Dietz work may be the initial introduction into standards for judging. While the main title would indicate a more general work, the subtitle, with Latest Standards, is what sets this early work out from the rest. There are many breeds described, supplemented photographs or drawings, with rather detailed information as to just how the breeds are supposed to look. There is also a short section with suggestions for judging. The work is 145 pages, including a nice glossary of pigeon terms.

This is an undated reprint that appears to have been of the same period or very nearly so.  Perhaps, just a less expensive copy.  The front cover is creased, as the enlarged scan shows, and the back cover has been signed by a previous owner.  The pages are all very nice with very little discoloration, and are actually somewhat brighter than the fancier bound version above.

This title has been rebound at some time in the distant past, which undoubtedly has assisted the good state of preservation for a book from 1851. The title was written during interesting times is the field zoology in general and heredity in specific. It is of interest to note that so many pigeon breeders were in the forefront of the field. We learn from the book's preamble that" The writer is fully aware that it is not easy for him to answer and explain several of the objections that my be urged against the theoretical views he has ventured to state; but he is also both extensively read and practically experienced in the still greater difficulties and inconsistencies of the progressive hypotheses of domesticated creatures." And Dixon dedicates his work to the Earl of Derby President of the Zoological Society of London at the time.

Published by Allman and Son in 1857 and is noted as a new edition for the juvenile library series This little hard back is in very good condition for its age and while tanned has little to no foxing. There are illustrations but no indication of the artist. There is a gift inscription on the front end papers dated 1859. All the pages edges gilt. There is some expected wear on the covers as can be seen in the scan

No time or expense has been spared in making this book as valuable as possible, all the illustrations being from actual photographs while the drawings were especially made by Mr. Hazard himself. The plans and specifications for the construction of pigeon houses and fly pens will prove of great value to these who contemplate building a pigeon plant or enlarging their present plant.

The book has .been divided into forty chapters, thus making it not only well suited for textbook use in agricultural colleges, poultry extension courses, boys' and girls' club work, correspondence courses, but also convenient for home study.