Habits of the Dovecot Pigeon. 345 



we had a very early supply for the table ; but, through some 

 neglect on the part of the attendant, a fire took place, which 

 threatened destruction to the surrounding buildings. In con- 

 sequence of this, the flues were no longer heated, and they 

 have continued in disuse since that time. Though owls, and 

 hawks, and crows, and magpies, are allowed an unmolested 

 range in the vicinity of this dovecot, still it is acknowledged 

 to be one of the most productive in the county. 



There is a peculiarity in the habits of the dovecot pigeon, 

 which ought not to pass unnoticed. Though this bird will 

 often perch on trees in the daytime, it has never been known 

 to roost on them during the night. Neither will it pass the 

 night in the open air, except in cases of the greatest emer- 

 gency. I have an aged elm here, of gigantic size, to which 

 both the dovecot pigeon and the wild ring-pigeon will fre- 

 quently resort. It is amusing to watch the peculiar habits of 

 these two different species of birds. They seem to come to 

 the tree solely for their own convenience, and not with any 

 intention to enjoy each other's company ; and they appear to 

 be as devoid of mutual signs of courtesy, as are our own 

 countrymen when seated in a foreign diligence. I am positive 

 that there will never be a union betwixt the dovecot pigeon 

 and the ring-dove. A long series of observations, which I 

 have been enabled to make, tends to convince me more and 

 more of the impossibility. 



The dovecot pigeons, like the rest of the genus, are remark- 

 able for retiring to their roost at an early hour, and for leaving 

 it late in the morning : thus fulfilling only half of Poor 

 Richard's maxim of, 



" Early to bed, and early to rise, 

 Makes a man healthy, wealthy, arid wise." 



These pigeons never lay more than two eggs at one sitting. 

 Indeed, I should be most surprised were it satisfactorily proved 

 that any pigeon ever sits on three eggs. 



Nothing can surpass the attachment of these birds to the 

 cot of their choice. Provided you do not absolutely molest 

 them by the repeated discharge of fire-arms, they can scarcely 

 be driven from it. You may unroof their habitation ; and, 

 though you leave it in that dismantled state for weeks together, 

 still the pigeons will not forsake it. At their early hour of 

 roosting, they will approach within three or four yards of the 

 workmen, and then take shelter in the holes of the roofless 

 walls, where they remain for the night. 



Much might be written by the ornithologist on the intimacy 

 which would exist betwixt man and the feathered tribes, if 



