Szirácsik Éva (szerk.): A Magyar Mezőgazdasági Múzeum Közleményei 2016-2017 (Budapest, 2017)
Zubor Ferenc: A szervezett magyar galambtenyésztés szakirodalma és tárgyi emlékei a Magyar Mezőgazdasági Múzeum és Könyvtárban (1882-1918)
ABSTRACT The literature and artefacts of organised Hungarian pigeon breeding in the Museum and Library of Hungarian Agriculture (1882-1918) Ferenc Zubor The origins of organised pigeon breeding in Hungary date back to the establishment of the Columbia Pigeon Fanciers’ Association of Budapest in 1882. Breeding goals in that period were just as varied as they are today. The Ministry of Agriculture made increasing efforts since the late 19th century to improve the country's poultry and pigeon stock, as well as to develop expert literature popularising the sector. Both the Agricultural History and Agricultural Science departments of our Library keep a nearly complete collection of textbooks and periodicals related to the pigeon breeding literature of the period. Not surprisingly, as pigeon breeding had become closely linked to many aspects of poultry breeding since the late 19th century. Apart from its economic use the keeping of pigeons was fuelled by the success of racing pigeons in competitions, the improvement of the required breed characteristics of fancy pigeons and the military possibilities recognised in homing pigeons. Though the Columbia supported every pigeon breed until its 1904 reorganisation, Hungarian pigeon breeding was dominated by homing pigeons. The breeding of homing pigeons had already started in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in the years immediately after the Compromise. The dual Ministry of War maintained a network of pigeon post stations across Hungary. These military installations were supervised by the Columbia. In 1904 the breeders of racing, fancy and homing pigeons founded their own separate organisations. Since several dfferent breeds were supported, the disputes and clashes of interest between the various groups favouring different breeds constantly tested the limits of these organisations. The Original Photographs, Art and Numismatic Collections of the Museum and Library of Hungarian Agriculture all keep several unique artefacts related to pigeon breeding from this tumultuous period. 257 T
