have never had to give them a drop of medicine since I have had them as they keep in perfect health, . Thave lost about five pairs of squabs from the rats getting them, but never any from sickness. I have built my coops after your suggestions in your book, The National Standard Squab Book, and am not troubled any more from rats, I have never seen any birds to compare with mine in size. I have seen hundreds of pigeons but every one praises mine upand remarks how large, full and broad they are across the breast. : So far I have been selling my squabs here in town. They bring from $4.00 to $7.00 per dozen, according to the time of year. This price I get for them right out of the nest without killing or picking. I feed kaffir corn, cracked corn and wheat every morning, and every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday I give them hemp seed and Canada peas (on trays) as much as they will eat. They have fresh water twice a day in summer and once in winter and once every week I scald out their drinking fountains with hot water to keep them sweet and clean. _, I have one box of grit and one of oyster shells in the coop all the time and instead of putting it on the yard floor I put it in boxes. I also have a lump of rock salt and a salt-cat in each coop made as directed in your Manual. Once a week I clean their coops and take the white- wash pail in with me and whitewash the boxes out and sprinkle slaked lime on the floors of the coops and the yards. _ Your book has been a great help to me, and I have read it over many times and try to follow - its directions in every particular. I am thoroughly satisfied with my birds and feel I have had great success with them and would not have any other breed or kind were they to be given to me free. I am now ordering 30 pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers, same as I got before in 1905, making $75.00 worth, at the rate of $2.50 per pair. I enclose check for same, $75.00.—Mrs. S. V. F., New Jersey. QUICK START BY A 700-PAIR FLOCK. In January and February, 1907, a customer in the Mississippi valley bought 700 pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers. On arrival of the birds he wrote: ‘‘ They are as fine a lot of thoroughbreds as lever saw. You deserve the success you enjoy for your business methods.” . The last consignment left us February 4 and reached him February 8. Nineteen days later he wrote us: “Our birds are doing very well. Have 400 pairs of eggs and squabs in the house, and probably 50 pairs driving. If the market will take all of our supply next month, we will put up another house at once and buy the birds of you, for you have always been fair and just with me.” On March 5 he wrote: “ Our squab house is a mass of squabs and eggs. The birds were at work within three days after placing them in their rooms, which shows that the wood fibre bowls and surroundings suited them, and that they were properly mated. The special lot of 50 pairs is the most remarkable pen we have ever seen. In 30 days after their arrival, there were 40 pairs on eggs. We feel it our duty to compliment you on your fair, honorable and just dealings with us.” SIX DOLLARS A DOZEN IN CANADA FOR SQUABS WEIGHING NEARLY ONE POUND EACH. About two years ago I purchased (from you 15 pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers. They have given excellent satisfaction in every way. All the squabs raised in two summers weighed 10-12 pounds to the dozen and at all times I was able to get $6.00 per dozen for them, indeed, I could not nearly supply the demand. I had offers to supply one of the largest hotels in Canada if I had enough stock. think I am as enthusiastic a squab raiser as can be found. I have always kept fancy pigeons for pleasure, but never until I raised these from you have I raised squabs to sell.—A. M., Canada. * INCREASE TWENTY-ONE FOLD IN TWO YEARS IN OKLAHOMA. Would you please inform me where to ship the pigeon manure to a tannery? We have 200 pairs and we have burned 15 bushels this year. As I heard that you shipped the manure, I-thought that I would write to you for my information. We are thinking of getting some more pigeons from you. Two years ago the 15th of February we got 11 pairs from your Company and now we have 231 pairs from those 11 pairs.—C. O. L., Oklahoma. . : BIG FLOCK IN KANSAS BRED FROM SMALL BEGINNING. Some two years ago I pure chased from you 38 Homer pigeons. I now havea pen of 500 of the nicest birds in this locality, I am expecting to build larger pens and divide the bunch, and I wish to get all the printed matter I can on the subject of squab breeding, also all the information you can give me by letter regarding the mating of birds, even if I have to pay a reasonable fee. Please let me hear from you by return mail and oblige.—G. G., Kansas. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 201 1908 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS oer aaah ON A POLE AT TOP OF FLYING PEN. INDIANA WOMAN WON FIRST PRIZE AT HER FAIR. QUICK INCREASE IN SMALL FLOCK. HOW SHE FEEDS THEM AND CARES FOR THEM. In the spring of 1907 I bought 15 pairs of your Plymouth Rock Homers. In March they started to build their nests. At present (October) I have 82 young squabs with eight pairs on eggs. When the squabs are four weeks old they weigh 14 to 16 ounces apiece. They are very rich eating. One pair of birds raised me from six to seven pairs of young squabs (in less than eight months). When the squabs are two weeks old I clean their nestbowls out twice a week. Twice a week I sprinkle slaked lime around. I use tobacco stems. Also every day I give my coop a good cleaning. I have no kind of lice. I sprinkle a little slaked lime on the floor. I have a good many visitors. They say, how can you keep it so clean? Mr. Kline, Mr. Martin and several others were here to look at my birds. They thought they were fine. Some of my young birds are larger than some of the old birds. Some of the young birds have raised some young squabs for the second time, of which the first eggs were no good. I feed my birds in the morning. I give cracked corn, wheat, kaffit corn, buckwheat and barley, all mixed together and feed fresh water, plenty of it. Also their morning bath, is is their morning feed. At noon they get lettuce or cabbage leaves or Swiss chard. They are very fond of dry bread or cake. In the evening I feed the same as the morning feed except I scald a little oats; when cold, I mix it with the other feed. I poe a teaspoonful of carbolic acid in their drinking,water once a month. I am feeding sunflower seed once a week. en my young birds are six weeks old I pull their tail feathers out. I find out they do better. It seems to help them to shed their feathers quicker. I band my birds when four weeks old and a0 them in another coop. My coop is 16 feet long, 12 feet high, 10 feet wide, with a double floor with tar paper between, also it is lined with tar paper and has three large windows in it. I have 132 nest boxes. They are 12 inches square. I build them like you have them in your squab book. I would like to send you a picture of the squab house, but_I planted lima beans and spun them up the wire. I will send you a picture-later on. I got first prize at the fair. I have seen several kinds of pigeons but they don’t compare with mine in size and weight. ‘We eat squabs about every Sunday. I make pot pie, also Ihave soup, I make what you might call noodle soup. They are the best stuffed with dressing made with one egg, one onion cut fine, little parsley, pinch of salt and pepper, a little grated nutmeg, the hearts and gizzards of the birds and bread broken in small pieces, water enough to moisten. This is enough for three birds to dress.—Mrs. S. B., Indiana. MOVED HIS FLOCK, BUYING MORE. About a year ago, I purchased 12 pairs of Homer pigeons from you. At that time I was located at Lowder, Ill. About February 15 this year_(1907) I moved them from Lowder to Waverly, which is about eight miles. I now have 34 pairs. Will be in the market for more birds at once. Also quote ‘me prices on supplies.—G. C. H., Illinois. ONE-POUND SQUABS. NEVER LESS THAN $3 AND AS HIGH AS $4.50 A DOZEN OBTAINED IN SOUTH DAKOTA. In Sep- tember, 1905, I bought some Homer piccoss from you. Most all squabs that I have raised from your Extra Homers weigh one pound at five weeks old and I have got as high as $4.50 per dozen for them, never less than $3 per dozen. You may use this information as it is correct.—J. H. K., South Dakota. NO AILING PIGEONS. Well, it has been some time since I received the 13 pairs pigeons from you and I will say I am quite well satisfied with them. They are all work- ing but two pair and I have quite a bunch of good healthy young ones in my rearing pen and think I would have had more if I had given them more time and care, but I have too much other work. I keep the house clean and have it white- washed, and don’t believe I have an ailing pigeon in the loft. I think I have some lice but they are not bad, I spray my lofts once or twice a week, being careful to choose a bright, warm day.—C. R., Illinois. VERY_FINE FLOCK. I purchased some of your Plymouth Rock Homers a few years ago. I have a very fine flock of birds now.— J. M. W., Pennsylvania, LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 202 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 FIRST PRIZE ON ONE PAIR, FIRST PRIZE ON COOP OF FOUR PAIRS, COMPETITION LIVELY AMONG SEVERAL HUNDRED BIRDS. I promised to write you about the birds when the Fair was over. I will do so now. (September, 1907.) I took first money on one pas the speckled wing birds, and first prize ribbon on coop of four pairs. Three of the pairs secured from you and one pair from my pen. The judge said that the hen bird was fine, but cock not so good. Of course I did not have time to trim them or fix them up for the occasion. I had to go up against several pigeon fanciers but came out with flying colors all the same. We had several hundred birds of different kinds at the Fair. I informed several where those birds came from and how longIhadthem. Hoping this will be as satisfactory to you as it is to me.— A. C. M., Maryland. TOOK ONE PAIR TO EXHIBITION, WON FIRST PRIZE, WAS OFFERED FIVE DOLLARS FOR THEM, TURNED DOWN OFFER. me. am very well pleased. County Fair. They were red checkers. of birds. would give him your address so he could buy some.—Mrs. It has been a long time since you have heard from In the first place, I must let you know that my birds are getting along very nicely, ‘1 I have 15 pairs of old birds and 75 young birds. I received first prize. I told that man that J would not sell my birds and that if he wanted any birds I I took one pair to the TI was offered $5 for the pair B. A., Indiana. BEST PAIR OF HOMERS IN THIS ALABAMA COUNTY EXHIBITION. ORDERS MORE our winnin correct. Your favor of October 19, 1907, was duly received. the prize on our Homers at the County Fair, we will state your information is e won the prize for the best pair of Homers with a pair of blacks we got from you. In answer to your query about We expect to make a better display at the next Annual Fair and if we see that we have a lot of prize winners we will probably enter them at the State Fair at Birmingham. We hope you will assist us in our efforts by sending us extra good birds in our next order.—C. O., Alabama. TOOK 18 TO THE CENTRAL MAINE FAIR AND WON 11 PREMIUMS. i I purchased three pairs of you at $2.50 per pair and bought two pairs of C. E. igeons on hand. elvin at $2 a pair, and this is the product of the two kinds. Maine Fair at Waterville the past week (September, 1907) and The others are all about the same, good, healthy birds.—S. birds. I have over 100 I took 18 of them to the Central ge +_11 premiums on the 18 . P., Maine. FIRST AND SECOND PREMIUMS AND SPECIAL COMMENDATION AT THIS ILLINOIS POULTRY SHOW. The pigeons you sent me obtained the first and second premiums at the poultry show with special commendation. particular would be very hard to beat anywhere. tells.’—O. J., Illinois. I was informed the judges stated that one pair in I thoroughly demonstrated that ‘‘ blood ANOTHER WON FIRST PRIZE AT AN ILLINOIS COUNTY FAIR. I have some of your Homers bought. They are fine. for pigeon houses.—T. H. W., Illinois, ONE CUSTOMER WON THE PRIZES AT THE FAIR WITH OUR BIRDS AND HIS NEIGHBOR WISHES TO GET SOMETHING TO BEAT THAT. Enclosed you will find money order for which please send me three pairs No. 1 Homers, one drinker and six bowls. Colors, one pair blue checkers, one pair reds and one pair blacks. Please send mated birds. Send some good birds because I want to beat your customer Mr. N. in the poultry show bere soon. He got the prize at the Fair. I have some blue barred hens. Please send me all the circulars that you send out because I want to start in the business right.—B. R., Alabama. COW PEAS SUBSTITUTED FOR CANADA PEAS. I enclose you what they call “ cow peas ” here to ask you if they are what you call “‘ Canada peas.” The pigeons I got of you are satisfactory in every respect. Will probably get more March 1.—D._H., Illinois. Answer. Cow peas are not Canada peas but they are fed largely to pigeons and if they are plentiful in your State, feed them. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED They have won first prize at the County Fair. Send plans BETTER BIRDS THAN ANY IN THE BIG POULTRY AND PIGEON SHOW JIN MONTANA. WANTED SOMEBODY HE COULD RELY ON FOR THE GENUINE. I am very well pleased with the stock I received to-day. They are the finest lot of pigeons I ever saw. I received your letter and direc- tions this morning and the pigeons this after- noon. Thank you for tae prom and careful selection you gave me, any thanks for the extra pair of pigeons. They seemed glad to get out of the box. They look fine for the long trip and all perfectly well. I did not expect to see such fine birds tor I: did not know how they wouid get through the snow blockade in the Dakotas. Although I have seen only one letter from your customers in Montana, I think that if I follow your direc- tions closely, I can make a success of it. There ought to be a good market here and in the big poultry and pigeon show there were none could stand beside these. The “ National Standard Squab Book ” convinced me that I wanted somebody I could rely upon for the genuine.—M. G. S., Montana. BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 203 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 CHEAPEST POSSIBLE CONSTRUCTION. Single boarding, covered with oct, no shingles. The long, shallow wood trough is for the birds to bathe in. ‘The water enters from a faucet in the foreground. After the birds have bathed, the water is emptied by ne a plug at the end. The trough is cleaned with a broom. The man who sends this photograph writes: “TI raise 1650 young ones from March 1, 1907 to July 1, 1907 (four months) from 450 pairs of breeders in this building.” MADE A TRIP SOUTH AS FAR AS VIRGINIA AND FOUND OUR BIRDS THE BEST ALL ALONG THE LINE. NONE OTHERS ANYWHERE NEAR THEIR EQUAL FOR SIZE AND UALITY. I have sold lots of squabs this summer. I average about 800 a month. Besides that I have worked up a little side trade in selling mated birds, but only the very large ones, . such as I raise-myself. Such orders bring me $3 a pair. I can’t raise them fast enough to ape my trade, but I guarantee to do what is right by them all, can say the credit is yours for supplying me with the old birds, as you did, but I only wish L had sense enough to have held on to all I ever got from you. the largest Homers that any man can raise. 