Carrier Pigeons　信鸽

The carrier pigeon is remarkable for the degree in which it possesses the instinct and power of returning from a distance to its accustomed home.In Eastern countries it is the practice to bathe the pigeon's feet in vinegar to keep them cool,and to prevent it from alighting in quest of water,by which the letter might sustain injury.

Pigeons intended for this use must be brought from the place to which they are to return,within a short period,and must be kept in the dark and without food for at least eight hours before being let loose.The carrier pigeon was of great service during the siege of Paris in 1871,and conveyed many important messages.It goes through the air at the rate of thirty miles an hour,but has been known to fly even faster.

信鸽具有超常的直觉和力量，能越过千山万水返回故土。在东方国度里，人们常常用醋给鸽子洗脚，为的是让鸽子脚部保持凉爽，以防它为了找水而降落，从而危及信件的安全。

肩负送信使命的鸽子，短期内必须到达目的地。放飞前，必须在黑暗中待上至少八小时，其间不能进食。在1871年的巴黎围攻战中，信鸽传递了许多重要的消息，发挥了巨大的作用。信鸽的飞行速度是每小时三十迈（约48公里/每小时），但是据说远不止这个速度！