Swallows as Carriers.

♦ Interesting experiments of the capabilities of swallows as carriers have, writes a Dunkirk correspondent, been attempted at Roubsix by M. Jean Desbouvrie, a well-known bird-trainer. Thoy took place bofore a great concourse of spectators, A number of swallows which had been in the trainer's hojol-jjjr about threa weeks were set freo, eacn iKihaving a colored ribbon attached to its claw. They took their flight in all directions, and were Boon out of sight. Twenty minutes later, however, one swallow came back, and, making for M. Desbouvrie, perched on his finger. It was soon followed by its companions, and in less than half an hour the whole covey had returned. Swallows fly higher and with greater swiftnees than pigeons, and are also more intelligent. M. Desbeuvrie, who states that he is propared.to guarantee the efficacy of his system of training, frequently allows his swallows to follow him in his daily walks, The most serious objection lies in the fact of swallows fearing the cold, and being in tho habit of migrating to warmer climates when winter sets in. Tho Roubaix trainer, howover, exhibited swallows which he had kept during a whole winter season, and ho is of opinion that it is neithei impossible nor even difficult to accustom them to support the sharpness of the atmosphere. He purposes to procoed with his experiments, and will despatch his swallows from any town, feeling full confidence in their ability to reach home. Hiß object is to encourage the creation of swallow houses throughout France. Should hi' future tests prove as conclusive as tho first, it is not improbable that swallows may supersede pigeons as carriers.