359 HOMING PIGEONS. 



" POWER OF WING AND COMPASS. 



" I hear a voice you cannot hear, 

 Which bids me not to stay ; 

 I see a hand yon cannot see, 

 Which beckons me away. 



"There has been much interesting writing on the powers 

 of the Carrier Pigeon, the length and rajjidity of their flights, 

 and modes of training, along with speculations as to their 

 guide for their homeward course. The latter points to the 

 theory of this bird flying by sight alone. I find that the 

 Rev. E. S. Dixon, in his very interesting work, 'The Dove- 

 cote and Aviary,' takes this same view; and though I always 

 hesitate to place my opinion against that of such men of 

 letters as Mr. Dixon, still on this point (the guide of the 

 Carrier on the wing) I beg most respectfully to differ. It 

 is pretty well known that I am not an Antwerp Carrier 

 fancier, and do not encourage the Antwerp as a bird that 

 ought to be in the fancy, for several reasons which I shall 

 not discuss at present. But Antwerps I keep for two pur- 

 poses : First, as feeders for my young Pouters ; and second, 

 for table use. For both these purposes I find them most 

 suitable. First, then, as to the power of wing possessed by 

 this bird. I do not think this point is yet fully developed in 

 this country ; but, so far as my personal experience goes, I 

 shall give it. The plain narrative, I think, may answer the 

 purpose best. It may be interesting, and I hope will not 

 weary readers. 



" Several years ago, when in Manchester, 1 called on Mr. W. 

 Millward, bird dealer, from whom I had all my Belgian Cana- 

 ries. He had lately arrived from the Continent, and brought 

 with him a stock of Antwerp Carriers, which he then found 

 to be most unprofitable. Not having before seen such birds 

 which I could be sure of having been imported, I purchased 

 three pairs. The stock consisted of mostly blues, some 

 mealies, and some nameless colours ; but all were self- 



