The Antwerp Carrier. 141 



along with speculations as to their guide for their homeward course. The 

 latter points to the theory of this bird flying by sight alone. I find that 

 the Eev. B. S. Dixon, in his very interesting work, ' The Dovecote and 

 Aviary,' takes this same view ; and though I always hesitate to place my 

 opinion against that of such men of letters as Mr. Dixon, still on this 

 point (the guide of the carrier on the wing) I beg most respectf ally to 

 differ. It is pretty well known that I am not an Antwerp-carrier fancier, 

 and do not encourage the Antwerp as a bird that ought to be in the fancy, 

 for several reasons which I shall not discuss at present. But Autwerps I 

 keep for two purposes : first, as feeders for my young pouters, and second 

 for table use. For both these purposes I find them most suitable. First, 

 then, as to the power of wing possessed by this bird. I do not think tliis 

 point is yet fully developed in this country ; but so far as my personal 

 experience goes I shall give it. The plaia narrative I think may answer 

 the purpose best. It may be interesting, and I hope wiU not weary 

 readers , 



" Several years ago, when in Manchester, I called on Mr. W. Millward, 

 bird dealer, from whom I had all my Belgian canaries. He had lately 

 arrived from the Continent, and brought with him a stock of Antwerp 

 carriers, which he then found to be moat unprofitable. Not having before 

 seen such birds, which I could be sure of having been imported, I pur- 

 chased three pairs. The stock consisted of mostly blues, some mealies, 

 and some nameless colours ; but all were self-coloured, and all showing 

 a cross of the owl, a slight division of the feathers on the breast. Some 

 of them had the breast feathers slightly turned, iudicating the friH. They 

 were wild as newly caught hawks, and strong enough to carry before them 

 a pane of window glass, as one of them did when in my possession. After 

 much care and caution I found them to be hardy birds, breeders almost 

 the year round — indeed, I am never without some few young ones. During 

 the season, when early light, they take two flights per day, the cocks and 

 unoccupied hens at about 7 a.m., the hens and unoccupied cocks about 1 

 p.m. The flock invariably fly southward, and are away for about an hour 

 and a half each time. I have seen them fully ten miles south stiU holding 

 in that direction. When first noticed on their return they are always at 

 a very great height ; but should it be blowing hard (the weather seems of 

 little consequence to them) they often return from the northward, having 

 no doubt been carried to the east or west beyond their home. Three 



