VOL. 11. ] Andrew Fackson Grayson. 51 
species of small fish among which is the small, yellow catfish. It 
is, however, quite as common on the Mazatlan River and adjacent. 
lagoons. : 
Inca Dove. Scardafella inca (Less.)—This lovely little species 
is like a miniature of the common turtle dove and in the warmer re- 
gions of Mexico, it is equally common, but at the same time 
much more domestic and familiar in its habits. It is more usually 
found near the habitations of man, frequenting the house lots, gar- 
dens, and even the streets of large cities in which its innocent 
and harmless qualities guarantee its safety. from the rudeness of 
man. It is regarded by the Mexicans with feelings of tenderness, 
and their mildest expressions of love are referable to this little 
dove—as mi palomita, my little dove. They exhibit the most ar- 
dent attachment for their mates and may be often seen caressing 
each other in a loving manner. But with all their innocent looks, 
they are possessed of violent paroxysms of jealousy, and a pugnacity 
equaling the game-cock. I have often seen the males fighting to- 
gether until they became. completely exhausted and unable to fly. 
When engaged in combat they strike with their wings, which are 
used with considerable force. Thus these most innocent appearing 
of all animated beings have their faults also, but as they are not 
armed with spurs or spines of any kind (like some tame combative 
birds), their bills being weak and their claws delicate, they are 
unable to inflict any wounds. 
2 Unlike the turtle dove, they never associate in flocks, but continue 
_ ‘in pairs throughout the entire year. They are sure to attract atten- 
tion by their loving and innocent appearance, as the two seem to be 
inseparable. 
Its voice is plaintive and sad, and my wife never hears it but that, 
as she says, it reminds her of Tehuantepec and the memorable event 
of our first setting foot upon Mexican soil, at the port of Ventosa 
where we suffered a disastrous shipwreck. The notes of this 
little dove were the first and most common we heard from the 
_ strange and interesting Jand upon which destiny had cast us. Time 
can not eradicate from our memories the scenes through which we 
passed in that remarkable region, which were only freshened, and 
often recalled to our thoughts after a lapse of ten years, by the 
- $weetly sad notes of this dove. oe 
It is exceedingly docile, allowing itself to be approached to within 
