ZOOLOGY. 95 



within a few yards, yet no noise is perceptible ; they depo- 

 sit thsir eggs, (two in number,) on the bare ground, without 

 any nest. We have known tnem taken by suspending a 

 beetle on a hook attached to a fishing line, across the 

 branch of a tree; but the most certain mode of procuring 

 them, is by the gun. For figure of C. Europeiis, the Com- 

 mon Goatsucker, see British Ornithology, vol. 2. 



ORDER IV. 



COLUMBINE. 



Of this Order, there is only one genus, that of the Dove 

 or PiDGEON, which is numerous, and dispersed over the 

 greater part of the known world ; the whole tribe are en- 

 dued with vast power of wing ; they usually live in pairs, 

 are gregarious, and constantly lay but two eggs at a sitting, 

 which invariably produces a male and female ; their flesh is 

 eaten, and considered as nutritious to man; they breed, 

 many times in ^he year, are long lived, and feed on grain, 

 pulse, and other vegetable substances. 



Columba. Dove or Pidgegn. Bill weak, conical, pointed ; 

 nostrils cval, placed in a soft proiuberunce that covers 

 the base of the bill ; tongue entire ; toes divided to 

 their origin ; /eei formed for walking. 



Three species are common to England, see British Orni- 

 thologi/, vol. 2. 



