RING-DOVE. 173 



found in the crop of a single Pigeon is surprising ; upwards of a 

 thousand grains of corn have been counted in one instance; in 

 another, one hundred and forty-four field-peas, with seven large 

 beans, \vere found, and the books notice other contents of 

 extraordinary size. 



The note of the Ring-Dove, or Wood-Pigeon, may be closely 

 imitated by the words " Coo-roo-co-o — co-o," spoken through the 

 hands closed and hollow. Others interpret it as " hoo-hoo-coo- 

 coo-hoo," It is said, however, to have been more clearly understood 

 by the Welshman, who on a cattle-stealing expedition was about to 

 take one beast, when he heard the bird tell him distinctly, " Take- 

 two-cows-taf-fy," and tradition says he did so forthwith. The note 

 is somewhat monotonous, but always soft and pleasing. It has 

 not failed to be noticed by many of our poets — 



In answer coo'd the Cushat-Dove 

 Her notes of peace, and rest, and love. 



Scott. 



The Eing-Dove's deep melodious moan. 



Hemans. 



The deep mellow crush of the Wood-Pigeon's note 

 Made music that sweetened the calm. 



Campbell. 



It has been more generally considered to be plaintive, or even 



melancholy : 



Deep-toned 

 The Cushat plains ; nor is his changeless plaint 

 Unmusical, when, with the general quire 

 Of woodland harmony, it softly blends. 



Grahame. 



It is said, indeed, to get its common name of " Quist," or 

 " Queest," from the Latin word questus, a complaint, or lamentation. 



Over his own sweet voice the Stock-Dove broods, 



says Wordsworth, giving the wrong name to the Ring-Dove, or 

 Wood-Pigeon, as he does also again in these lines : — 



I heard the Stock-dove sing or say 

 His homely tale, this very day, 

 His voice was buried among trees, 

 Yet to be come at by the breeze ; 

 It did not cease, but coo'd — and coo'd ; 