1 visited a plant in Pennsylvania. While I was there I was also down to Philadelphia and Delaware as far as Virginia and I saw your fine birds all along as I went, but none others were anywhere near their equal as far as size and quality went. will take the largest Homers you have to-day and breed them in my coops and raise the young ones myself, and the young birds will be larger than the old ones, but that is experience that does that.—L. Y., Connecticut. WHY WE HAVE MADE A SUCCESS. 1 Mr, Rice, I claim to have raised CANADA CUSTOMER FINDS PROFIT- wish to thank you very much for the nice selection both in size and perfect marking. I readily see why it is you have made a success of Homer breeding. have long since found a satisfied customer is by far the best advertis- ing medium in building a substantial business. I will give you my future orders. hope_to add frequently to my nice loft of birds. No off-color or inferior birds can exist in my ‘pens. Wishing you success—W. B. T., Texas. ABLE OCCUPATION. About six months ago I purchased from you seven pairs of your Extra mated adult Plymouth Rock Homer Pigeons. Have had very good success with them. Staring with seven pairs, J] have now (June, 4, 1907) fifty-six hardy Homers. I also got a Manual from ou and find it very helpful. On the whole, I think squab rais- ing is one of the most profitable industries pursued to-day. You can poise this letter if you wo M., B. C., Canada. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 204 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 CONNECTICUT WOMAN’S BIRDS BREED BETTER THAN MANUAL STATES. SHE HAS SEEN ONLY ONE LOFT OF BIRDS AS GOOD AS HERS AND THAT MAN BOUGHT HIS STOCK OF US, I will give you a statement of the birds I received from you the 23d of April, 1907. My birds do very much better than you state in your Manual. They arrived in perfect condition and are very large and beautiful, have always been perfectly healthy. There has never been only one that was sick and that was caused from moulting and raising birds too fast. I took her away until she had recovered and her mate cared for the young birds. These birds lay when their young are from 12 to 21 days old. Some of them are sitting on their fifth lot of eggs. They have hatched 48 young birds in four months and just three weeks, and expect more will hatch this week. Some of the young ones are beautiful. - [have never had young birds remain in their nests over three weeks. One pair build on the floor and their birds leave their nest at 17 days old. These weigh at three weeks 14 ounces, others at ten days weigh one-half pound each, some at three weeks weigh one pound, I have some that are very delicate from which I shall use for flying. These birds do not weigh but 14 ounces at four weeks old. I have seen but one loft of birds as large and handsome as these birds, and those were owned by. a Mr. Cornwell of Milford. He bought his first birds of you and claims that they raise 11 pe of birds a year. One of my neighbors who was watching my birds said: ‘“‘ In all the birds have ever seen these are the largest and most lovely.” I have followed your advice in the care of them and would like to know if mine are doing as well as the average youhear from, If I amsuccessful in flying the birds will let you know. Enclosed you will find money order for 50 pounds of health grit— Miss A. A. W., Connecticut. CHAIR SEATS USED FOR THE BOTTOMS OF NEST-BOXES, CHEAPER THAN LUMBER. HOW TO CHOP UP STRAW FOR NESTING MATERIAL. I note you say use long boards for bottoms of.nests and short pieces perpendicular. I reversed this before seeing your plans by standing tp long boards 12 inches apart, toenailed to wall. These boards have three-quarter- inch by three-quarter-inch cleats for bottoms. I use 12-inch three-ply perforated seats. These seats are varnished, are light and strong, as your excellent bowls. They are slightly concave in center, just fitting the nestbowl, and the poconsans do not extend beyond margin of bowl, I fasten bowls to them with stove bolts. can remove nut in a moment and have bowl and base separate for cleaning, and they are cheaper than good lumber, which costs five to six cents a square foot. Seats 12 inches square can be bought for three cents each. They come 10, 11 and 12 inches square. You suggest no easy way for chopping straw in proper length for nests. I have stumbled onto a cheap and easy plan for small fellows like me. Use a common mitrebox and saw. Place mitrebox on table near end anda receptacle beneath. One or two strokes will cut through a big handful of straws and as you move up for next cut, the short ends drop into receptacle. a hae you do not consider all this didactic (or what not) for to tell the truth I have gotten more pleasure and information out_of your Manual than I could have gathered with endless and expensive experimenting, and I want to help if I can in any small way.—P. O. L., New Jersey. HIS BATH-PANS ARE MOUNTED ON A PIPE AND HE EMPTIES ALL WITH ONE TURN OF ACRANK. FILLS ALL BY TURNING ONE VALVE. My self-feeder is just perfect. Two of the ranches about here are fitting up with it. I also have all my windows raised or lowered at the same time and with only one motion. One or as many as you like can be detached and remain closed. I can stand in my feed room and do the whole thing without taking a step, My bath-pans are all mounted on a one-inch pipe running through the flying pen. The crank is just outside the end of the pen, It locks when the pans are up for bathing. The water is turned on by a faucet outside the flying pens. Now to empty this, no going inside the pens, frightening the birds and swashing the dirty water onto your hands. You just unlock the crank, rock the pans to and fro two or three times, turn down your crank and every pan dumps its dirty water onto a drip board running outside the pen. Leave your pans down and no snow, ice, or droppings can get into them. ; ; My drinking fountains all work from the passageway. Not a particle of filth can get into ther. 3 ae Now I have not written this in anv spirit of egotism. I consider it just common sense economy of my own construction.— J. W., New Jersey. THIS FLORIDA CUSTOMER BEGAN WITH TWELVE PAIRS OF OUR EXTRAS IN 1903, We now (September, 1907), have about 400 to 500 birds and during winter and spring have killed on an average of 25 squabs per week. To be accurate in this I cannot, as no account was kept, but must say the birds have proven very satisfactory indeed. Will give Mrs. B. your letter upon her return and she can answer it also.—J. C. W., Florida. 7 LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 205 1907 1908 SQUABS SHOULD NOT BE SOLD DRAWN. THE COOK IS THE ONE WHO DRAWS THEM. The six pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers have increased to about 60 since last May 20, breeding right on all the time, just the same now Gaatiary. 1907), as last summer, all large youngsters, which weigh with feet off, head off, entrails removed: just over half a pound. Please let me know whether commission men weigh them that way, or if they leave the feet and head on?— P. A, W., Pennsylvania. Answer. Squab dealers always weigh them with the head and feet on and undrawn. Never draw your squabs before selling them. They will not keep so well in the markets, and the marketmen do not take them that way. The heads, feet and insides are removed by the cook. THE START. In this barn, the customer whose picture is printed on this page made his start. It is still in use but the greater part of his breeding is done in a long multiple unit house nearby. 7 AFTER ONE YEAR'S SUCCESSFUL TRIAL HE BUILDS A HOUSE FOR THREE HUNDRED PAIRS. The pigeons I got of you a little over a year ago have been doing finely. Am now (April, 1907) building a house to accommodate three hundred pairs. Enclosed find check for $23.04 for which please send me two gross of the fibre nest- bowls. I will have a picture of my new house taken a little later on and send to you. I could not give you any definite figures as to what your birds have dore for me, as I had some other birds in with them. How- ever, the ones got of you are the best and largest. One pair especially has raised a pair of squabs almost every month. I expect to put some of your birds to themselves as soon as my new house is ready, and may be able to give you figures on them later on.—H. B., Indiana. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS GRAIN AND SUPPLIES TO THE GULF STATES BY STEAMSHIP, Please quote me price on 200 pounds of mixed feed but with- out chops. I cannot get wheat or hemp seed, and I find my birds do better on your mixed feed. The birds I ordered from you some time ago are doing finely. I am very much pleased with them.—B. E., Mississippi. \« Note. We ship a great deal of grain and other supplies to customers living in Gulf States by boat from New York to Mobile, New Orleans, Galveston and other ports, a quick and cheap route, much faster than rail, and more satisfactory. The shipments get less handling. THIS CUSTOMER Started with a dozen pairs-of our birds and has run them up to 800 pairs, paying a handsome profit. This is spare time work for him, as he is regularly employed at his trade. WONDERFUL MATINGS. MORE SALES PROMISED. I received the 12 pairs of birds O. K. in fine shape April 11, 7 p.m., 1907. They are a nice-looking lot of breeders and all you claim them to be, as two of them laid eggs while in transit and two more laid to-day, April 13, so you see there is some- thing doing. The other six pairs are doing well. All laid but one nvair, and I think they are coming along allright. I assure you that such fair treatment means a continuation of sales wit: me and I shall recommend the Plymouth Rock Squab Co. to those who are buying breeders. ‘Will return baskets to-day. You can use this as a testimonial if you wish. —W. B. H., Massachusetts. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 206 STORIES OF SUCCESS BEAUTIFUL PAIR OF SPLASHES. The second bird on the left and the last bird on the right are types of oddly-marked Plymouth Rock Homers FEEDS HIS BIRDS ALWAYS GIVES HIM Mi ARE WORTH MORE. LOCUST LEAVES AND PEPPER GRASS. ORE THAN THE MARK BOSTON DEALER UOTATIONS BECAUSE HIS SQUABS ET ° g I purchased 12 pairs Extra Pecee of the Plymouth Rock Squab Company, in February, 1906, the best stock I could buy. to January 1907, when I began to ship the squabs. Isaved all my squabs for breeders up They average 9 pounds to the dozen, and I receive from $3 to $4 per dozen for them. I ship to the Boston market. I feed my birds on wheat, cracked corn and seed as dainties. I feed them in wooden traps, not finding any self-feeder which I like. corn in equal parts, with peas and hemp- A box containing grit, oyster shells and charcoal is kept before them all the time and the flying pen outside covered with coarse sand. d pine needles to be the best nesting material, the birds building a small, neat, compact nest with them. I sell the pigeon manure to parties in town at 50 cents per bushel. My squab house is 36 feet long by 14 wide, with a passageway three feet wide on one side. e birds are watered by fountains placed in the passageway. My flying pen is 36 feet wide, 18 feet long and ten feet high, divided into three parts. i d my birds to be very fond of locust leaves and pepper grass, eating it like grain. They like peas and hempseed so well that they will fly on to my hand for them. My birds are mostly blue checkers, with a few reds and silvers among them. _ . : I ship nearly every week to a large commission dealer in Faneuil Hall Market, who always gives me more than the market quotations. among them, and are raising big, fat squabs at the present time. Massachusetts, MOVING, GOING INTO THE BUSINESS ON A LARGER SCALE. Our Homers have done fine since we have had them. We have doubled. So far we have lost only one pair of squabs and we think the parents smothered them. Then one of our young birds of our first pair got out and away and we think he was frozen or caught by a cat, for the night was a cold one. Now we are going to move and take a place where we can go into the business on a larger scale, so we will hope to send for more birds as soon as we get coops ready.— Miss H. L. A., New Jersey. PLYMOUTH ROCKS BEST IN MEMPHIS. I have lost only one bird from sickness. I have had no trouble with lice at all. My birds keep very clean and are also very tame. I go to see all the pigeons around Memphis but find none as fine looking as yours. Your Manual is a fine teacher, why it is worth a dollar. I hope to have success by following your Manual as I have done so far.—W. A., Tennessee. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED My birds are all in fine condition, no (oor ones. (June, 1907). B. K., SQUABS TEN POUNDS TO THE DOZEN. GOING TO SHIP TO NEW YORK FROM IOWA. If you remember I bought some fine Homers of you a year ago last September. They were the Extras. They have done well. Must have now 150 birds, fine large ones at that. I can send squabs to New York from here for $1.50 per 50 pounds. That is what I, want to do eventually. I weighed 12 squabs just as they came, one month old. They weighed a trifle over 10 pounds. One pair weighed two pounds exact.—J. C., Iowa. SUPERIOR HOMERS BREEDING EX- TREMELY LARGE SQUABS. Accept my thanks for your fair treatment with regard to my order of June. The birds are breeding extremely large squabs. Since then I have had given to me twelve pairs pedigreed Homers, but yours are superior in every way. Enclosed find P. O. money order, for which oe send me six pairs Extra mated adult. omers and twelve wood-fibre nestbowls.