"'I have no doubt it happened just as you heard it,' he said. 'The incident is uncommon, but not unknown in natural history. My grandfather knew a lumberman who went to sleep in the woods in Northern New York, and was awakened by a panther covering him with leaves. He lay still till the animal got through and went off, when he jumped up and left too. He didn't wait for the panther to come back.'"
[HOMING PIGEONS.]
BY C. W. FISHER.
As long ago as the days of the great Roman Empire pigeons were employed as message-bearers. Since that time both the breed and training of carriers have so steadily improved that to-day the accounts of their intelligence and skill are almost marvellous.
In Belgium and Turkey, perhaps, of all the countries of Europe, the most perfect results have been achieved, though Germany and France have established government dépôts, educating the birds for practical use in time of war or other necessity.
In America the carrier is used chiefly for sporting, and pigeon-racing has become quite common. Associations have been formed all over the country for the purpose of perfecting the stock, and having frequent trials of speed, and so lively and wide-spread an interest is taken in the sport that there is a general desire to know more of the birds and the means by which their remarkable instincts are developed.
As the name implies, "homing" pigeons are birds which possess so strong a love for home that their first impulse when free is to return there. They are so keen of sense that they are able to find their way back even from distances of several hundred miles, and in an incredibly short time.
The pigeon now known as the carrier was probably originally used for homing. Its usefulness in that direction, however, has long since departed; it is to-day simply a fancy bird, and a carrier by courtesy only.
The name "homing" is not given to any one variety of pigeons, several kinds possessing the faculty. They are all large in frame, and resemble the carrier in appearance, being undoubtedly descended from the same stock. They are easily raised and easily taught, and the pleasure derived from the teaching amply repays the little care required. A boy can certainly find no more absorbing occupation for his spare hours, and with a little patience can train a bird very successfully.