I have laid much emphasis on the better odds of soundness or control, as it is sometimes termed, of the later developers. Although this is fact, I do not wish to give the impression that the bulk of a year's progeny will end up killing themselves. If the strain is a good one to start with, such should not be the case. What is essential is that I relate to readers a way out of the suicidal syndrome, should the fancier find himself entrapped in it, and make the pitfalls of a system of utilising only birds tested in the air for only twelve months perfectly clear.
It will be the case from time to time that a fancier will wish to breed from a Roller that came into the roll early and is perhaps even deep to the limit of the nerves of both bird and owner. This very deep specimen may be the ideal mate for a particular bird, or carry other illuminating qualities for the mating, or the direction of the fancier's whole programme. I can see nothing wrong with this, ninety-nine per cent of us do it, and in the end the breeder is the best judge of these things.
It is imperative that all observations alluding to aerial and physical development of every bird be recorded in a permanent ledger. By doing so it is not as likely that the more sensational and romantic side of things will get the upper hand. It is important to enscribe the truth as it transpires on to something less given to fits of the imagination than the human mind. We need the truth. No one can remember everything. Put it down. As just one example of how one may benefit from this practice, I personally consult with my performance diary before putting a pair down to breed. I am loth to unite cock and hen with a similar aerial shortcoming, even if it were only a temporary one, a Roller transmits more than its best performing characteristics, on its best days, to the gene pool.
The very, very best Rollers are not weak birds with a lot of rolling propensity. Nor are they strong birds with a little roll. They are also not average specimens with an average amount of roll, nor any other of several strength/rolling factor arrangements. What the champion is, is this, a small to medium-sized pigeon of perfect type with super strength and packed equally with a ferocious compression of innate rolling propensity. The regularity factor is transmitted by the genes, but interestingly enough, the small bird is far more prolific in its performance than the large one. The breeder has therefore at least two obvious armaments with which to flail away at the frequency problem. It is much better to have birds rolling too deeply 'coming too good', than have the opposite condition prevailing, but this is totally different from solid Rollers unable to curtail their rolling when alighting.
Whether lack of control is due to lack of intelligence, muscle co-ordination, or a faulty modifying gene within the specimen's major rolling system, makes scant difference. None of this type should be bred from, they produce likewise, and should be flushed in the loft's breeding programme. Birds that learn from their mistakes, seem alert, poised, intelligent, well balanced in the air and ground, and vigorously take to all aspects of breeding chores are the best choice for founding a loft. They leave nothing to be desired, and have naturally commanding, winning ways. They can be mated to practically anything, and are rare.