— HR. M., Massachusetts. BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 207 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 PLYMOUTH ROCK BLUE BARS AND BLUE CHECKERS. BOY IN THE INDIAN TERRITORY 13 YEARS OLD GOT RID OF HIS FLOCK OF COMMON BIRDS AS SOON AS HE SAW PLYMOUTH ROCKS AND WHAT THEY WOULD DO. The nappies ordered of you came on time. My pigeons put them to use as soon as Thay hens abe I bought six pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers in January, 1907. I now (July) have 32 large, full-breasted birds. Some of the young ones are going to work now. Iam 13 years old and was anxious to do something to make.a little money while going to school, and saw an advertisement of your Homers and made up my mind to try them. J am more than satisfied with my investment and within the next year I expect to have a very nice little income. In your Manual you show a diagram of a self-feeder, and I had one made which is very satisfactory, as it saves so much work and attention. I can get all the grain recommended by you except the buckwheat and hempseed, and I use red (instead of white) wheat, and my birds are thriving and doing well. + Lhope to be able to dispose of all I can raise here in my home market, as they are so large and fine. In fact, there is all the difference in the world between my Homer squabs and the ordinary scrub squab, and it will pay any one wanting to go in the business to get the best to start on. I weighed-some of mry squabs this morning (just three weeks old) and they average one pound each, or two pounds to the pair. I had a flock of common birds and the squabs were dark skinned and weighed about eight ounces, and when I read of your birds I at once sold out and ordered from you, and I certainly feel that I made a good trade. I expect to order six pairs more soon. Thank you for the promptness and care taken of my orders.— L. G,, Indian Territory. THREE DOLLARS A DOZEN FOR PLY- LARGEST EVER SEEN IN ONTARIO. MOUTH ROCK SQUABS IN ARKANSAS. The weather has been very cold here, 30 Please send six more pairs of your Extra degrees below zero, so I have kept a coal oil Plymouth Rock Homers and one dozen nest- stove going most of the time. Your birds bowls. We are able to get $3 a dozen for have been greatly admired. They are the our squabs at the hotels here.—W. A. T., biggest that have ever been seen here,— Arkansas. G. S$. B., Ontario. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 208 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS ON A RUNNING BOARD IN THE SUN. NESTBOWLS VERY PRACTICAL AND ARE A NECESSITY. BUSINESS SHEET OF A BEGINNER WITH SQUABS IN CANADA. On May 5, 1906, I received your lot of seven pairs Extra Plymouth Rock Homers, one pair out of the seven one free, as some nestbowls were bought previously, to allow for the express charges on them. may say that these bowls are very practical, as none of my squabs have suffered from sprawled feet as is noticed when earthen- ware nappies are used, : The breeders were put in the pigeon house the same night and it: was not long before they became acquainted with theirnew home. Full instructions were sent before the pigeons reached here and as these were clear it was very easy to follow them, Sixteen days after their arrival there were two eggs in a nest. This was an event, as many friends were interested. They were much surprised to see these three-week-old squabs weighing 14 ounces and even more than 16 ounces at four weeks. Their common pigeons were looking very small against my Plymouth Rock Homers which were looking so fine. It was really funny to hear them taking notice of the wonderful difference. Mine were looking so fine with their large breasts, their bright-looking eyes, their wings which look to be detached from them. The opinion of my friends was that they were the finest birds they ever saw. At the end of the first month there were four squabs and six eggs, at the end of October 12 pairs of eggs had been laid and hatched, making a total of 22 pairs of squabs at the end of six months. the squabs of the first August were eaten at a family dinner and proclaimed the finest squabs that were ever served on such an occasion. Since that time we disposed of the squabs for breeding purposes and for eating. Last winter I had 15 pairs of squabs laid but as the winter was very cold some of the squabs died because the parents were not acclimated, but Iam sure that this winter will not be so fatal as they will be acclimated. Since April, 1907, I have had 29 pairs of eggs, of which 26 pairs of squabs have been eaten. In consequence, pigeon keeping in Quebec has proved to be a success, a paying business, when proper birds are used——that is, the Plymouth Rock Squab Company Homers. Business Sheet of an Amateur Squab Breeder. May 5, 1906 to September 1, 1907. Total of eggs !aid, 66 pairs. Total of pounds of grains, 638, at a cost of $11.47. Rations of Grains for Feeding Purposes. Winter Summer Mi soe pigsibnctsheses digede ie Gide ing Raiaawoeee. FSILLELES GI 30 Ibs. Red Wiha tecacics cccnvanadutiuacunt iatvauvomianesiin deeatiomeas aceasta: lOUDSY 25 lbs. Bic lew heat) gee eo eszzegiayn capes Beassce a aed dev ainaeaicehevcoueces Sh samy ce 15 Ibs, 15 Ibs. Cracked corn (not sifted)...... 40 lbs. 30 lbs. During September and October I fed 30 pounds red wheat and 40 pounds peas. The pigeons are sold in Montreal for: 50—70 cents per pair in winter, 45—55 cents per pair in autumn, 30—40 cents per pair in spring, 25—35 cents per pair in summer. Average price, 40 cents per pair —G. G.. Canada. BEAUTIES, EXCELLENT LAYERS, VERY KNOW WHERE TO BUY WHEN THEY WANT THE PIGEONS WHICH ARE THE VERY BEST IN EVERY RESPECT. In February, 1906, I bought pigeons from you from which I am raising the finest flock of pigeons that I ever saw. I am sending to you herewith with hopes of getting more from you that are equally as good if not better than the ones I got last year. The enclosed order is partly for myself and partly for Mr. Ritter, who has been corresponding with you recently. We want pigeons that are the very best in every respect.—W. A. G., Ohio. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED HEALTHY. In September, 1904, I purchased from you 12 pairs of birds. We have in- creased our flock to over 100 pairs so at present (October, 1907) I am obliged to sell some of our young birds for the need of making room for others. They are beauties and give good satisfaction. They are exceilent layers, hatching fine, large squabs weighing, from eight to 12 ounces and are very healthy. Perhaps next year I shall be situated_so I can order about 50 pairs of your first-class breeders.—E. E. H., New Jersey. BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 209 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS INTERIOR OF MASSACHUSETTS CUSTOMER'S HOUSE. Wire netting is used always to separate the units, not board partitions. This breeder has not set nest boxes up against the wire netting, but this is done in almost every case. NEVER HAD A SICK BIRD AMONG OURS, BUT BIRDS FROM ANOTHER SOURCE ARE WEAK AND POOR BREEDERS, HANDLED UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS. You will foo remember me as having bougnt two dozen rate of Plymouth Rock pigeons from you ast November. one got away and one cock bird I killed. what they would do, so I bought two dozen pairs from Out of the 25 pairs you sent me, I thought I would try some one else’s birds to see have 20 pairs working. Onc bird died, I built a new house exactly the same as I put your birds in, and have given them the same treatment, but they are not doing as well as your birds. They do not seem strong and vigorous like your birds. I would like you to send me 24 pairs of your very best Extra Plymouth Rock Homers. I am not particular as to color so long as the quality is there. I have kept the birds I got from the other man in a pen by themselves as I want to give them a fair chance. young as they should do. : they do not seem as vigorous as your birds. They may be young birds, as they do not seem to care for their eggs and I give them exactly the same treatment as I give the others, but I have never had a sick bird among yours, since I got them, only the one that died soon after I received them.—J. W., West Virginia. NEWS OF OUR SUCCESS CARRIED TO INDIA. Having heard something of your wonderful success in this business from a gentleman from America, I should very much like to hear full particulars. I have some oung nephews in California whom I should like to help make a start in some way.— M. C. H., Bombay, India. LOST ONLY TWO YOUNG SQUABS. Will you be so kind as to tell me where I can get a good cut of a pair of Homer pigeons? My birds which I bought of you are doing well. I have not lost any but two young squabs before they were grown. They are certainly nice.—L. L. D., Georgia. GOOD MATINGS. FOUR NESTS SIX DAYS AFTER REACHING KENTUCKY. Homers received in splendid conditicn on March 8. They are surely a beautiful lot of birds.) Am very much pleased with them and hope to duplicate order in a short time. They have bui!t four nests already. (March 14.) —I. P. 'Y... Kentucky, ONE HUNDRED SQUABS A MONTH WEIGHING ELEVEN TO FOURTEEN OUNCES. I have nothing but your Extra . stock exclusively and am now turning out 100 or more fine squabs weighing 11 to 14 ounces and over every four weeks.—E. M., South Carolina. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 210 1907 SIX Si WEIGHED A LITTLE OVER FOUR NE HALF POUNDS. I am sending you by mail a photo of one of my pigeon houses. I cannot have both houses taken in the same picture because they are too far apart. This picture was taken when I had only 25 pairs of birds in it. I now have 45 pairs in it, all your birds, and they are doing fine. The birds are not quite through the moult yet but they have been breeding right along. I killed six squabs to-day and they weighed a little over four and one-half pounds after they were picked; so that’s not so bad, considering that they are moulting. Please let me know if you can let me have two pairs of good Carneaux, something you can recommend, as I would like to get good ones.—W. I. West Virginia. UABS DO WOMEN ENJOY SQUAB RAISING. HE HAS THE LARGEST HOMERS IN HIS PENNSYLVANIA TOWN. I think it is time to 'et you know about my birds which I got from you in April, 1906. Well, they are doing all right. You know IJ got three pairs. Now (May, 1907) I have 36. bout young ones died last winter on account of the very cold weather we had. I must thank you very much for the birds which you sold me. We have quite a lot of people that have Homer pigeons around here, but I have the largest of them all, so I am well satisfied and shail always recommend your squab farm and your Homers.—H. D. K., Pennsylvania. EXTRA POCKET MONEY. I thought I would write and tell you how my birds are getting about. I have raised squabs enough to pay for their expenses and extra pocket money.—J. D., Massachusetts. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 EXTRA PLYMOUTH ROCKS SUPERIOR TO ANY RUNT CROSSES AT MUCH LESS COST. I have been interested in your advertisements for some time, and if you will favor me with any suggestions regarding my own birds, I will be grateful. About two years ago, I got some Runt-Homer crosses of the best strain, thinking them best for heavy squabs. They are as prolific as can be, but the squabs weigh only 14 or 15 ounces at four weeks old. The surroundings, feeding, etc., are all right, as I am only keeping a few pairs for pleasure of it, Would like to be put aright.—P. A. R., California. . ‘Answer. The strain of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers we have developed are superior in weight of squabs and rate of breeding to any-Runt- cross, at one-fourth the cost of Riunts. The only birds superior to our Extra Homers are our Carneaux. These bree squabs weighing 12 pounds and more to the dozen, and breed faster than Homers. : NO LET-UP IN BREEDING IN STATE OF WASHINGTON. FINE, FAT SQUABS. Since last August I have been a very sick man; in fact, came very close to the divide, but have not crossed over yet. (April, 1907. About my pigeons, I have not noticed any let up about their breeding since they com- menced last May. I have about 150 all told now, fine big fellows. I have fed them red wheat, kaffir corn, hemp seed and the small yellow seed you recommended, have forgotten its name, with grit, clam shell from the beach, salt and charcoal once in a while, fountain of water in the house and running water in the yard. The birds do not like strangers. They are not afraid of me, I have some fine fat squabs. You can im- prove on your hopper feeder by nailing a lath on the inch piece to which the feeding holes are nailed. Let it stand up one-half to’ three-quarters inches above the one-inch piece. It does not allow them to pull out the grain so fast. I send you a picture of the house and yard with a few of the pigeons on roosts.—G. H., State of Washington. TWELVE PAIRS OUT OF THIRTEEN PAIRS AT WORK IN TWELVE DAYS AFTER RECEIPT. I thought it might be of interest to you to know how my little flock of birds are getting along. It has been just twelve days since they arrived and I now have twelve pairs out of the baker’s dozen at work. It strikes me that there is “‘ something doing.” I have a nice, roomy home for them and do everything that I can to make them happy, and enjoy the care of them very much. I feel now as though I will succeed and if I do I will build me a unit plant next spring and will stock it with your Homers. I go East about once a year as far as New York, and the next time I go, I will go over to Boston and visit your plant.—B. A., Georgia. BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 211 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 AT THE BACK OF A BARN. Showing how a New York customer made a handsome home for his birds without doing any building. (This flying pen is shown in detail on next illustrated page.) THAT THE WORK IS NOT BEYOND THE PERSON OF AVERAGE ABILITY IS PROVED BY THE SUCCESS OF THIS 15-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO HAD NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND NO GUIDE BUT THE MANU. Please send me prices on pigeon supplies, also prices on breeding stock, as I have mislaid those that I received from you about a year ago when I purchased pigeons of you. I am only a boy of 15 and must wait until I can earn enough from the ones I have. My Extra Plymouth Rock Homers have done very well. My brother bought six pairs of you and he sold them to me immediately after they began work before winter was half way begun. One pair died, so that left me only five pairs of breeders. I was sc interested in these that I forgot about the pair that died. They worked fine until cold weather set in having averaged a pair of squabs from each pair every seven weeks, but. during the cold weather we raised less. Our loft being upstairs, in an old granary, was pretty cold. This spring (1907) they began work in earnest again, laying their eggs again before the squabs were two weeks old. One young pair only four months old raised a pair of squabs weighing one and one-half pounds, have now about seventy-five (75) birds old and young and lots of eggs. e got 50 cents a pair for the squabs we sold, but I did not wish to sell many because I am to raise them for breeders, It certainly pays to buy the Extras, for everybody who sees them says they are splendid, but I believe your Manual is just as necessary ty make it a paying business. I do not see how I could raise them without it. Perhaps I will want some more breeders if I get the building ready this summer.—G, L, G., Wisconsin. ONE SALE LED TO ANOTHER. No OUTGROWN THE COOP. Please send me doubt you are acquainted with Carlton five dozen nestbowls and one drinking Daniel, who is a first cousin of mine. His fountain by express. My coop has got too pigeons looked so fine that they encouraged small to hold the birds. The dozen pairs me to buy of you. I don’t think mine can be you sent me have increased to 125 birds— beaten.