428 Til E M< )UR X I NG DOVE. 



name Turtle Dove, while not strictly applied to any New World species, may 

 lie allowed to pass in the case of this one because of the prophet who said\ 

 "We mourn sure like Doves." The familiar long-drawn, calling notes of 

 the male Mourning Dove have indeed a pensive sadness about them which 

 brings the bereaved soul face to face with its own grief again, but there 

 in them a wealth of tenderness, a world of adoration, for they are love notes 

 and speak only of a worthy passion. 



The Wild Doves are model lovers, and are chiefly known for their di - 



NEST AND EGGS OF THE MOURNING DOVE. 



Photo by the Au 



mesticity. During the mating season they vary the monotony of the ordi- 

 nary whistling flight by sailing about in graceful curves on stiffened noiseless 

 wings. There is always an abundance of hilling and cooing: and love-making, 

 it is to be feared, often interferes somewhat with the practical side of house- 

 keeping. At least the young wife is not a good house-builder, altho she may 

 he. and doubtless is. a kind mother. 



A Dove's nest is the symbol of frailty. A few- careless sticks or straws 

 are laid together in a platform and lodged at a moderate height in the crotch 



