S24 



FIELD, FOREST AND FARM 



pigeon is very clever at finding its way over long 

 distances, and that it is used for carrying letters 

 from one place to another." 



"Yes," replied Uncle Paul, "this aptitude for re- 

 tracing the homeward way over vast distances is 

 shown to an extraordinary degree by some of our 

 domestic pigeons. Economizing all their strength 

 for purposes of sustained flight, they have retained 

 the wild pigeon's pointed wings, sleek plumage, and 

 symmetrical form. We call these birds carrier- 

 pigeons, a name well earned, as you will see from 

 what I have now to tell you. 



"A pigeon having a brood of young is taken from 

 the pigeon-house, put into a closed basket, and trans- 

 ported a distance of a 

 hundred, two hundred 

 leagues, or even further 

 if you choose — from one 

 end of France to the 

 other. There it is set 

 free. It rises in the air, 

 circles about a few times 

 as if to assure itself of the 

 direction to be followed, 

 and then starts off in 

 impetuous flight toward 

 the quarter where pigeon- 

 house and young await its coming. 



"Does the bird catch sight of the pigeon-house as 

 it circles about in the upper air? By no means; the 

 distance is too great. Even should it rise to the 



Carrier Pigeon 



