The morning call., 1893-04-16
CARRIER-PIGEoN SPORT.
Experiments With the Birds-Their
Speed OVerestimated.
Der stem der Welssn, Vienna.

Der stein der Weisen, Vienna.
OF late years the interest in carrier
pigeons has been very considerably en-
hanced. Belgium takes the lead, but the
other countries are not far behind. The
facility with which the carrier-pigeOn de-
termines its course is as yet unexplained.
To attribute this knowledge OF direction to
instinct is merely a confession of ignorance.
II is much rather sight. reflsc tion and SEN
satiOn which guides the carrier-pgeon on
its course, and rarely guides it wrong. The
same faculty is possessed by all migratory
birds. To form an intelligent conception of
this faculty, we must either assume spe-
cial sense. or delicate sensitiYeness to at
mospheric currents. Experiments by bal
loOnists have shown that pigeons are in
capable OF flying at any great height. Birds
thrown out at 6000 meters fell like dead,
and even at the moderate height of 800
meters pigeons liberated by the ballo0nist
Castor Tissandier approached the earth in
spiral course. 1t Is evident hence that
they are. not guided wholly by sight. To
bring q point 800 miles distant within the
range of vision, IL would be necessary to
ascend near 10000 meters. The carrier
pigeon, startling en- such a journey. must
consequently start with faith in the unseen.
AS regards the speed of flight OF carrier
pigeons, there is considerable divergence of
opinion. The Belgian birds are admittedly
the best, and the greatest achieved speed of
Belgian bird is given as $50 kil0meters
lover uincty-fv miles, within the hour. In
favorable weather a good bird will cover
thirty to thirty-ive miles in an hour. The
greater the distance the smaller the proba-
biliiy Of the prompt return of the bird. At
distance Of say 100 miles almost all birds
return safely II the weather is favorable.
but at distances of 400 or 500 miles it is i'm
possible to reckon confidently on the birds
return. 1t appears curious, but 1t Is
well Established fact that as the bird nears
its home its speed is accelerated.
The question has frequently been raised
as TO whether the male or female pigeon is
the better for racing contests. Practically,
there is nothing 10 choose between them
when both are In condition. hut a laying
female should never be taken for the sport.
The carrier-pigeon is not, as many sup
pose, a distinct variety. All domestic pig
cons are presumably descended from the
blue-rock pigeon, and all are more or less
suited 10 the purpose. The common pigeon
is not used. for. although rapid flyer for
short distances. he has no great staying
powers.
One of the best pigeons for the purpose is
tile tumbler COLUMBIA gyratrise) whose sense
or sensation of direction is very strongly
developed. and who rarely loses his way
The tumbler flies higher than most birds Of
the genus, aud Will continue cireling in the
air for hours; he has all the necessary stay
ing power for longflight, and great love Of
his home. Still many of these birds leave
u.uch to be desired. In the first place. they
are likely to waste time before setting out
on their return; again, they are likely 10
fall victims to birds of prey; and, lastly,
they are especially liable 10 diseases of tie
eye, which frequently result even in total
loss of sight. Another bird of equal speed
and endurance is the Persia carrier"
In the first year the trainer rarely lets the
test exceed from 60 to 90 miles; the follow
ing year the distance may be extended to
$50 miles, and In the third year, when the
bird is at the height of its powers, the limit
may he extended to $50 or 400 miles.
In the last year of training the first fight
is from 100 to 100 miles. terminating in a
contest which usually extends to about 800
miles. The longest contests are from 400 TO
700 miles. Before entering a bird for the
contest it should be carefully examined as
to its fitness and the feet cleaned, washed.
dried and oiled. Same trainers start their
birds with empty crops. with the idea that
II will make them more eager 10 get home
This is great mistake. TIE famshed bird
is liable to be exhausted by long sustained
effort