118 On the domestic Pigeons of Spain. 



preceding sub-division ; their beak is a little more lengthen- 

 ed ; they have not, however, either the curled feathers on the 

 neck, nor the tuft on the head *. 



The fourth sub-division of the first division comprehends 

 the numerous classes of pigeons called columhas pasdas y 

 azules {columba domestica linn.), which have the greatest 

 resemblance to the wild pigeons; and they are also the most 

 fruitful, and the most powerful in flight. All, except those 

 which are named flamenquillas, No. 9, are of a greenish 

 blue, more or less clouded on the neck, breast, and head; 

 the beak is lengthened ; the feathers of the wings have at 

 the ends blackish spots ; the rest of the wings is brownish, 

 or black. The colour of the back varies very much. In 

 some it is ash-coloured, almost white, without the least 

 spot: in others it is covered with small round black spots: 

 many have it lead-coloured, often very deep, without any 

 mixture; but it is frequently covered with ash-coloured 

 spots. 



All the pigeons of this sub-division can inflate their crops; 

 but those which are most distinguished on this account are 

 the luchonas, No. 7. 



They can inflate the crop to the size of their bodies in 

 such a manner, that it hangs before them like a ball. As 

 to the volteudores, No. 8, that sort of stupidity with which 

 they allow themselves to fall often in a straight line on the 

 house-tops, &c, is not certainly a mark of slavery, as Buffon 

 imagines, for in the province of Valentia they enjoy their 

 full liberty. 



As to the azules de rasa, No. 5. (colum'a tahcllario 

 Linn.f), they are made use of here as well as in Asia as 

 messengers; but they are much oftener the subject of b<at6 

 and wagers, and pigeon races, for which they are well qua- 

 lified, from their attachment to their native place, or their 

 ordinary place of residence. 



compose each tying of the same bird is very singular: no ornithologist has 

 made-it. 1 intent) to prove it on the pigeons of our country.— i\'u'c of the 



■ .'■ - 

 * The Dutch shell pigecn {columla galenta of Linn.) is of this number. — 

 V<j . i ;.-■ a 

 -\ The me scnger $ 



The 



