- Would anyone like a pigeon starter?
The Smithsonian American Art Museum in D.C. currently has an exhibition of 19th-century patent models for inventions such as horseshoe makers, ice skates, mousetraps, grand pianos, pigeon starters (??!), paper bag machines, electro magnetic engines, “theft prevention devices,” and “life preserving containers.”
- Perhaps an electro magnetic engine?
The exhibition has a web site with a great slide show and a quiz here.
(Thank you, Slog tipper Jeffrey!)



Yes, actually, I DO want that pigeon starter, if you’re asking.