HOMING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 63

HOMING NOTES.

Br Mausta Mealy.

Members of the Dunedin Club will be pleased to hear that Mr A. Hutchins, the winner of the 1908 Cape Campbell race, has decided to again take up his favourite hobby. About fifteen- months ago he sold out and removed to Christchilrch, but the northern city did not agree with him, and he has returned to Dunedin. He has erected « fine loft with a good flight, situated in u, good position for racing. Mr Hutchins purchased the red chequer cock Mons Gran by Mons Gerard, ex Grannie, and the Grizzle hen Griselda, parents of Grizzle Gran I, a winner of the Kaitoke race, 411 miles; ak® Grizzle Gran 11, winner of the Marfcon race, and Granelda, a winner for Mr Valpy, of Oamaru. Mons Gran's progeny have i-acod well, and have also won in the show pen. In addition to the. above Mr Hutchins has secured four young birds—a pied hen by Hard Case, ex Apres Moi (Hard Case is a three-quarter brother of old Grannie's); a blue chequer hen by Mons Gerard, ex Grannie; a red chequer cock by Mons Soffle, ex Grannie, and a blue chequer hen by Mons Evans, ex Gulalie. The above were all purchased' from Mr Finnegan. The blue chequer hen from Mons Gerard, ex Grannie, is a beauty Her nest mate is a black chequer hen the image of La Grannie and Grannie 11. They were the only ones bred 'from the old pair, as Mons Gerard succumbed to a severe attack of sour crop. '

Mr Hutchins is very keen on the Mons Gerard strain. Mr Niven, the winner of the Dunedin Club's aggregate, attributes a great portion of his success to the strain mentioned, and his loft is now full of that blood. They are handsome birds and reliable workers.

The Dunedin Fanciers' Club have appointed Mr Allan C. Clark judge of the working homers for their show to be held next June. Mr Clark is a good judge. I went carefully over the different classes last year and was well pleased with that gentleman's decisions. He is thoroughly up to date, and his ideal is the type of bird that has been successful on the road last season.

Tho Christchureh Club have selected Mi* Arthur Gerard, of Christchureh, to officiate as judge for the working- homers at their show. The South Island championship has been allotted to Christchureh, which is the strongest centre, of the working homer. Mr Gerard knows a. homer when he sees one, and fanciers will have a good opportunity of knowing if they have a good show bird. I understand some of the Dunedin champions intend having a try to secure the coveted trophy. Fanciers would do well not to compel their old birds to fly during this month. They should now be breaking out nicely into the moult, and it is well to introduce a little linseed with their food. This is oily and fattening, but it should be remembered that pigeons do not want a lot of exercise when they are heavily in the moult. They want rest and to grow strong hardy feathers, for the subsequent year's work. I always us© barley in the morning, and barley and peas in the evening } water

cress onoe a week, and a bath Wednesdays and Sundays. The best grit is Jenkinson's perfect gravel, which is used in almos* every loft in England and can be obtained from Messrs J. Edmond and Sons, Princes street, Dunedin. In addition to the above, a lump of rock salt should be in every loft. It is a splendid thing for the birds and they are very fond of it.