The origins of the modern-day racing pigeon can be traced thousands of years. There were records and carvings of Rock Doves dating from 3,000 B.C. Even Noah took aboard his Ark two doves. They are the ancestors of today's pigeons, the lovely, bright gentle birds.
Throughout history, the pigeon had been used by Asian And European civilizations as a speedy and reliable carrier of messages. They were used during the war by the British.
When the first marathon runner gained victory in the Olympic Games at Pisa in AD230, he sent the new home via his hen bired (a pigeon), which he had taken with him. This book is illustrated throughout and the subject of training pigeons, both yound and old, is explained in depth. |