XCIV.] OF SELBORNE. 253 



had been observed to make sad havoc for some days among the 

 new-flown swallows and martins, which, being but lately out of 

 their nests, had not acquired those powers and command of wing 

 that enable them when more mature to set such enemies at 

 defiance. 



SI'AKKOW-HAWK 8 EGG. 



LETTER XCIV. 



TO THOMAS PENNANT, ESQ. 



EVERY incident that occasions a renewal of our correspondence 

 will ever be pleasing and agreeable to me. 



As to the wild wood-pigeon, the cenas, or vinago, of Hay, I 

 am much of your mind ; and see no reason for making it the 

 origin of the common house-dove : but suppose those that have 

 advanced that opinion may have been misled by another appel- 

 lation, often given to the ccnas, which is that of stock-dove. 



Unless the stock-dove in the winter varies greatly in manners 

 from itself in summer, no species seems more unlikely to be 

 domesticated, and to make a house-dove. We very rarely see 

 the latter settle on trees at all, nor does it ever haunt the woods ; 

 but the former, as long as it stays with us from November 

 perhaps to February lives the same wild life with the ring-dove, 

 Palumbus torquatus ; frequents coppices and groves, supports 

 itself chiefly fey mast, and delights to roost in the tallest beeches. 