—F. W., Indiana. F. C, W., Massachusetts. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 212 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 SHIPSHAPE FLYING PEN. This is the flying pen of the place illustrated on preceding page. By the use of inch boards the owner has finished off the timbers so that the effect is permanent and beautiful. THIS NEW JERSEY BREEDER RECEIVES $4.50 A DOZEN FOR HIS SQUABS AND THE DEMAND IS SO GREAT THAT HE CANNOT FILL HIS ORDERS, SO BUYS MORE BIRDS In sending my second order (January, 1907) for your Extra mated birds, I would like to put in a few words in regard to the birds I received from you in 1904. My birds have done finely. I sent to Boston $30 fur 12 pairs. The birds arrived in the finest shape that was ever seen in this part of New Jersey. I reccived the birds in May, 1904, and had eight pairs cf squabs in July. I then went to work and kept all the squabs for a short time until! they got six to seven months old, then I went to mating them the way you show in vour Manual. I now in January, 1907, have 200 birds which is only one-fourth of the birds I raised, but the demand for squabs was so great that I could not pet the chance to save any for breeding. That is the reason why I send an order for 50 pairs of your best birds. My house is 12 feet wide and 26 feet long with a hall three feet wide, one window on the north side and three windows on the south side, with 200 nests._ My first house was 12 feet by 12 feet, but I found out that when handling Plymouth Rock Homers it does not take long for them to make money for a larger house, and to get a start in a business of our own. I would like to tell you that I put one advertisement in a paper of our town some time ago, not to sell my squabs for I had more orders than I could fill, but to let my friends know that I meant that there was money in handling your birds. The advertisement brought me so many orders that I didn’t know what to do. : The demand for squabs is so great that I get $4.50 per dozen. My squabs average nine to 12 pounds to the dozen. . . Iam going to build house No. 3 this spring and then I will need more of your fine birds. I sould like to tell you a few words in regard to the Manual. It is the finest I have ever read for the reason you show how to run a successful squab business. I use the self-feeder which you show in your Manual. I always find the feed clean and dry, which is the main part of the feeding part. I feed cracked corn, red wheat, Canada peas and hempseed. The feed bill will not exceed 85 cents a year per breeding pair. J can figure on nine pairs of squabs per year at 75 cents per pair, which leaves me a net profit of $5.20 per year for each pair of breeders. 7 o 4 : I am perfectly satisfied with the results obtained from your birds and wish you continued success.—A. N., New Jersey. VALUES HIS BIRDS AT FIVE DOLLARS USUAL STORY FROM IOWA. The birds A PAIR. I would not sell my birds for five received _from_you last winter are doing dollars a pair now.—C. E., New Jersey. 2 finely.—E. R. W., Iowa. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 213 1907 BIRDS FED ONLY CRACKED BARLEY. KNOWS WHERE TO GET MORE BIRDS. I have some fine birds and am ctuck on that last basketful you sent—those nice dark checkers, and some of the nicest sky blue I ever saw. have some young birds from the last ones you sent me that will mate in two or three weeks, so you can see they did not lose much time after shedding feathers. There was a man at my place, whose name I forget. He said his birds were from your place and that my birds were livelier than his. I told him if he would follow your book he would be all right. I told him he was feeding too much, or he was not giving them the right feed, and he said he was feeding cracked barley so he cannot expect much from his birds. T went to the market to find out what they are paying for birds. They are paying 25 cents apiece for old common birds and he said that they pay more for Homer squabs. My birds are getting along finely. I am going to get 60 cents a bushel for manure with straw in it, which I think is a good price. I want any more birds I know where to get them and that is from your place.—J. C., ‘Wisconsin. READY SALE IN LOUISIANA FOR ALL SQUABS THAT CAN BE _ PRODUCED. PRICES ARE GOOD, RANGING FROM $2.50 TO $4.00 A DOZEN. I received your National Standard Squab Book on the evening of the 5th inst. and have studied same over carefully several times and will say that I am perfectly satisfied with it and consider your Manual one of much value and indis- pentalile to one who intends to raise squabs. expect to order from you in half dozen and dozen lots, until I get me a good flock of breeders. (This I will have to do on account of my limited means and again I am not at my home. I am employed by the railroad company as foreman and my house is 25 miles from my work. However, I am con- fident that I will be in a position to quit railroajing in 12 months from now if I have good luck with birds.) I have an ideal place for a squab plant containing 12 acres of good land and nice dwelling and out buildings. I have also investigated the marketing of squabs in this territory and find that I can get ready sale for all that I can produce at from $2.50 to $4.50 per dozen, according to weight and plumpness.—T. H., Louisiana. THIS ILLINOIS YOUNG WOMAN HAS GIVEN US HALF A DOZEN ORDERS FOR BIRDS BETWEEN 1903 AND 1908. Please find enclosed two post-office money orders for $125 and send me 50 pairs Extra Plymouth Rocks. My mother’s sickness interfered with my plans. I have lost many orders by not having enough breeders. I think it safe to try now.—Miss J. M., Tlincis. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 HAS KEPT PIGEONS FOR YEARS. PLYMOUTH ROCKS DO BETTER THAN ANY HE EVER BRED. I had 35 pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rock Homers to start with, They are fine birds and very good breeders. I have kept pigeons for years, but yours do as well and in some respects better than any I ever had. I intended to breed them for squabs, but there is such a call for good breeders that I have not had any chance to sell squabs.—A. T. K., Massa- chusetts. FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD BOY EARNING POCKET MONEY FOR TWO YEARS, About two years ago I bought three pairs of your best Homer breeders and they are getting along very nicely. I am only 15 years old. am running my business the way described_in your National Standard Squab Book. Have you a 1907 copy of this book?—J. A. M., Wisconsin. NEST OF STRAW AND FEATHERS. Some birds build a scanty nest, using only a few wisps of straw, with perhaps a feather or two. nestbowl is an absolute necessity for such pairs, otherwise the eggs soon roll apart or out of the nest box. In April, 1907, a Missouri woman wrote us as follows: “Enclosed find draft for $11.52, for which please send me one gross of nestbowls. One year ago I started with 40 pairs of Homers. Now I have something over 400 birds, I have lost a great number of eggs, and feel like I must have the nestbowls, as they pre- vent the eggs from rolling out. Send them at once.” GETTING RID OF COMMON PIGEONS AND PURCHASING PLYMOUTH ROCKS. THE MOST WEIGHTY BIRDS HE EVER SAW. I have a number of common birds which I am either going to sell, or kill them for my own use, but I will exert every effort to sell them and purchase more birds of you, as I think yours are the most weighty birds I ever saw. As soon as I am rid of what common birds I have on hand now, you may expect my order for some more of your breeders.—T. W., New York. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED a BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 214 1907 pe WORK BY THE NEW FLOCK OF A “YEAR-OLD BOY. I should per- haps have written you earlier of my boy’s success with the Plymouth Rock Homers which you sent. One pair were nesting in three days and inside of three weeks there are, I think, ten of the thirteen pairs at work, and if my recollection serves me, inside of four weeks he had ten or a dozen squabs hatched. It is now nearly five weeks since he had them and some of the squabs are nearly large enough to market. I consider this a pretty good record.—H. C., New York. Note. The above gentleman is a well- known. business New Yorker. His boy is only nine years old. : DIFFERENT SIZES. This shows two squabs, one of which is growing faster than the other. This means that it is ern its smaller mate out of the way at feeding time an getting more feed from the parents. In such cases, the bigger one will grow fast and the smaller one will be stunted. The latter should be helped by being taken out of the nest and put alongside a squab of its own size in another nest, the larger squab there being brought back to grow up with a mate of its own size. The parents in both cases do not neglect the new comer. MARYLAND CUSTOMER SATISFIED AND ENLARGING. On November 27, 1906, I received from you 50 pairs of Plymouth Rock pigeons. I put them into what I considered an up-to-date house, using nappies for nests. I am starting another pen and expect before fall to have 150 pairs of good stock. I feed cracked corn and wheat and L also give the Canada peas when I can get them, a little hemp and rice once in awhile. 1 am entirely satisfied and when I am in the market for more birds, Elmer Rice’s birds will do for me. Thank you for your many kindnesses.—W. B. C., Maryland. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 ge BEGINNING BY MATED PAIRS. ALL AT WORK WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER DELIVERY AND A PAIR OF SQUABS ON HIS TABLE WITHIN SEVEN EEKS. MORE ORDERS FOLLOW. Within seven weeks from the date of receipt of the birds I ordered from you, I have had a pair of broiled squabs on my table, and such squabs I never saw before. few days before they were four weeks old, they weighed a pound each, Some of my pairs went to work within five days and all of them within two weeks after their receipt. Jt has been less than three months since I received the seven pairs, and I have killed two pairs squabs, and my flock has more than doubled. I think this is a good record. I can readily sell my young pigeons here for breeding purposes at good prices, but as I ordered them to raise squabs for my own table, have, so far, declined to sell any. Two of my nei have duplicated my order since they have seen mine, and I am sure other orders will follow. I am delighted with the business and take a great interest in my birds, which have learned my voice, and when I go out to the fly, come fluttering at my call. I prefer squabs to chickens, and they are much less trouble, and so much easier to raise.—J. M., Mississippi. BEST THESIS HE EVER READ ON ANY SUBJECT. I have the pleasure of acknowl- edging receipt of your National Standard Squab Book and having read it once through and made notations of details (not indexed) at the sides of the pages, I can get the meat of any subject promptly. I want to say (which, of course, must have been said a great many times to you) that “ it is bully,” it is the best thesis I ever read on any subject. I have tried to think of questions that sug- gested themselves to me I would like an- swered, but in vain. You have answered everything. I want to state to_any one interested in squabs, surely your Manual is worth its weight in gold.— W. C., Wisconsin. NEVER WAS TREATED MORE FAIRLY. My birds arrived October 1 in first-class condition, earlier than I expected. Never spent money for anything better. They are regular beauties. I thank you for the extra pair; I never was treated more fairly. Hope to give you a larger order next time.—P. M., New Orleans. MAN OF FORTY YEARS’ EXPERIENCE HAS NEVER SEEN BETTER HOMERS THAN OURS. The birds came safe last night. I told you before, I had some of that sort (a few pairs) continuously, for over forty years. I never had any better and many inferior in fancy points. Accept my thanks.— L. O., New York. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 215 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 1907 MATED PAIRS START QUICKLY. BEST BREEDERS IN A LIFE-TIME OF EXPERI- ENCE. SUGGESTION FOR CITY PEOPLE. SURE WAY OF MATING. I have received yours of the 18th and am following out your request. About the color, either a blue or a red checker cock will do. I should like to know how I am to get him. I started in just one month ago with my shipment of 12 birds and about five days later, in which time they had to pick up from the fatigue of the journey, a pair of blues were sitting on eggs. ‘his was kept up at intervals by the others until now when J have ten young ones and two eggs, which are being hatched by a pair of flights. Barring one sick one I can honestly call this a good investment because I have had pigeons since I was ten years old and in that time I have not seen any better done. Should they keep this up, I find the market good, I shall buy some more this spring. You said the Eagle arid Sun had quotations on squabs, but unless it is somewhere else than on the matket page, neither of these papers has them. They want a dollar a pair for them in butcher shops. The Manual is all right, but if you want suggestions I should say that the way you describe for having pigeons in the city is very seldom used. The most popular way is putting a coop and screen on a flat roof or on poles in the yard. This is the way you will see most coops in Brooklyn and New York. However, the way you describe is a very good advice for those with peaked roofs, as I know many people would have pigeons if their roofs weren’t peaked. On mating birds I should also tell of a very effectual way I have for mating stubborn pigeons who absolutely refuse to mate. This is to put them in a box or something so that they cannot get any light and leave them so until you think they ought to be taken out and then put them together and in most cases they will be so glad to get back to light and see another pigeon that they will mate right away. Should they still refuse repeat the method until they do, but this method has worked so that I have yet to come across the qed could not mate this way.—H. H.. New ork, FIRST SQUABS WHEN TWO WEEKS OLD WEIGHED TWELVE AND FOURTEEN OUNCES. Perhaps you will be interested to know that the first pair of squabs at two weeks weigh 12 and 14 ounces respectively. Am pleased with the weight—A. T. V., New Hampshire. ONE YEAR OF PROGRESS. Enclosed find money order for which please send me six dozen wood fibre nestbowls by freight. The Homers I got from you about a year ago are working splendidly —E. A., Pennsylvania. MONEY-MAKING STORY BRIEFLY TOLD. BIG FLOCK RAISED FROM SMALL PURCHASE. PROLIFIC BREEDERS. If you remember, I bought from you in the autumn of 1906 12 pairs of squab breeders. One pair went to work the second day after arrival, the others following in close order. In two weeks every pair but one had eggs. I now have (October, 1907) 576 pigeons, two pairs having raised 11 pairs per year, the others nine and ten. I feed cracked corn, whole wheat, hemp seed, barley, kaffir corn and rice. During the moulting season I feed a good quantity of hemp seed. I think the squab business is a very good money making enterprise if well attended to.