It has been a source of deep gratification to know, after having addressed over a million and a half of the children of America in about four-fifths of the |: states, that many of these poems have found acceptance for their moral, spiritual, and patriotic values. Interesting to note, how little the "definition" of patriotism has changed so little over the ensuing years.

Had it not been for the promptness of the balloonists of Paris to realize that they alone had the sure means to escape from the besieged city, and to put themselves at the disposal of the Government, the break in communication with the rest of France - and in particular with those responsible for the remaining war effort -would have been complete. Soon, however, balloonists were leaving almost daily, carrying over the very heads of the Prussian army not only passengers - some of them very important - and letters but also the racing pigeons which were to supply the vital link in the return direction.

The intriguing story of the balloon and pigeon post in the siege of Paris is graphically related here and gives a fascinating insight into an unusual aspect of nineteenth-century warfare.

The book places each animal's heroic deeds in the context of the battle or campaign concerned, and includes maps and a wealth of often rare archive photographs, many of which are published for the first

• 1. Preparation of at least two carbon copies is required, the original and one carbon. Copy to be delivered to the message center and the other carbon copy to be retained in the book (or writer's file.
• 2. Print plainly. Print proper names (except signature and grade of writer) and code or cipher groups in CAPITALS.
• 3. Write the message in as few words as possible. If the writer desires punctuation marks transmitted they must be spelled out, otherwise they will not be sent.
• 4. Use only authorized abbreviations.
• 5. If a classification in speed 01 handling other than routine is desired, print in CAPITALS the desired classification in the space indicated (examples: PRIORITY or URGENT).
• 6. "No."-Enter the serial number given the message by the writer.
• 7. "Date."-enter the date in the following order: Day, month, year (example:
• 23 Feb42).
• 8. "To."-Enter the official designation of the person addressed (example: CO 1st Inf). Add his actual location only when necessary to insure delivery. Do not use the telephone directory designations as addresses.
• 9. "Official designation of sender."-Enter the official capacity in which the writer is serving (examples: "CO 1st Bn 1st Inf" or "Leader, Patrol No. 1").
• 10. "Time signed."-must always be filled in as: for the 24-hour time system, 0135 or for the old 12-hour time system, 1:35 AM and for the 24-hour time system, 1445 or for the old 12-hour time system, 2:45 PM.
• 11. In time of war or emergency, all messages to be transmitted by radio, or by other means when danger of hostile interception exists, are cryptographed unless authority to send in clear is given by the CO or his authorized representative. This authority must be indicated in lower left corner.
• 12. "Signature and grade of writer."-Enter the personal signature of the writer of the message or of the person who may be authorized to write the message for him.
• 13. There are in the back of this book tissue sheets for pigeon messages and tracing paper for sketches or tracings. 

Arch Whitehouse tells the story of the famous pigeon heroes-from GI Joe who saved the lives of 1,000 British troops at Colvi Vecchia to Cher Ami, famed World War I pigeon who rescued the Lost Battalion on October 4, 1918.

Decorated for their loyal and invaluable service, pigeons have received Purple Hearts and Croix de Guerre. As Arch Whitehouse weaves their flight history, the homing pigeons of yesterday become gallant birds, heroes in every meaning of the word.