Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

16 PIGEON-FANCIERS.

their cages at the same time, when mingling
in the circuit round and round the buildings,
(as often happens) one or more from one per-
son's flock will return home with those of an-
other ; in which case, they are his lawful prize
for ever, unless his neighbour wishes to redeem
the captives by a price, or by an exchange of
prisoners. The fortunate holder, however, of
such prize makes his own terms, which are
perhaps exorbitant, particularly if he have any
ill-will against the proprietor, or the stray pigeon
happen to be of a peculiarly rare kind. Many
are the proofs of good breeding and civility,
elicited on such occasions between gentle-
men ; and many, also, are the perpetuated
quarrels where such a collision of interests
happens between young men of bad feelings,
or with persons having any previous dislike to
each other.

The chief out-door exercise taken by the
youth of India, is an occasional ride on horse-
back or the elephant. They do not consider
walking necessary to health ; besides which, it is
plebeian, and few ever walk who can maintain