— R.F.S., New York, ee se SE ORISTARS, AN INEXPENSIVE START. TWO YEARS’ SUCCESS. GOING TO SHIP TO BIGGER MARKET. _ I am now raising more squabs than our local market demands at reasonable price and in order to obtain good prices must find market elsewhere. an you put me in the way of same? I bought my first Homers of you in. August, 1905, and have had remarkable success with pigeons, having lost but 15 that were able to fly, in all the time since then. will feel very grateful for any information you may be able to give me. Also kindly tote me price on 50 pairs Plymouth Rock omers, as I think of adding another loft.— C. H., Wisconsin. ALL PAIRS AT WORK MOUTH ROCKS RECOMMENDED ABOVE ALL IN DELAWARE. My Homers arrived safe and I am certainly pleased with them. They are all mated and I expect eggs soon. I recommend your birds above all. I told several parties about my birds and I think they will give youan order.—R. W., Delaware. UICKLY. PLY- LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 216 1907 LAYING AND HATCHING WITH TEM- PERATURE FIFTEEN DEGREES BELOW ZERO. My first pair laid and hatched out squabs which grew the fastest of anything I ever saw. When the eggs were laid and the birds were hatched it was 15 degrees below zero ‘half of the nights (February, 1907) and the water in the fountain in the squab-house froze hard every night. My first young birds are about as large as the old birds (April) and are ae just as easily, I think, as the old birds.—M. S. B., New York. Note. The old pigeons protect both the eggs and the squabs more closely in cold weather. They adapt their attention to the climate. Do not fear that you cannot raise winter eauabs, even if you live in the coldest parts of Canada. NOT ONE SICK. NO LICE. My pigeons are getting along very nicely. You sent me 13 pairs last December and now (July, 1907) I have about 30 pairs. Not a one has been the least sick, and have not been troubled with mites nor lice among them as yet. Will soon have to double the size of my house. I pats to them myself—M. V. B., South olina. Pape ey To F a I id ia e a u? Wa iy '¢' ees Oe store, alll. A ROW OF BEAUTIES. SELLING IN ST. LOUIS FOR $4.50 A DOZEN. You will find enclosed herewith an order with remittance for 55 pairs of your Homer pigeons, which I hope to receive as soon as possible. You will find also that T send order for yarious other supplies which, if you think it will be cheaper, you will please send by freight. The pigeons I purchased of you last year are doing nicely and have produced some fine, large squabs. They are selling in St. Louis for $4.50 per dozen. Thank you for fair dealing in the past and wish you success in the future —R. C. H., Missouri. THREE ORDERS FROM ONE TOWN. Enclosed herewith I send you check for which lease send me seven pairs of Plymouth Rock omers. I ordered seven pairs from you a short time ago, and also had Mr. McRaven duplicate my order.—J. B., Mississippi. GOING TO TRY IT AGAIN. Please send e your printed matter as soon as you can. Thea some of your Homers a year ago and they did ve more.—J. J. R., well. I expect to buy some District of Columbia. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 CHICAGO MAN REPLACING HIS FIRST BIRDS WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS AND BUILDING A LARGE PLANT. Your letter of October 28 at hand. Please send me the female as soon as possible as I can mate her. with the other male. I still have the birds in the crate but will empty it Saturday. I am building now to accommodate 500 pairs of birds and have torn down my old coop so I have not had place to keep my birds. I am Luilding it in units of 50 pairs to each unit. - Am getting rid of my common birds as fast as possible. From March first to the present time (October) I have 38 youngsters from my original six pairs, three pairs of which were No. 1 and three pairs Extra. Both birds bred alike, with the- exception of the Extras breeding a much larger squab. Eleven pairs of youngsters have eggs at present. have lost none and with the exception of the moulting season, I think I have done fairly well. I have not sold any as yet, but have been asked to. Not wishing to sell any until I have 50 pair, I had to refuse the order, but referred him to you. People who have seen my Homers think well of them and I believe I have a few interested. —A. S. C., Chicago. TRIED TO GET ALONG WITHOUT THE INSTRUCTION BOOK AT FIRST. I have bought two sets of Extra Homers of you, but have had bad luck. I do not have any now. I am going to read up on the care of pigeons before going into it again. I have your National Standard Squab Beok of 1905 and think that it is very well written and it con- tains some very sound advice, which if I had followed I never would nave failed. Is the 1907 edition different?—T. H. O., Jowa. EVERY PAIR BREEDING SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVAL IN FAR WEST. _I received seven pairs of Plymouth Rock Homers the first part of April and now (May 20) have five pairs of squabs a week old and the other two pairs are setting. I am well pleased. Strong, healthy birds. It is a_wonder_ the way the young squabs grow.—R. R., State of Washington. LITTLE LOT GAVE HIM CONFIDENCE TO BUILD AND ORDER MORE BIRDS. The three pairs of pigeons I received from you in January are doing finely (April, 1907), and I would like to have you send me one of your plans for building, and as soon as I have the plans I will send to you for some more pigeons.—R. S., Chicago. EXACTLY AS REPRESENTED. The breeders I got from you are first-class and exactly as you said they would be, and are well. Please send me prices on grit and other supplies, also on 12 pairs breeders.—W. J. W., Pennsylvania, BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 217 1907 TWO CUSTOMERS WHICH HAVE BRED LARGE FLOCKS FROM SMALL BEGIN- NINGS. Mr. Bartholemew of this place has about 250 birds which he has bred from six airs of No. 1 Plymouth Rock Homers which e says he got of you. I notice the difference ‘between the Extra and No. 1 Homers. Mrs. Virkler has about 150 birds of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers bred from six pairs.—C. W. B., New York. EATING FROM HIS HAND. The California man who owns these pigeons writes: “They are beauties and breed fine sanane: I have bred squabs from your Homers weighing a pound apiece. Your Manual is straight and true.” RECOMMENDED VERY HIGHLY BY A LOUISIANA FRIEND. Enclosed you will find a money order for which you will please send me by express six pairs Plymouth Rock Homers No. | mated. trust you will make me a good selection, as I am expecting to raise pigeons and wish the best. You have been recommended very highly to me by Mr. oseph Malbrough, as he has ordered the lymouth Rocks from you.—H. H., Louisiana. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 SQUABS WEIGHING FROM SIXTEEN OUNCES TO NINETEEN OUNCES EACH. QUR STOCK AND OUR SELF-FEEDER GET THIS RESULT IN TEXAS. I bought six pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers from you last November, and I now (May, 1907) have 31 in all, and 17 youngsters. Four pairs have eggs. Out of the 17 squabs, I lost only one, the death of that being caused. by one of the parent birds stepping on one the day he was hatched. My squabs have weighed one pound to a pound and three a 8 ave built a pen fcr my young squabs as you advise to de. and I find Grats thes do vety much hetter. The things that I find most necessary are, to have a clean house, water and feed, so 1 clean my squab house every two weeks, and have clean water and feed always. I use your self-feeder so the pigeons can feed their young whenever they choose. The ground of my flypens is covered with sand, and I renew it every month. I also use oyster grit and rock. It is placed in the squab-house, where they can get it any time they want it. I feed wheat and kaffir corn and a little cracked corn now and then, but they do not need much corn as the weather here in Texas is warm nearly all the year around. I think your Homers are the best I ever saw, and every one that sees them says the same thing about them. : Any one starting into squab raising should buy your Manual. I have been trying to follow it as nearly as possible and by doing so I think I will succeed in raising squabs. I intend _to order more pigeons of you at once.—F. S., Texas. SUCCESSFUL BREEDING BY THE SISTERS OF A CHICAGO CATHOLIC HOSPITAL. Please send us 36 pairs (Janu- uary, 1907) the same as you did the four pairs a short while ago. Kindly send the very best breed only.—Sister M. M., Illinois. Note. In September, 1907, we shipped 36 pairs more Extra Plymouth Rock Homers to the above customer, who is the sister superior of a well-known hospital in Chicago. NEW JERSEY FRIENDS SATISFIED. Enclosed please find check to cover order for 24 pairs Extra Plymouth Rock Homers and supply of feed. e know your dealings have been square with friends of ours in New Jersey. We have plenty of ground here and everything going right. Will soon have the other houses finished up.—G. M., Massa- chusetts. INCREASED FIVE-FOLD IN SIX MONTHS. Regarding the ten pairs of birds I bought from you last spring, I now (Novem: ber, 1907), have 52 pairs.—C. V., Ontario. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 218. 1907 WISCONSIN HOTEL PAYING $3.50. SQUABS WEIGHING TEN AND THREE- FOURTHS POUNDS TO THE DOZEN. I thought I would write you a few lines. I want to buy some more birds from you, seeing I am getting along so nicely with the others you sent me. I am getting $3.50 a dozen at the Plankaton House. Thev weigh ten and three-fourths pounds to the dozen. He said they were some of the best squabs he had ever seen. He wants me to come down some night to have a little talk with me. I want to get a basket of birds from you in about a week and about three dozen of nest bowls and a couple of weeks later, some more birds, if everything goes all right. I have some fine young birds, some of them weighing a pound apiece. I find out that you are a nice man to deal with and that everything you say is all right and that the birds cannot be praised too much, Guess I will close, hoping everything is going good. —S. H., Wisconsin, STEADY GROWTH IN THREE YEARS. ORDERS FOR SQUABS OUTRUN BIRDS, SO MORE ARE BOUGHT. I am going to send soon, before February (1907), probably in a week, for 50 pairs of Plymouth Rock Homer squab breeders, and want to engage them at once, before the February trade wepius. bought of you six pairs three years ago, since then 12 pairs, 18 pairs and 12 pairs again. (Four orders.) I do not yet have enough for the orders. The birds are doing better. constantly. Their houses are better, and I know more how to care for them, and what things are important. Have almost finished a house—all but nests and a little finishing of yard. It seems as if it would be a good plan to get birds now before the really cold weather comes. want the Extras, best you have.—M. L., Illinois, LIVELY WORK IN MISSOURI AND THE LARGEST SQUABS EVER SEEN. I am in receipt of my six pairs Extra pigeons and am very thankful to you for the care you have taken in sending these to me. I had them just one week when two pairs had eggs, and was so surprised, but yesterday I was still more surprised when I went into the pigeon house and found four pairs setting, and two of these had young squabs. Every one of my neighbors is surprised to see the nice pigeons you sent me. Mr E. C. Rice, I will im every respect recommend your goods very highly and I am sure that you will appreciate it. These squabs are the largest that I have ever seen. I will have one of my friends take a snap shot of my aS house and send you a picture—E, B., uri. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS MORE ORDERS FOR SQUABS THAN HE CAN FILL. HOW TO FEED SUN- FLOWER SEEDS. am thinking about planting a batch of sunflower seeds. Will you please let me know if this is a good feed for them, and how to feed it—either fresh from the stalk or pick it and let it dry. It would be a great saving to feed this during the winter for me. The pigeons bought from you are O.K., doing their duty. I have more orders for my squabs than I can fill and getting 35 to 40 cents apiece. I do not do any plucking. My pigeons are doing fine considering being locked in all the time.— W.S., New York. Note. Sunflower seeds are good for pigeons, being used largely as a substitute for hemp- seed. Cut off the heads when grown and dry them. When you wish to feed a head, throw it into the pen whole and the pigeons will pick out the seeds. READY TO KILL These squabs are four weeks old. See how plump and broad-breasted they are. FLORIDA FRIENDS ENTHUSIASTIC OVER PLYMOUTH ROCKS. I have a friend who is very enthusiastic over my pigeons. He will send you an order the first of the coming week for 48 pairs of your Extra Plymouth Rocks such as mine Do your best for him. Of course he expects to get two extra pairs thrown in as a premium. My birds are getting along very nicely —W. J. D., Florida. HAS HEARD FROM HIS FRIENDS. I have heard from several of my friends about your birds, stating they were very fine. want to get some of your stock.—S. W. H., Kentucky. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 219 1907 WOULD NOT TRADE HIS PLYMOUTH ROCKS FOR ANY IN HIS MONTANA TOWN. I have had fair luck and in all the Homers in town from different companies, I would not trade the ones I got from you for any of them. Friday noon, April 12, by carelessness, some boy friends in going from the coop let one of my fine red checkers out, whieh I would not have parted with for $2. He rose into the air and after circling once flew away faster than I ever saw a pigeon fly before. In discussing the matter with some people, they think he will come back, but he has not. Others think he has gone back to you.—M. S., Montana. Note. Letters like the above come to us constantly. Guard your doors carefully. Have springs on them so they will close with- out attention. Homers which you raise you can safely let fly, because they know no home but yours, but Homers which you buy will fly off. SQUABS 25 DAYS OLD. Note that although they have been in the bowl since hatching, it is comparatively free from manure. They back up to the edge of the bowl and void into the nest box. It is the nature of pigeons to try to have clean nests, and they should be given a chance by the use of nestbowls. NO CONCEPTION OF THE BEAUTY AND SIZE OF OUR EXTRAS. I received the birds last evening, just 24 hours after my order was sent in—prompt work, that. After having read your Manual and a great many testimonials, I was expecting some fine birds, but find I had no conception of the beauty and size of your Extras. The compact bodies, rich, healthy color and uniformity of size were a thorough surprise. I am going to follow your directions given in the Manual, and you may count on me as a customer to the extent of my means.