The Star

CARRIER PIGEONS.
Their Knowledge of Direction Still Unexplained.

How the Birds Are Trained For a Contest.

Of late years the interest in carrier pigeons has been very considerably enhanced. Belgium takes the lead, but the other countries are not far behind.

The facility with which the carrier pigeon determines its course is as yet unexplained. To attribute this knowledge of direction to instinct is merely a confession of ignorance. It is much rather sight, reflection, and sensation which guide the carrier pigeon on its course, and rarely guide it wrong.

The same faculty is possessed by all migratory birds. To form an intelligent conception of this faculty, we must assume either a special sense or a delicate sensitiveness to atmospheric currents. Experiments by balloonists have shown that pigeons are incapable of flying at any great height. Birds thrown out at 6000 meters fell like dead, and even at the moderate height of 300 meters pigeons liberated by the balloonist, Gaston Tissandier, approached the earth in a spiral course. It is evident hence, that they are not guided wholly by sight. To bring a point 300 miles distant within the range of vision, it would be necessary to ascend nearly 20,000 meters. The carrier pigeon, consequently start with faith in the unseen.

As regards the speed and flight of carrier pigeons, there is considerable divergence of opinion. The Belgian birds are admittedly the best, and the greatest achieved speed of a Belgian bird is given as 150 kilometers (over ninety-five miles) within the hour. In favorable weather a good bird will cover thirty to thirty-five miles in an hour. The greater the distance, the smaller the probability of the prompt return of the bird. At a distance of say a hundred miles almost all birds return safely if the weather is favorable, but at distances of four or five hundred miles it is impossible to reckon confidently on the bird's return. It appears curious, but it is a well established fact that as the bird nears its home its speed is accelerated.

The question has frequently been raised as to whether the male or female pigeon is the better for racing contests. Practically there is nothing to choose between them when both are in condition, but a laying female should never be taken for the sport.

The carrier pigeon is not, as many suppose, a distinct variety. All domestic pigeons are presumably descended from the blue-rock pigeon and all are more or less suited to the purpose. The common pigeon is not used, for, although a rapid flier for short distances, he has no great staying powers.

One of the best pigeons for the purpose is the tumbler whose sense or sensation of direction is very strongly developed, and who rarely loses his way. The tumbler flies higher than most birds of the genus, and will continue circling in the air for hours. He has all the necessary staying power for long flight and a great love of his home. Still many of these birds leave much to be desired. In the first place, they are likely to waste time before setting out on their return; again, they are liable to fall victims to birds of prey, and lastly they are especially liable to diseases of the eye which frequently result even in total loss of sight. Another bird of equal speed and endurance is the Persian "carrier."

In the first year the trainer rarely lets the test exceed from 60 to 90 miles; the following year the distance may be extended to 250 miles; and in the third year, when the bird is at the height of its powers, the limit may be extended to 350 or 400 miles.

In the last year of training, the first flight is from 120 to 130 miles, terminating in a contest which usually extends to about 300 miles. The longest contests are from 400 to 700 miles.

Before entering a bird for a contest it should be carefully examined as to its fitness, and the feet cleaned, washed, dried and oiled. Some trainers start their birds with empty crops, with the idea that it will make them more eager to get home. This is a great mistake. The famished bird is liable to be exhausted by long sustained effort.-Literary Digest.