106 About the Feathered Folk. 



Gradually the distance is increased; 

 the mile or two becomes scores of 

 miles. The covered baskets go long 

 journeys by rail, many to St. 

 Pancras, which is the terminus of 

 the Midland line ; and there the 

 men, more intent on their sport 

 than on the characteristics of the 

 place, let loose their birds as soon 

 as they arrive. 



It is Pigeon nature to beat about 

 for a while before settling into straight, 

 homeward flight, and so a large 

 number of birds turn into the great 

 cavernous glass building, and fail- 

 ing to find a direct way out, remain 

 there until hunger and bewilder- 

 ment have caused them to forget 

 all about that snug cot in the 

 country where they were born and 

 bred. 



I do not like the look of 

 " Pigeon-fancying " men. I do not 

 believe they have an atom of real 

 love for the pretty innocent birds 



