428 THE MOURNING DOVE. 
name Turtle Dove, while not strictly applied to any New World species, may 
be allowed to pass in the case of this one because of the prophet who said, 
“We mourn sore 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 do- 
Taken near Lorain. Photo by the Author. 
NEST AND EGGS OF THE MOURNING DOVE. 
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 billing 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 
