363 HOMING PIGEONS. 



over two hundred miles in their second year, as they are 

 not fully matured till over two years of age. 



It is an established fact that pedigree in homing birds 

 is of the first consequence, so that those entering on pigeon 

 flying should by all means endeavour to procure stock from 

 fliers of repute. If the best Homers could be selected by 

 appearance there would be no need to go further ; but it is well 

 known that some of the best have had little in their looks 

 to recommend them. 



The most absurd stories regarding Carrier pigeons are 

 often circulated in the newspapers, such as the return of 

 some sent to the Arctic regions to their home in Ayrshire, 

 the flight of others across the Atlantic Ocean, and the capture 

 of others at sea with stamps on their wings showing them 

 to have been employed during the Siege of Paris, which 

 happened seven or eight years before their capture, and since 

 which event their flight feathers must have been renewed 

 annually. It seems impossible to kill these fables, and they 

 crop up at regular intervals. One or more Carriers were 

 captured at sea during the Siege of Paris, and were shown 

 at exhibitions of pigeons as objects of interest. Since then 

 the story has been repeatedly re-published as a late event, 

 and it will probably continue to be published in time to 

 come, as it comes under the observation of those who do not 

 understand the way in which pigeons are used as messengers. 



On the Continent the flying fancy is much followed. In 

 Belgium there are hundreds of clubs or societies for the cul- 

 tivation of the Yoyageur Pigeon, whilst they also abound in 

 France and Germany. In this country the fancy is increasing, 

 and rising in public estimation, many gentlemen and respectable 

 people being devoted to it. The use of the Yoyageur for war 

 purposes has been recognised on the Continent, and Govern- 

 ment studs of them have been established in France, Germany, 

 and other countries. The principal foreign flying matches 

 take place in July, and extend over distances of from 200 to 



