Pigeons

One of the most wonderful episodes in the history of Shelby has been the great influx of wild pigeons in 1874, but more especially in 1876, when they came in countless numbers. For fear that our figures may be considered incredible, we may mention that they are taken from the returns of the express agent, who is also station agent at Shelby, - Mr. A. Z. Moore. The express agent's fees, 10 per cent on the gross amount collected, were a comfortable addition to that gentleman's salary, in 1874 amounting to $630.29, and in 1876 to $1,553.30! In 1874, there were shipped 708 barrels, with twenty-five dozen to a barrel, and 261 coops, with six dozen to a coop; in all a quarter of a million birds. In 1876, there was shipped 1,781 barrels and 1,982 coops, and at the time this report was made, there remained 2,000 dozen live birds, which were captured and were being grain-fed for the market, so that there were shipped from Shelby that year over 700,000 birds, not counting what was teamed out and used for home consumption. The fame of this influx of pigeons brought hunters and sightseers from a great distance, and at one time as many as 500 strangers sought shelter in the four-year old village. Fortunately the weather was fine, so they could sleep anywhere, as there was not room to contain such a crowd, although all were as hospitable as could be. the advent of the pigeons is heralded by a few hundred scouts, who select the grounds, and return in a few days with the hosts. In 1876, the nesting was in a dense wood, and was three miles wide and eleven miles long, situated about three miles southeast of the village. They came out the first of April, and remained about three weeks. they lay but one egg, and the male does his share of nursing. In the morning, with indescribale clamor, the males flew on an excursion, and in the after noon the females took their promenade, the males keeping the eggs warm until their return. It was not lawful to shoot in the nesting, for fear of frightening them away, but many were taken in nets. Wheeler Bros. had at one time 8,000 dozen birds, feeding them on grain. At one time a carload of live birds, and a carload and a half of dead birds were shipped in one day. It is not likely that such an influx of these birds will be repeated, as the country is being cleared up and settled. They came very opportunely for the young village of Shelby, as it brought in much money, which has since been expended in building up the place.