—Mrs. M. F. C., Massachusetts. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS IN DEMAND IN THIS GEORGIA TOWN. Enclosed find my check, Send me by express six pairs Extra blue-barred Plymouth Rock Homers, mated. I have about got this town started on raising pigeons. Mr. Barnes, my brother- in-law, has just handed me your new circular, He tells me he has ordered 12 pairs from you. I hope you will ship him some nice birds. His son has just bought some birds from the ————— and I want the birds you ship me and his father to make him regret that he did not order them from you. I ordered blue-barred birds from another party some time back and they sent me checkers, If I did not think you would send the order as Iam sending it in, I would not send it to you. You remember I bought a few pairs of birds from you a little over a year ago. I have sold a great many birds and I have about 100 to 125 pairs of working birds on hand now. am building me another pen that will hold about 200 pairs.—R. H. N., Georgia. RAISING PLYMOUTH ROCK STOCK ONLY. BEST BIRDS EVER SEEN ANY- WHERE. The birds came yesterday all O. K. and were fine birds, and the hen with a little age will also be on top. Please accept my thanks. What I especially wanted was solid reds and when you do get hold of such a pair that is A No. 1. send them to me and send me the bill. I om raising strictly Plymouth Rock stock and have developed some A No. 1 birds, the best I have ever seen anywhere, and so I swear by E. C. Rice stock. You state that not one in 100 birds are solid teds. I know this to be a fact. When I do go into the show I want to have the best of all colors and_they shall be Extra Plymouth Rock stock.—R. B. W., New York. OUR WHITE HOMERS COMPARED WITH OUR COLORED HOMERS. I do not know of a man I would trust any quicker than you. I would like to know if you have pure white Homers that are as large, plump birds as your colored ones are.—G. L., Vermont. Answer. We charge $2.75 a pair for our white Homers. They are fine birds, as large as any white Homers in existence, but are not so large as our Extra colored Homers and do not breed so large a squab. They cost more because they are scarcer; we sell a lot of them for pets, for their handsome plumage, and for undertakers. PROLIFIC PLYMOUTH ROCKS HAVE BRED MORE SQUABS THAN ANY PIGEONS HE HAS. I came down to see you quite awhile ago and bought a pair of your Plymouth Rock Homers. Those Homers have bred more squabs than any other parane I have, and I have a good many. il you please send me your catalogue of prices.—T. C., Massachusetts. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 220 1907 FIVE MONTHS’ WORK. SMALL FLOCK JUADRUPLED. ONE OLD BIRD AND TWO TABS ONLY LOST BY DEATH. BREED- ERS OF COMMON PIGEONS MYSTIFIED. I write you a sort of detailed statement of how my four pairs of pigeons have done, that I bought from you about the middle of May, 1907. One of my birds laid in ahout two weeks after her arrival, but the eggs did not hatch, and she laid again in about ten days after I found her eggs were not good, and that time she hatched all right. Two other pairs commenced work soon after the first, and both of them hatched all right and the first three pairs of squabs did well. I have lost one of the hens that I bought from you. She diéd after raising a fine pair of squabs. I have lost two squabs. J now have 18 birds in all, after deducting the three that Ilost. All of my birds are now (October) at work, some making nests and some sitting. Mine are the only Homers in this part of the country that I know of, and every one who sees them is charmed with them. There are one or two parties here who are trying to raise the common pigeons on the same plan, that is by confining them, but are not doing much, and cannot understand why my birds do so much better than theirs. They say that if I make a success of the business they will then try Homers. I am very fond of the business and find it @ great recreation, and very little trouble. I attend to my birds before breakfast in the morning and give them plenty-of water, and then at dinner time I feed them again, and that does them until next morning They are less trouble than anything of the kind that I ever had anything to do with, and I believe will be more profitable according to the amount of capital invested.—C. A. F., Mississippi. SECOND ORDER, BIRDS DOING WELL, ANOTHER ORDER IN PROSPECT. I here- with enclose you $1 in currency, for which please send me 50 open legbands for grown pigeons, numbered one to fifty. The last shipment of pigeons came to hand on the second in good shape, and are a nice lot of birds. I am well pleased with them. My birds are all doing well. I think that 1 shall give you another order soon.—F.. R., Missis- sippi, (The first shipment to this customer was made in April, 1907, the second in October of the same year). GREAT DEMAND FOR PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUABS IN NEW JERSEY. I received on May 27, 1904, one dozen pairs of your birds and I have 200 birds at the present time. There is a great demand for Plymouth Rock squabs in New Jersey. Please send me your rice on 50 pairs of your best Extra mated irds.—N. L., New Jersey. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 FAST START IN TWO WEEKS IN NEW JERSEY. On April 22 I wrote you informin, you of the arrival of the birds. Now Cod 29) there are two nests complete and six others being built, which I should think was pretty good work for birds not vet two weeks in a strange place. The birds have been highly praised for their fine appearance by a number of friends and acquaintances of mine, and of course the natural question was, where did I get them? And as I ama pretty good advertiser for any one that I consider to be worthy of such advertising, I have recommended your company as the right one to ge to if they have any idea of investing.— J. H., New Jersey. IN THE SNOW. Let them out on sunny winter days. In cold, stormy weather they are better off inside. FINEST BIRDS THAT HE EVER SAW IN ‘LOUISIANA, RESULT, MANY MORE ORDERS. I received my birds Saturday evening, November 2, at 7 p.m. Found them all in A 1 shape and are the finest birds I ever saw. Please accept my most sincere thanks for the extra pair and for your nice selection. I will return your basket one day this week, will take bill of lading for same from express agent and forward to you date T return same. I will send you an order for 12 pairs more about the 25th of this month. I want to order a small shipment each month until I get about 100 pairs of breeders.— G. W. T., Louisiana. PERFECTLY MATED IN WEST VIRGINIA. I write to tell you how well my pigeons are doing. I am very well pleased with them as I believe they were perfectly mated and went right to work after they were in the loft not more than.a week.—J. N. West Virginia. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 221 1907 EVERY PAIR AT WORK IN DOUBLE- oe TIME. BUILDING UP A PLANT. think a few lines to you is my duty, I expected to be at your office and plant before now. My young son aed struck by a trolley car about the time I was going to go to Boston, and just escaped very serious results, so I have stayed pretty close at home, but pee a vacation in July and will call on you then. About the birds, they are doing fine. They went to work at once and some of them are now on their third lot of eggs. They held their matings, every pair. I feel very much encouraged and .appreciate your fair and honest business principles.. You will receive orders from us in the future_as we are going to build up quite a plant.—H. I. L., Massa- chusetts. SQUABS THREE WEEKS OLD. BRANCHING OUT FROM A_ SMALL BEGINNING AFTER SUCCESSFUL EXPERI- ENCE WITH PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS IN UTAH. I have decided to go into the squab business on a large scale and when my ‘business interests are cared for will move to Salt Lake City where I hope to work up a good business The birds purchased from you have been very satisfactory in every particular and my business in the future will be done direct with your good company. My health is poor through confinement and I am determined to try squab raising for the ae making a sticcess and money.— . B., Utal. SQUABS AS A SIDE LINE. Please send me two dozen wood-fibre nestbowls by express, The birds I received from you April 1 are all working satisfactorily (May 13, 1907). I do this as a side issue. I work in the factory all day and take care of my pigeons nights and mornings, and find it very pleasant work.—E. D. D., Massachusetts. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 TEN PAIRS OF SQUABS A YEAR FROM ONE PAIR. MARKET BROADENING AND DEMAND INCREASING. The pigeons that I bought from you are doing nicely, Most of them seem to be in good condition and keep steadily at work. One pair raised ten pairs of squabs a year and there are others that almost equal them. I began last fall to save those from the best breeders. I had to keep them in the house with the older birds because 1 had nowhere else for them tostay. They disturbed the pigeons through the winter, but they are mating and getting to work now. I sell all the squabs I can raise to one of the local marketmen. At first there was no sale for them except in summer when wealthy people from the larger cities are sojourning here, but he bought all I had last winter. (See note below.) When ready for market they weigh from two pounds to two and one-half pounds a pair. They are white and fat and the dealer has complimented me a number of times about them.. I find the business very interesting and would like to engage in it more extensively if, I could get more time to devote to the birds, but it is impossible to do so at present. —Miss M. D., Connecticut. Note. The squab market has broadened tremendously since we first began advertising in the high class periodicals advising people to eat squabs as well as raise them. This habit of eating squabs has a steady hold all the year round on thousands of families who ten years ago did not know what a squab was. This demand is increasing every year. In spite of the steady growth in production of squabs, the pues are as high, and in many cases, higher than ten years ago. DELAWARE MAN FINDS IN OCTOBER, 1907, THAT NEW YORK MARKETS ARE HOLDING GOOD. PRICES ARE LIKELY TO GO HIGHER. I received your Manual yesterday and am very much pleased with it and stayed up until 1.30 last night reading it. I believe that if I follow your instructions and make up my mind to make a success of it, I will be able to do it. I knew a little about pigeons before, as my brother and I kept a flock of common pigeons when we lived in Long Island City, but had to move iS New York City and had to do away with em, I have a few mongrels on hand now and am experimenting a little, but as soon as able will send you an order. It will not be very large, but if your stock is as good as repre- sented (like your Manual) it will be all right. I have written to New York markets for prices and find they are still holding up good and I believe next year they will go higher. Hoping you the best of success.—N. H. C., Delaware. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 222 1907 OTHER HOMERS HAVE NOT THE UALITY OF PLYMOUTH ROCK. SQUABS IGH_ FIFTEEN OUNCES, FEATHERS OFF. On December 22, 1906, I bought three pairs of Extra Plymouth Rock Homers from you, and since then have had considerable luck with them. They are the best pigeons for breeding as well as for fancy I have yet seen, I've seen other Homers similar to those I have but they have not the quality of the Plymouth Rock. They weigh at the age of four weeks on an average 15 ounces, dressed, and are the finest pigeons for eating Purposes that can be had. When I received the pigeons I knew but yery little about them; but after following your Manual carefully I found results as stated, and will say it is worth double the amount I paid for it. I also made a feeder as shown in your Manual and think it is the proper thing for pigeons as there is but very little waste in feed. Out of the three old pairs I raised 28 squabs, losing but very few during the winter. I now have six pairs left which I am going to keep for breeders. The others I have been selling to friends here right along. I get from 50 to 75 cents a pair at the age of two months. I now (September, 1907) have a larger and better place for them and find thev are breed- ing a little better. They require but little care and are a great pleasure for pastime.— E. W., Missouri. NINE HATCHES IN TEN MONTHS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. WOMAN HAS NOT LOST A BIRD, OR HAD ONE SICK. Please find enclosed the sum of $2.90 postal note for which send me three dozen of your wood- fibre nestbowls by Dominion Express Co. Also if you would send me your price list I should be greatly obliged. I am quite well satisfied that your pigeons are all that you claim for them as to breeding qualities. I have one pair of the eight you sent me last May which have had nine hatches in ten months, and the others were never far behind them, and now T have quite a number of the young ones mated up and raisin, young. For a fine appearance I do not thin! there is anything in pigeons could beat them. Have followed the directions in your book and I have not lost one bird or had one sick. I quite expected to have sent you an order for more breeders before now, but I have had my husband sick a great deal this winter and funds would not permit of it, but I hope to send you one before long—Mrs. A. O., British Columbia. EVERY PAIR HAS EITHER EGGS OR SQUABS IN CALIFORNIA. I am more than pleased with the way my birds are turning out the squabs and intend placing an order for: more breeding stock soon. Every pair has either eggs or squabs and some have both. —1. L. T., California. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908: EARNING POWER OF SMALL FLOCK. INCREASING AT NO EXPENSE. We re- ceived our birds March 24, 1907. We had 25 pairs. They started to work in about. three weeks and we had the first squabs about the 10th of May. We have now (November 7, 1907) 120: young birds, and of these young birds we have five paifs that are working. Two pairs have already had young ones. Our entire expense for feed to date has been $36.52. Our expense for fitting up has been $140, not including price of birds. We figure that. we have not made any money this year, and still we have not lost any, and think with more birds and a better knowledge of the business there would be good money in it.