BRITISH BIRDS. 
269 1 
noted amongft them, fuch as Tumblers, Carriers, 
Jacobines, Croppers, Powters, Runts, Turbits, 
Shakers, Smiters, Owls, Nuns, &c. Of thefe the 
Carrier Pigeon is the moil remarkably deferving 
of notice, having been made ufe of in very early 
times as the means of conveying intelligence on 
the moll trying and important occafions, and with 
an expedition and certainty which could be equal- 
led by no other. The Pigeon ufed on thefe occa- 
fions was taken from the place to which the ad- 
vices were to be communicated, and the letters 
being tied under its wings, the bird was let loofe, 
and in fpite of furrounding armies and every ob- 
llacle that would have effectually prevented any 
other means of conveyance, guided by inftinCt a- 
lone, it returned direCtly home, where the intelli- 
gence was fo much wanted. There are various 
inltances on record of thefe birds having been em- 
ployed during a fiege to convey an account of its 
progrefs, of the fituation of the befieged, and of the 
probable means of relief : Sometimes they were 
the peaceful bearer of glad tidings to the anxious 
lover, and to the merchant of the no lefs welcome 
news of the fafe arrival of his veffel at the defired 
port. 
