Evening star., 1897-03-19
RACES For E H0MERS
Consolidating Of the Pigeon-F1ying
Organizations.
GRAND AMERICAN HANDICAP
Corbett Makes Manly Admission
of Defeat.
CURRENT SPORTING NOTES

Homing pigeon fanciers are now making
their preparations for the spring races, and
every Monday night the devotees of this
sport In this city can be found at the regu-
lar meeting place of the Washington Dis
trict Of the National Federation of Ameri-
can Homing Pigeon Fanciers perfecting
their arrangements.
The large majority of washington's
active followers of this sport have recently
effected consolidation and, with all the
prominent lofts represented, an unusually
successful season is anticipated.
The National Federation of American
Homing Pigeon Fanciers incorporated un-
der the laws Of the state of New Jersey, is
the only recognized general body of homing
pigeon fanciers in the United States and
Washington District is the local section.
The preliminary training of old birds, i.e.,
birds hatched prior to or during the pre-
ceding calendar year. begins about the 1st
of April. the birds being first taken short
ber of times in different directions from
the city. After this the training is done
from one direction only, and the distance
is gradually increased until the 1O0-mile
station Is reached, when the racing or
record flying begins.
The schedule of races includes 100, 200,
500. 400. 800 and 600-mile stations. the birds
of each district all being shipped and lib
Grated together.
A new device has been adopted by the
National Federation for timing the arrivals.
and all birds flying under its rules must be
timed with this device which has a double
watch movement. permitting the register
ing of at least two birds, and the watch
err nuisance Is abolished.
All reputable fanciers within a radius of
ten miles from the Capitol are eligible to
membership in the local district which
now embraces nearly all of our active fan
ciers. The prospect for brisk competition
is exceptionally bright, the number of birds
represented being in the neighborhood of
/ 900, but this. although large number, is
not proper showing. as it is evident from
the large number of bands used for mark
(about 1000 that many fanciers are not
actively engaged in flying their stock or
are not aware of the existence of an
garization having in view the training of
these birds under equitable rules and at
moderate expense.
The rules of Washington district provide
for the shipment and liberation of all birds
together the expenses of each race being
assessed pro rata among the participants
according to the number Of birds shipped.
Every true homing sportsman should
court competition. which is the life of the
sport. and the fact that the lofts repre-
sented in this district include the most re-
nowned strains of homers, domestic and
imported, should induce all fanciers to
avail themselves of the opportunity offer
ed to compete not only with the local lofts
hut with those throughout the whole
United States.
The present officers of the district are:
A c. Mclean, president: Volney Eaton.
vice president 6. W. Tucker. secretary:
Frank Reamer. treasurer. and Frank
Reamer W. H. Keyworth and H. c. Kid
well, race committed
Meetings are held every Monday night
at o'clock at No. 1895 8th street north
west.
The National Federation bears the same
relation to the 1onfng pigeon that other
general sporting associations do to their
respective classes of sport and the diplo-
mas and certificates issued by it are ace
cepted throughout this. well as in for.
eign countries. and local fancers should
relieve their minds of any belief that re-
cords claimed by them can have any value
in the pigeon world unless authenticated
by an association whose object 1t is to pro-
mote the sport and carefully protect the
records.
A strong body of homer flyers are now
associated together for the mutual benefit
and Washington district extends to ALL
individuals and clubs within its territory
ard not connected herewith q cordial invi-
vance the interests of the homers and their
owners.
A hearty welcome is assured: play fair
Is the only requirement.
The schedule for the spring races fol-
lows. 100 miles, Chester. Va, May 3; 200
miles. Kittrell. N. c.. May 49, 800 miles,
Renrert. n. c., May %: 400 miles, Kings
tree, $. C.. May 50: 800 miles. Hardeeville
S. c., JuEe II: 600 miles. Woodbine, Ga
June 26: S15 miles, Punta Gorda Fla on
some day in July to be decided on later