— F. E. B., Connecticut. SQUABS TWELVE DAYS OLD. POSTMASTER’S GOOD PROGRESS IN TWELVE MONTHS. I felt like it was my duty to write you a few lines. Just one year ago to day since I_received my birds from: you, seven pairs Plymouth Rock Homers.. I now have 18 squabs, and 40 birds that can fly around in the pen. That makes 58 in all.. I think that is doing remarkably well for 12° months’ time. I am also trying to raise: poultry. I have a fine place here for that purpose and thought that I could attend to. that between times. I am postmaster here. After I get started and there is good money in it, I will sell out my store and do nothing: oo but raise squabs and poultry.—F. L. H., inois. USED GRAPE-VINE STICKS FOR NEST- ING MATERIAL. The pigeons bought are doing well. The flying pen is covered with grape vines. I neglected to put in any’ nesting material. All the pigeons have squabs, so they used great grapevine sticks, some as large as my finger—W. E., Massa- chusetts, LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 223 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 STRONG MATINGS LAST TO THE STATE _ SQUABS TWICE AS LARGE AS THOSE OF WASHINGTON AND SEVEN PAIRS OUT FROM HOMERS FROM ORDINARY OF FOURTEEN HAVE EGGS WITHIN TWO WEEKS, REST DRIVING. Received your shipment of 14 pairs of Homers about two weeks ago. There are.seven pairs of them on eggs today and the rest are all driving. They were all in first-class condition except one cock, which seemed to have had his neck hurt, as he could not hold his head up nor eat anything, and he died. Thank you for yeu promptness and the two pairs, free.— . G. M., State of Washington. VERY SUCCESSFUL WISHES TO BUY MORE. Could you tell us of a place where we could sell our pigeon manure? We have some four or five bushels. We have been very successful with our Homers. Starting with 12, we now have about 60 or 70. We want to buy some more breeders.—G. P., Missouri. SQUABS A FEW DAYS OLD. KENTUCKY WOMAN’S SUCCESS WITH FAST-BREEDING PLYMOUTH ROCKS. About 18 months ago we purchased from you six pairs of your Extra mated Homers, each pair a different color. These birds have done extra ¢ood work for us and have been more than satisfactory in every way. We have on hand now about 50 mated birds and about 100 youngsters; some of which ought soon to mate. The birds are all in good condition, moulting, but in ape of that some are still at work.—Mrs. C. P. M., Kentucky. ALL MATED, QUICK IN GETTING TO WORK IN DISTANT TEXAS. The pigeons that I got from you last Thursday are getting along just fine. Two pairs have nests and as far as I can see they are all mated. The Extra hens, it took them just about a week, which is fine. The Wells Fargo would not ship the crate collect on delivery, so I paid them ten cents for shipping. I am well pleased with the birds.—G. J. W., Texas. SOURCES. My birds purchased of you have been doing splendidly, under rather adverse circumstances because of the lack of care occasioned by my constant absence from home. Since entering into the business, I have taken special note of different pens in various parts of the State, of pigeons pur- chased elsewhere, and to my entire satisfaction that none are as fine or finer than my birds. I have been unable to keep an exact tab on the rate at which they breed but I notice that certain pairs exceed others in this capacity and have been exceedingly satisfactory. As to size of squabs, I can best tell you in the words of one of my customers upon her first purchase: * Why, Mr. Cantey, I never saw such large, fat things in my life. to stuff and bake them, instead of broiling. They are twice as large as any I have been getting elsewhere. I wouldn’t mind if they were smaller.” This is her unvarnished statement. I will send_you a photograph of my pen in a few days.—H. C., South Carolina. OUR MATED PAIRS GO RIGHT TO WORK IN KANSA I have delayed writing in order to see how the birds were going to turn out. Can say that I am very much pleased with them. They were delayed in Junction City from Saturday until Monday, but_ arrived in good shape. One male had its eyes pecked until it couldn't see, but I took it out and bathed the swelling and it was all O.K. in a few days. have four eggs and three more nests are being built, so you see they are going right to work. I have them so tame that I can hardly keep from ste: ping on them when I go into the house. probably want more the first of the year and if I do I will certainly order from you.— E. T., Kansas. VIRGINIA CUSTOMER A _ STEADY BUYER. I enclose check for ten pairs blue and blue checker breeding pigeons. Ship per Adams Express to me. intend to order in tots until I have 300 pairs. My old birds are doing well. I now have 18 ee including squabs.—H. T.I., Virginia. (This customer's first purchase was eight pairs, shipped in June, 1907. At this writing, November. 1907, he has sent in four more orders. His wife gave him a birthday surprise by ordering 20 pairs which we shipped so that they reached him on his anniversary.) NO SUBSTITUTES WANTED, BUT SOME- THING JUST AS GOOD. I want to make another order by the 25th of this month (October, 1907). The last pigeons - you shipped me were beauties and I would like to have some more just as good.—C. O., Alabama, LETTERS FROM CUSTOMORS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 224 1907 MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 BIRDS WELL-MATED, WENT TO WORK AT ONCE, ONE OF HER SQUABS WEIGHED ONE AND ONE-HALF POUNDS. HER HOUSE WAS ON THE GROUND AND RATS GOT AT THE SQUABS. I bought my first pigeons of you and put them in my house on March 21, 1907. They were in fine shape and eyery one thought them the handsomest birds they had ever seen. I had 25 pairs. I think my first squab hatched April 21, and about all the birds were at work then, I think. I had my first two squabs on my own table and one of them whea all dressed ready for baking weighed one pound and a half. Can any one beat that? I have not kept account of the number I have sold, but could have made a good thing of it if the rats had not got in. I sell them here in Scituate to the butcher for 20 cents apiece. While I was away this summer the one that took care of my birds for me sold a number of pairs of squabs to breed from for 50 cents a pair. I shall sell no more at that price. I have followed your Manual as nearly as I could in regard to feeding the birds and find my birds are big and fat and I have not had one sick one among them all. Neither have I been troubled with lice. When I came home this September I took account of stock and found that I had just 16 pairs of birds left. You see the rats did us great harm, but we had the house raised and now I am sending for ten pairs more of the Extra Homers and hope to make a good thing of the squab business after this. I shall keep an exact account of all my birds. There are a number of people around here that keep pigeons, but I think mine are the best birds of them all. Those that see mine want to have birds of the same kind. I think you will have some orders soon if you have not done so already from some that have seen mine and want birds like them. I got my birds to make money with and I am going to do it if it is to be done. And I am sure it is. I think your Manual is a fine aay to have if one is going to do any- thing in the squab business. en I want to know anything about the business I always look in the Manual and I can most always find my answer. I should not want to get along without the book. mclosed please find post-office money order for the ten pairs of Extra Homers and other goods I sent for. I wish to thank you for the extra pair of birds you so kindly offer to send, hope to send for more birds before many months if these do well. I took a Picture of my pen with some of the birds in it to-day, and if good will send you one.— Mrs. J. H. H., Massachusetts. Note. Rats burrow in the dirt and raise their families in these holes. When the floor of the squab-house is on the ground, the rats breed out of sight and out of reach, then they get into the squab-house quickly. As we say in the Manual, the floor of the squab- house must be elevated two feet, then there will be no rats, for they will not start breeding in the open air under such a house. LOST ONLY ONE OLD BIRD AND ONE SQUAB IN FIVE MONTHS’ BREEDING IN SSISSIPPI. Please let me know what you will let me have about four pairs of first- class pigeons for. My pigeons are doing finely. I have 16 now (September, 1907), just twice the number I bought of you in April. Ihave lost one of the old ones and one of the squabs. JI have enlarged my quarters and want to enlarge my flock somewhat. I have one pair setting and two pairs have just raised _a pair each and are ready for business —C. A. Mississippi. NEST OF TOBACCO STEMS. Some birds build a neat, compact nest like the above, and like tobacco stems to work with. GENEROUS AND HONORABLE DEAL- INGS. I received to-day by mail a leg-band outfit complete, with which I am very much pleased, and wish to thank you very much for same. If at any time I can do anything for you, don't hesitate to acquaint me of it, as I would like to show my appreciation for your generous and honorable dealings with me. My pigeons are al! doing finely and I have quite a bunch of fine young birds. Thanking you again for your kindness and extraordinary promptness,—W. G., New Jersey. SICK BIRD REPLACED. I received your postal today and was agreeably surprised to hear that you are willing to replace our sick bird. I hardly expected to receive such honest treatment. It is a relief to find an honest man these days. That bird we wish to replace is a hen. the other birds are getting along finely —F.A., Massachusetts. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 225 1907 RAPID BREEDING. CONTENTED MIND AND A CLEAR RECOMMENDATION FOR PLYMOUTH ROCK HOMERS. This is the first time I have nad occasion to write you a for a year, so here it is briefly. Being a business man myself, I know the value of time. I put 21 pairs Plymouth Rock Homers in loft August 6, 1906. Have sold and eaten ten and one-half dozen squabs. Have on hand to-day, October 8, 1907, 80 pairs mated breeders and near the end of the moulting season. I have about a dozen not ready for market and about a dozen pairs of eggs, divided between two lofts, 40 pairs in each and outside of fear of rats. I have a contented mind and a clear reconenend for Plymouth +1 Ohio. Rock Homers.—W. T. RAISED FROM PLYMOUTH -ROCK EXTRAS. In sending the above’ picture he writes: “The parents I got from you. I refused ten dollars a pair- for one pair this winter. ~I have seen™several large squab ranches in Delaware but on all of them I never saw any birds that could throw such birds as those sold by you.” MONTANA MAN LIKES OUR STYLE OF DOING BUSINESS. Received vour notice of shipment of birds yesterday (Sunday 29) and received the four pairs of fine Extra Homers to-day (30th) all in good shape. They are all fine birds and we are much pleased with them. It was very kind and eo of you people to send an extra pair ree of charge, and also drinker and bowls as we did not expect either. If this our first venture proves successful, assured you shall hear from us again. gene style of doing business.—H. ontana. you can_ rest I like 8. C. A TREAT TO BE TREATED WELL. The eleven pairs of birds (second order) arrived here yesterday and all in first-class condition. I shall place another ordet shortly, as I have to complete the buildings, and J am highly leased at the manner your firm does business. t is a treat to know that one’s order is filled satisfactorily —J. N., Virginia. MORE STORIES OF SUCCESS 1908 SQUABS SOLD TO HOTEL FOR FIFTY CENTS A PAIR IN KENTUCKY. I received your shipment of six pairs of Extra Homers, all in good condition; thank you for the Extra hen. This was the finest lot of Homers I ever saw in size and plumage, which is so uniform that it is hard to tell one from the other. I will send for another order some time next month. I sold three pairs of squabs this morning at 50 cents per pair to the hotel, and they say that my squabsare fine. (Later.) Find enclosed money order for which send me six pairs of your Extra nest-mated Homers, checkered and uniform in plumage. Every pair I have are working and some have two nests; one has three young squabs, which I think is unusual.—A. H., Kentucky. ‘ FIVE YEARS OF SUCCESS BY A NEW YORK STATE WOMAN. In October of 1902 1 sent you a check for $102.75 for pigeons. My pigeons have done very well. I ship to New York each week. I have just been reading your new squab book of 1907 and would very much like the address of the firm you quote in appendix on A Boe 141 and top first column page 143. indly send it to me thereby helping an old customer. Also kindly send me price of the new drinkin, fountain spoken of in your Manual. I nee three new ones and if satisfactory as to price will buy of you.—Miss O. W., New York. STOCK DOUBLED IN MOULTING SEA- ON. We have sent you to-day an order for grain for wtich we hope you will send as soon as possible. We bought stock from you several times, the first order sent in about June 1. Since that time (three months) the stock has doubled. We expect to place a large order in the spring along about March, We have about 75 birds in stock at present and started with a stock of 32. We shall have to have a few white birds in our next order. What is the price of the white stock at present? Hoping you will send us the grain soon.—C. & F., Massachusetts. FAST NESTING BY MATED PAIRS IN TEXAS, My birds received August 10 and turned into pen; the 17th they were building their nests, making seven days from arrival— all the birds in good shape. One did not fly on perch for about two minutes, but after this time have nothing wrong with them. They have certainly proven all that you have recom= mended of them and as to nesting have beaten your figures quite a bit. Thanking you for your ers se lon oe ere business as soon as I locate where I will make my squab farm.—G. R., Texas. re MANUAL WORTH TEN DOLLARS. I am very much pleased with your Manual and think it worth $10. I shall’send you an order for breeding stock .Some time this month, and grain and supplies. just as quick as I can get my house built —T. H., Massachusetts. LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS RECEIVED BY PLYMOUTH ROCK SQUAB COMPANY 226 APPENDIX E (Copyright, 1908, by Elmer C. Rice.) (Above pictures copyright, 1907, by Elmer C, Rice.) CARNEAUX. BIG, RED PIGEONS. The Carneau (pronounced car-no; plural Carneaux, pronounced the same) breed is new to this country. These pigeons are larger than the Homers and breed squabs weighing over a pound apiece. Plumage almost invariably copper red (rare specimens yellow) splashed a little with white; long body; broad breast; shape of head and body, and poise of body, different from other varieties; quiet disposition, not so timid as other breeds; meat of squabs uncommonly white; have no homing qualities; they may be allowed to fly, if desired, after a fortnight’s con- finement, will stay around the place where they are fed, will not try to fly back to place where bred; feed their young steadily and well; breed nine to ten pairs of squabs per year; are housed, fed and handled same as Homers; strong, rugged build. The above pictures give a very good idea of this variety. A customer in Greensburg, Penn., writes: ‘‘ This is the first time in my life to receive a circular picturing anything which gave a true picture; your picture is true to life in every detail. Everybody who sees my Carneaux is greatly taken with them. In every way they are doing splendidly.” ; I spent several months in Europe in 1906, partly to study in their home the Carneaux pigeons, which then were just becoming known in America and were recommended in sensational terms. It was my purpose to see the evidence at first hand and find out if the claims were founded on fact.” My investigations were favorable to this breed but I have waited two years to see how the birds would breed in our own lofts and in the lofts of customers. At this writing we have sold about a thousand pairs of Carneaux and orders for more are coming in fast. Previous to our importing this breed, there were about 600 pairs of Carneaux in America. In our long experience with pigeons, we have never known such a demand 227. 