1900 “Talks About Animals” – The Companion Series | Extinct Carrier Pigeon Foreshadowing | Perry Mason & Co.

Step into the natural world as seen through turn-of-the-century eyes with Talks About Animals (1900), part of The Companion Series published by Perry Mason & Company in Boston. This richly illustrated volume offers captivating essays on marine life, birds, and beasts—each paired with charming engravings. Of particular interest is the section on carrier pigeons in America, penned just years before their tragic extinction. The author describes their role in communication and laments their declining use—offering a chilling, unintentional foreshadowing of the species’ demise. This historical context makes the book a sleeper collectible for natural history lovers, animal conservationists, and ephemera collectors alike. Copyright 1895; Published 1900 Original red cloth cover with elephant and bird illustration Detailed illustrations throughout (e.g., lobsters, sea urchins, carrier pigeons) Publisher: Perry Mason & Company (Boston, MA) Binding intact, pages clean with typical age toning