132 EFFECT OF FOG ON PIGEONS 

 a faculty already perfect, but by engendering 

 habit — the habit of returning home immedi- 

 ately on being liberated, essential to racing 

 purposes. 



When a pigeon is liberated away from home 

 there is no reason why it should return then 

 and there. Though it generally does so, there 

 is always the possibility that the bird may be 

 attracted by Ukely looking feeding-grounds, 

 such as cornfields, over which it is passing. 

 Having alighted, possibly it meets with others 

 of its kind, and so loses the inclination to 

 return, and perhaps never returns at all. But 

 that is not to say the pigeon has failed because 

 unable to find its way. Training tends to 

 reduce the chances of loitering. 



Those who argue in favour of " observation 

 and memory " maintain that, had pigeons a 

 sense of direction, fog would not hinder them. 

 No doubt fog has some effect on the birds : 

 they are said to refuse to start in it, which 

 perhaps is not surprising. 



Fog has always a depressing influence, 

 mentally as well as physically. It is possible, 

 therefore, that subconscious perceptions are 

 dulled by certain atmospheric conditions 

 which may be sufficient to deter pigeons from 

 setting out in foggy weather. It is certain, 

 however, that having once made a start, birds 