228 NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK as there is for Carneaux. Six dollars a pair may be obtained by anybody who has the breeders for sale. Youngsters weaned and able to stand shipment sell for three dollars a pair. The squabs sell alive for ten dollars to twelve dollars a dozen. It costs no more to feed and raise these birds than other pigeons. The selling price both for squabs and breeders being so much larger, that is why the profit is larger. On account of the tremendous demand for these birds for breeders, nobody is selling the squabs from them killed, but if they ever get so numerous that squabs are marketed from them, the price will be the very top notch. This breed has been developed by the pigeon breeders of Belgium. There are some Carneaux in France and Germany, but they are inferior in size and beauty to the Belgian birds, and few in number. They are not very plentiful in Belgium. We have made arrangements for the output of all the adult, perfect pairs of Carneaux the breeders of Belgium can furnish, fit for breeding, but so far they have not been able to furnish us more than 200 pairs a month, so scarce are the birds. We hope to get more from them. e have saved out 500 pairs Carneaux and are breeding them at our farm. We can supply Carneaux imported by us, or (in limited number) bred by us from birds of our importation. Why is the demand for Carneaux so much greater than the supply? Just this: They eat no more than Homers, but breed faster, and breed bigger squabs, “Th other words, they not only produce more squabs than the Homers, but the squabs bring at least one-third more money. The breeder making a profit from Homers will make more than double his profits with Carneaux. For years, the study has been to produce a pigeon larger than the Homer which would breed faster than the Homer. This has been accomplished in the Carneaux. We know it by our own investigation and actual breeding of this variety, and we know it by the experiences of our customers. The big breeds, all of which we have tried, such as Runts, Maltese, Italians (personally selected in Italy), breed big squabs, but they breed with exasperat- ing slowness. Crossed with Homers, the rate of breeding is improved, but the squabs are no larger than from our Extra Plymouth Rock Homers, so it is far better to breed the straight Extra Homers. The Carneaux breed squabs weighing a pound or more apiece and they breed nine pairs to ten pairs of squabs a year. For these two reasons, we believe that the Carneaux will displace the Homers in time. It will take many years because the Homers have a strong hold now and the Carneaux are scarce. Nevertheless, the cash returns from squabs weighing 12 pounds and 14 pounds to the dozen give a great profit to the breeder, and profits are what all squab breeders are after. Any one who has both Homers and Carneaux can get in a year from each air of Carneaux 15 or more pairs of squabs. Theoretically this is impossible or any pigeons. However, the Carneaux have help from the Homers. Just how this done is fully explained by us at the end of this article in the ‘oa graph headed, “ How to Breed Fifteen Pairs of Squabs from One Pair of Car- neaux in One Year.” ee ; One of our customers, a Southern gentleman, visited our farm in the fall of 1906. He liked the looks of the Carneaux and on returning home later sent for three pairs, which we shipped him December 26, 1906. On February 13, 1907, he wrote us asking how many pairs we could give him. He took all we could then supply at $6.00 a pair, giving the following endorsement of his first APPENDIX E 229 purchase: ‘‘ The three pairs I got December 28 have raised six squabs and are setting again (February 20), and I have not had them 60 days yet. So far they beat the Homers.” Under date of April 29, he wrote us. ‘‘ I have now, in my lofts, between 800 and 900 birds. Have Maltese, Mondaines, Carneaux and Homers, but the Carneau is the favorite bird with every- body that sees them. Have nearly 100 of these now and they are very rapid breeders, raising squabs that weigh from one to one and one-half pounds each: Have not sotd any yet, but have enough orders on hand for them, at $6.00 a pair, to take all that I can raise for some time tocome. Think at the present tate I can get eight to ten pairs a year from them.’’ Under date of December 13, 1907, he wrote us as follows: ‘‘I have now something over 100 pairs of Carneaux. Have sold a few pairs and could have said many more, but wanted my stock to accumulate and get as many breeders on hand as pos- sible. They are the best birds for squab raising that I have ever seen, and I believe I have seen them all. They breed faster, eat less, are hardier, better setters and feeders, and gentler than any of the other breeds, and for beauty they are unsurpassed. I have all told now about 3000 birds in my lofts: Have been very successful with my plant so far. May want some more Carneaux from you later on.” 2 As Che A customer in Missouri bought four pairs of Carneaux and liked them well enough to buy six more pairs three months later, saying: ‘' I am keeping an accurate record, which promises to be something startling for the year. Two pairs went to work (laid « eggs) within 10 days. The third pair went to work in 26 days. The fourth hen was not so well along in the moult and did not lay until November 8. The average weight of squabs at four weeks old has beet 17.6 ounces, weighed without crops filled with feed. The four pairs have made nine nests in lecs than 90 days, or a total average production of better than nine pairs a year. The actual average production is better than this, of course, as it wouldn’t be fair to count an average until all birds are at work. I have found them to be all that is desirable in a pigeon. They are good feeders and do not use more feed than the Homers.” In November, 1907, we shipped 21 pairs of our Carneaux to a Philadelphia breeder, who replied: ‘‘ To say I am pleased, these words do not express it: They are the finest lot of birds I have seen anywhere. My friend, who imported 25 pairs of Carneaux some time ago from Belgium, is very much disappointed with his Carneaux since he has seen the shipment you sent me: Tt shall endeavor to do all I can for the interest of your house in the way of orders. I received the 21 pairs of Carneaux Saturday, 8.30 p.m. Ori Mon- day, at 10 o’clock in the morning, nine pairs of the birds sent had almost completed nine nests in their new home (in a little over one day): This seems remarkable to me and I write you these few lines to get your opinion of the work they have done.” ; Other breeders, not our customers, who have bred the Carneaux, praise them as follows: : “They will easily average three squabs a year in excess of select Homers. A conservative estimate of squab weight under favorable conditions is 18 ounces.” : “ They average nearly a pair of squabs per month. For fancy and squab producing qualities, the Carneaux easily lead all.” “No questicn about Carneaux. They are it.’ ““T have only two pairs. Results are so satisfactory that I am clearing lofts to devote exclusively to Carneaux.”’ ii 230 NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK ‘The Carneaux boom has struck this country for fair.”’ ‘“‘ The Carneaux exceed all others in point of squab producing, not only in numbers and weight, but also in the clarity of the skin, the palatableness of the flesh, and prolific nature.”’ ‘“‘ The consensus of opinion seems to be that the Carneaux will produce 10 pairs, or 20 pounds of squabs per pair to the year, while some place the average higher. Few place it lower.” “ All I have read has been substantiated by my own personal experience. Their yearly yield is from 10 to 11 pairs of squabs.” ‘“My experience with Carneaux is limited to two years. They are great. The Carneaux will occupy the place of honor in loft and showroom. Ten pairs of squabs is the yield per year.’’ “I have bred them two years. Carneaux are as superior to the Homer as the Homer is to the common pigeon. It is the rule rather than the exception for the Carneaux to produce nine pairs of white-meated squabs a year which will average one pound each. My experience proves conclusively that they will produce twice as many pounds of squabs in a year as the ordinary birds now generally used as squab breeders, and one of the most conspicuous points in their favor is the fact that the cost of keeping them is no more,”’ A few advertisers of pigeons who live inland, not in a seaport city, may ‘‘run down ”’ imported pigeons, saying they are no good, culls, not acclimated, poor breeders, and so forth, ad nauseam. The reason why these soreheads fret so is, that it is impossible for them to import pigeons success- fully. To do this successfully, steadily, profitably, one must live on the sea- board, close to where the Antwerp steamers come, and must have a personal acquaintance with the officers of the steamships, and see them at every sail- ing, and pay them for their work in caring for the birds. The reason why those who decry imported pigeons do not sell them is simply that they cannot get them, or, if they think they can get them, they wish to sell something in which there is a greater profit. We have seen not much talk of this kind, in opposition to imported pigeons, but it will be indulged in more or less as the traffic in Carneaux increases. The trade calling for Carneaux in America must be supplied with imported birds or go without them, for nobody can ship day by day, steadily, Carneaux of his own raising. You should be sure and get Carneaux which have been in this country at least one or two months, and have got their sea-legs off, for it is our experience that the long voyage results in a goodly percentage of dead and injured birds, depending on the weather and the caretakers. That imported Carneaux go to work quickly is indicated by the letter of the Philadelphia gentleman above quoted, nine pairs out of 21 pairs having built nests within two days after delivery to him. Our trade in Carneaux is increasing every month and we expect to sell many thousand pairs in 1908 and 1909. We recommend them to our cus- tomers. We do not wish anybody to take our word for their excellence. Try them alongside of your Homers and form your own opinion. Anybody who buys Carneaux of us and is not perfectly satisfied with them, and that ail we say here is true, after six months’ trial, may exchange them for our Extra pomonih Rock Homers at the rate of three pairs of Homers for one pair of arneaux. APPENDIX E 231 HOW TO BREED FIFTEEN PAIRS OF SQUABS FROM ONE PAIR OF CARNEAUX IN ONE YEAR. (Copyright, 1908, by Elmer C. Rice). During the first eight months of the year, January to August, the Carneaux may be robbed of their eggs twice a month and they will lay again about 10 days later. A pair of Carneaux build a nest, and the two eggs are laid. On the day they are laid (or the second or third day, if the first day is not convenient for you) you take away the two eggs from the Carneaux nest and carry them in your hands to the pen where you have Homers breeding. You look around in the pen until you find a nest with Homer eggs. You throw these Homer eggs away, putting in their place the two Carneaux eggs. The Homers keep right on sit- ting and hatch out, not their own eggs, but the two Carneaux eggs, and raise the two Carneaux squabs. Meantime, the pair of Carneaux from which you took the eggs wish more eggs, and within 10 days to 14 days the hen lays again. Now, as you did at first, you take away these two eggs from the Carneaux and put them under Homers. Do not take away the third setting of eggs from the Carneaux. Let the eggs stay in the Carneaux nest and the Carneaux will hatch and raise them. For example, a Carneau hen lays two eggs June 1. Take them away and substitute them for the eggs in a Homer nest. The Carneau hen will lay again June 10 to June 15.. Take.the two.eggs - away and substitute them for the eggs in a Homer nest. The Car- neau hen will lay again June 25to July 1. This will give you three settings of eggs from one pair in 30 days. Let the Carneaux raise the third setting and then repeat the process. During the last four months of the year, take away the eggs only once and let the female Carneau set on the second pair of eggs. From 15 pairs to 18 pairs of squabs from one pair of Carneaux may be produced in one year by the above method. With Carneaux selling for six dollars a pair, of course it pays to use Homers to increase the supply of Carneaux. With ordinary success, in follow- ing this method, the capacity of a pair of Carneaux may be doubled. COMMENT ON ABOVE. We do not think this forcing method would have the slightest effect on the health of the Carneaux. Hens and ducks lay a great many more egys than 232 NATIONAL STANDARD SQUAB BOOK pigeons. It is not much strain on the female pigeon to lay four or six eggs a month instead of two. The strain of production comes from setting on the eggs day after day, not in laying the eggs, we should guess. p Why not take away all the Carneaux eggs and hatch them under Homers? some may ask. We do not believe in this, as far too unnatural. The Car- neaux should be given an opportunity to raise the third setting, for that is what they are striving for: : This method has been tested thoroughly with birds purchased from us and it works all right. There is nothing far-fetched about it. You simply take the eggs away and let Homers hatch them out. At the same time, simple as this plan is, it has never been published: before, to our knowledge, nor has it ever been tried except by a few breeders of our acquaintance. It is not uncommon for breeders of fancy pigeons of poor feeding and raising qualities to put their eggs under Homers, but no motive for doubling the squab pro- duction from certain pigeons has ever existed until today, when it is money in the breeder’s pocket to turn out all the six-dollar pairs of Carneaux he can in the shortest space of time.