It is known that I keep pigeons at a location 1/2 a mile from where I live.
The 10 minute walk--twice every day--seems to get longer everyday and the
up-hill return journey seems to get steeper. I also have to carry all water
that I need--about one gallon a day. They tell me that it keeps me fit.
Men have written to me from all over the world, asking for photos of my
pigeons or of various Tipplers, Rollers and Tumblers, which prevail here in
England. I have in fact sent dozens of such photos, which I had on hand, but
what use are they?
Photography is a very expensive undertaking. At best they can only
illustrate typo.
Suddenly, a stray pigeon joins my kit and, in due course, may drop with my
kit. If it is a very attractive specimen I try, not always with success, to
get it into my loft.
By bribery, punishment and starvation, a man may gain control over his dogs,
horses, pigeons and children. It is very easy to get pigeons to take feed
from the hand or lips of the owner. Nevertheless, this is not a spiritual
relationship, no a working relationship.
Can you hear wheezing, piping, ruttling or audible breathing from your
pigeons? If you do, I can tell you that your lofting and general management
is at fault. You are probably overcrowding or perhaps your ventilation
system is wrong.
In my time with pigeons, lasting for about 70 years I have only had about 6
cases of Spavin growths with my own pigeons and seen only about 6 cases with
other men's pigeons. A Spavin is usually seen on horses but the term locally
is applied to pigeons.
As from the mid 1800's until about 1950, the British working class people
were diabolically poor. It is a fact that men who are so poor resort to
gambling with their few miserable pence in the hopes that they will win a
few extra pence.
A really nice morning at 7AM with a west breeze. My intended fly, about 8AM
will be difficult to observe. My kit of 55 will range down wind and right
into the bright glare of the sun. I have to sit with a lollipop board to
screen the direct glare and dark sunglasses are essential. It is not
pleasant to endure such observation.
I do not write these letters in order to become popular.
The very few Tippler fanciers in the USA and World-Wide generally who fly
with any ambitions about winning contests on the official system have my
respect. Nevertheless, the man who flies on the honour system or just for
his own pleasure, also has my respect.
Having been retired since 1984 and having nothing better to do than keep an
allotment, close to a heavily wooded area, I see a lot of things that many
people do not see. My allotment is in a remote area so I do not attempt to
grow, vegetables, I just try to keep the weeds down. As the years go by the
area is becoming more wild and more lonely.
