Animals: DO-X

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A thin, weary bird fluttered into the pigeon cote at Fort Monmouth, N. J. last week. The evening before it had been released with another bird from S. S. Leviathan, 100 mi. at sea. It had flown for nine hours to make the first long-distance pigeon flight over water. Its trainer, Thomas Ross, U. S. Army pigeon expert (TIME, Aug. 16), was so proud when he heard of its successful return that he christened it DO-X. The other pigeon was missing. DO-X lost six and one-half ounces on its journey—one-third of its normal weight. Pigeon-Man Ross believes pigeons can be released 200 mi. offshore, can be taught to carry small important articles. Last year two Fort Monmouth birds were released from the Leviathan, stupidly followed the ship to port, resting on deck whenever tired.