Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1894 — LAST OF ITS RACE. [ARTICLE]

LAST OF ITS RACE.

Strange Story of a Pigeon That Tool Refuge on a Ship. In 1861 Captain Newbury, now ol Oakland, Cal., ran out of New York in the ship Mary Jane and anchored at Norfolk, Va., on April 10th. With the night came the news that Virginia had gone out of the Union, and the Captain hove anchor and prepared to run for it, fearing the confiscation of his ship. Just as the vessel was under way, when the first hint of the morning was streaking the black of the sky, a pigeon, spent with the wanderings ol the night, fluttered above the ship and alighted on a yard. It was secured without difficulty. From that time until a few daya ago, during a life of nearly thirtythree years, it never attempted another flight, and lived mateless, unclassified and lone. Captain Newbury made a pet of the bird, which had many of the markings of a long-distance pigeon, but which was unlike any other pigeon known in America. Though frequently exhibited and taking valuable prizes for its beauty and unusual intelligence, no one ventured to say to what family of the avifauna it belonged, and it seems to have been the last of its race. It scorned the nest provided for other pigeons, but made its home in a shoe lined with wool. Into this he was tucked and covered like a child in a crib. If threatened by a predatory cat or a wandering dog “Billy” would not take refuge in flight, but hopping to the door of a member of the captain’s family would peck on the door and coo plaintively for protection. At the approach of strangers he would give warning in the same manner. Through all its days it would not mate with any other dove or pigeon, bnt lived a life of bachelorhood, its extraordinary age of thirty-three years indicating that celibacy tends to longevity in birds as well as men. . In ordinary demeanor “Billy” was grave and reserved, but he unbent to the music of a waltz and tripped his measure in perfect time and with no inconsiderable grace. It was Captain Newbury’s intention to have exhibited the bird as part of Alameda county’s display at the Midwinter Fair, but this plan was stopped by death. The taxidermist who was Intrusted with “setting up” the ancient pet said the species was entirely new to him, and it is probable that “Billy” had been blown from some far shore before finding a haven on the Mary Jane. Having one sad experience of flight, he never attempted it again. Signed with Her Foot.—A curious marriage took place at Verviers, in Belgium, ten days ago, when Mlle. Elizabeth Kunneich, without arms, was married to her impresario, an Austrian. The woman signed the register with a steady foot, and the wedding ring was placed by the priest on her fourth toe.—(New York Tribune.