THE SPEED OF HOMING PIGEONS. 



443 



pigeon-flyers if by the same method I constructed a diagram by 

 which the individual grade or figure of merit of a homing pigeon 

 could be ascertained in respect to its flying velocity, not only 

 among birds of its own loft, but also among the bulk of the 

 pigeons of other lofts. Two tables, and a diagram made from 

 them, are accordingly given. The former show how the latter 

 was arrived at. Table I. refers to old birds, and by means of it 

 the upper curve A B is drawn. Table II. refers to young birds 

 and from it the lower curve a b is made. By the aid of the diagram 

 then we are able to compare — (1). Any individual old bird whose 

 mean flying velocity for an average distance (about 141 miles) is 



known, with old birds in one's own loft, or with nearly all old birds, 

 which flew last year to other English lofts. (2). Any young bird 

 of last year in the same manner. (3). We can compare old birds 

 with young. For example — We have an old bird which has made 

 a mean velocity of 970 yards per minute. From the point 970 on 

 the perpendicular A C we carry a line horizontally till it meets 

 the upper curve AB. From this point of intersection we drop a 

 perpendicular to meet B C, and we find it meets it at the grade 50. 

 In other words, as compared with all other old birds, our individual 

 pigeon is of mediocre rank; 50 per cent, made higher velocities 50 

 per cent, lower. Ak'ain, we possess a young bird with a recorded 

 mean average velocity of 850 yards per minute. A horizontal from 

 this point to the lower curve a b, and a perpendicular dropped as 



2 m2 



