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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 28, 16 August 1887, Page 3

The day after General Boulanger’s resignation, an artistic red, white and blue basket, in the most delicate procelain, was delivered at his residence. On examining two pretty doves were found inside, each with a message attached to the wings. There was written on both “ come back,” only one was signed “France.” and the other “ Alsace ” To understand the appropriateness of the gift, it is necesary, to remember it was a hobby with the General to encourage the breeding and training of carrier pigeons, as among the 'necessities of modern warfare. It may not be out of the season to relate, when theatres take fire the spectators disappear, that they were the Romans who first employed carrier pigeons. On going to a theatre they placed a dove inside their bosom—the most suitable of cots—then if the play turned out to exceptionally long or late, and in order to avoid theirj families all anxiety, they wrote a few words on a prepared slip of paper, fastened it round the neck of the bird and let it fly home.