Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1895 — Homer and Carrier Pigeons. [ARTICLE]

Homer and Carrier Pigeons.

The homorand the carrier are both brilliant fliers, but the homer is the speedier bird and better fitted for long distances, The homer has the widest spread wings of all pigeons, andean sail for an enormous distance through midair. It is also considerably lighter than the carrier and is possessed of more phenomenal powers of endurance, having been known to fly 800 miles without alighting. On a clear day, with a good sky and favorable wind, 400 miles is an admirable record, although 500 miles a day is the goal of evory pigeon-flier’s ambition. A bird that can perform this remarkable feat is worth at leas SIOO, and may be valued at SSOO if it is capable of a better record. The bird's gameness, stamina, and speed reach their highest point of excellence at three and four years of age, which is the natural prime of life for a flier. After they have passed their prime they deteriorate in a scarcely noticeable degree, and at ten or twelve years of age are still good for the shorter distances.