348 CITIZEN BIRD 



only they don't seem to. There was a nest in the 

 miller's woods last year, with two white eggs like tame 

 Pigeons', only smaller, and when they hatched I took 

 one of the squabs home for a pet. It became very 

 tame, but I had to let it fly because it grew too big and 

 dirty, — it was like keeping a Chicken in the house. 



"The miller said they were mischievous birds, and 

 ate so many oats that he had to sow his field twice 

 over. Is that true, Doctor, or do they belong to some 

 good guild ? " 



" They do not eat insects, though they may do a 

 little work as Weed Warriors, and as they are fond of 

 grain they may have helped themselves to some of the 

 miller's oats ; but usually when they feed on the 

 ground they are Gleaners, and they never disturb 

 grain in the ear. They have many pretty ways, and 

 even though their love-song is sad they are cheerful 

 and happy. Their ' coo-oo ' sounds very gentle in the 

 morning chorus, and though the Dove often nests in 

 open woods and gardens, it seems most at home in a 

 quiet place near water ; for it is very fond of drink- 

 ing and bathing." 



