THE COLmiBIKE, OR PIGEOI^ GROUP. 137 



We learn from Dr. Russell that " this 

 pigeon in former times was employed by the 

 English factory, to convey intelligence from 

 Scancleroon of the arrival of the company's 

 ships in that port. The name of the ship, 

 the hour of her arrival, and whatever else 

 could be comprised iu a small compass, being 

 written on a slip of paper, was secured in such 

 a manner under the pigeon's wing as not to 

 impede its flight, and her feet were bathed in 

 vinegar, with a view to keep them cool and 

 prevent her being tempted by the sight of 

 water to alight, by which the journey might 

 have been prolonged, or the billet lost. The 

 practice has been in disuse many years, but I 

 have heard it asserted by an English gentle- 

 man, in whose time it still subsisted, that he 

 had known the pigeons perform the journey 

 (to Aleppo) in twt) hours and a half. The 

 messenger had a young brood at Aleppo, and 

 was sent down in an uncovered cage to 

 Scanderoon, from whence, as soon as set at 

 liberty she returned with all expedition to 

 her nest. It was usual at the season of the 

 arrival of the annual ships, to send pigeons 

 to be ready at the port, and by all accounts 

 if the bird remained absent above a fortnight 

 e3 



