242 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
of the young, water they have swallowed and partially digested or soft- 
ened food ahh their own crops. 
During the first few days after the hatching of the young, the 
parents supply a secretion from their own crops, known popularly as 
‘pigeon’s milk,’ and which chemical analysis has shown lately to be a 
term not wholly inappropriate. 
DIARY OF THE PIGEONS. 
OwL PIGEON. 
Hatched out by its own parents, that also fed and reared it. 
When born the eyes seem to be closed. 
2nd day.—On touching the back of the young one, it moves its head 
and opens its eyes. 
3rd day.—\t does not wink when its eyes are touched, and it is doubt- 
ful if it sees. 
On touching the bird it moves more than it did yesterday, and now 
and then it opens its mouth a little. 
On removing this one inch and three-quarters from its mate nestling, 
it shifts back again, guided chiefly by the warmth from its fellow I 
take it. 
It is placed on a perch about 14 inch wide. It does not fall off, but 
clings to it. When my hand is held within one inch and below it the bird 
puts down its beak, touches my hand and scrambles down into it. 
Every time | use the dog whistle, the bird moves its head, which is a 
proof of hearing, for care is taken to exclude the contact of the blast of 
air from the whistle. | 
4th day.—\t will, when placed on the perch as before, put its head 
down a great distance, but does not move from its secure position ; but it 
does creep off into my hand under the same circumstances as yesterday- 
5th day.—It spreads out its wings when disturbed in any way or 
when ia danger of falling off the roost. 
There is no evidence that the bird can distinguish objects by the eyes. 
The winking reflex seems to be wholly wanting. 
A solution of quinine and one of sugar are used to test taste, but with 
no clear results. When blown on, etc., it utters the sounds peculiar to 
young pigeons. 
6th day.—The bird can see at a distance of one foot to-day, as evi- 
denced by its movements when the hand is passed before it. 
Holds its eyes open a good part of the time now. 
Under the application to the tongue of solutions of sugar and of salt, 
there is some shaking of the head, which is possibly evidence of taste. 
7th day.—Clear evidence of vision at two feet. 
