HOMING AND RACING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 57

HOMING AND RACING NOTES.

i3\ Mausta Mealy,

The Diinedin Club's race, the St Leger, from St. Andrews, last Saturday, rang down, the curtain fox the present season. It was * most interesting race. Fifty-five pigeons competed. The birds were this season's, of either sex. They were liberated by Mr J. J. Berry, - vice-president of the D.H.C. The following 'he result : — — St. Leger (102 miles airline). — Velocity.

Mr Brown bred Silent King. 'He is by Dummy, one of Jeavons's strain, dam Hinemoa, Mr Brcwn's own strain. "Little '86 is by Young '86, from Wildfire, who was bred by Gerard, Christchurcb. Mr Short has bred a real good bird in Little '86. Grossi was bred by Mr Finnegan. from Ideal — Lady Butts. Grossi is brother to Dan Leno, who was third in the Derby.

EXERCISE

To the thoroiigh fancier the above title will^ present a topic which at all seasons of the year must more or less demand his attention. "With regard to when and how to exercise, various> views are held. Some practise enforced flying at regular intervals for measured lengths of time. Others tiirn their birds out several times a day, leaving them to please themselves how loug they will fly. Others, again, adopt even a simpler method, by keeping an open loft, leaving the mattsr of exercise entirely to the birds. Which is the best method ?

When we find that all these methods are adopted, by fanciers with an equal share of success it is doubtful, indeed,, whether it vrotild be correct to claim one system of training to bs superioi to another. It is rather a matter which is decided by the fancier's circumstances, and the temperament of the birds which -comprise his racing siud. At this season of the year too many are in the habit of neglecting the exercise of their birds. The nights are long Many a fancier has to leave horn-© before it is light enough to turn them out with safety. They may be away all day, and it is dark again before they return. If they have no deputy to act for them, they are iv an awkward predicament. If, however, there is no danger from cats or other disturbances, the open loft, if started back in. the finer weather, may safely be continued, and even now ii on fine days the birds be given full liberty the system can be gradually introduced. In my opinion it is far better than keeping them, prisoners froir week end to week end as some do right on until the longer days set in. Both last year and this I have practised the open loft throughout all seasons, rain, hail, and fog, and I have had no losses through running out. nor have I any cause to complain of their performances in training and racing.

If a fancier is a great deal absent frora home, or his attendance upon his birds ia, unavoidably, very irregutar, the open loft, a self-supplying hopper, plenty of fresh water — constant supply if possible — is. in niyj opinion, the best course he can pursue. Unfortunately may lofts are so situated that the owner has cause to fear the result of his birds being constantly free ; but wfaere it is safe to do so, I repeat that the fancier a great/ deal away from home cannot practice a bettor method. The- birds live almost in a state of nature. They are oiit shortly after daybreak, and, if weal-bred, spirited birds, soon on the» wing, enjoying their liberty better than any forced bird.

'To Be confirmed.)

At Taumaranui the other day MrNorthoroft, S.M., inflicted fines of £30, £25, and two of £20 for delivering whisky within the prohibited area. One defendant was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, and another was ordered out" of the KingCounter

Kr Brown's Silent King Mr H. Short's Little '86 Mr B. J. Finnegan's Grossi.. Mr W. J. Taltersfielcl's Black Lass . . F. 1). - - Lady Emma Mr Holmes' s Bonnie Doon .. Mr E. J. Reeves' s "Welcome Mr H. Dryden's 'Blue 'Bell ._. Messrs Jones and Michie's Dutchie <=srs Crawford and Fu!!'r'« Vaudeville ..- Mr R. Douglas's Scout Mr R. Smith's Sunwick Mr W. Esouilant's Stormbird Mr M. Carrutlier's Black Watch ilr J. Cox's Sweet Nell h m 2 21 2 20 2 22 2 20 2 22 2 24 2 3G 2 22 2 24 2 24 2 24 2 26J 2 33 2 36 9 Yds. 1276 1267 126--19."° 1252 1251 1229 1228 1227 1226 122 C 1218 1217 1200 1188 1 2 3 Q 0 0 0 0 0 0 o o 0 o 0