CHAPTER LIII. 



I HIS pretty and diminutive species is, notwithstanding 

 its English name, found on the Eastern and 

 Western coasts of Africa as well as in the Cape Colony, 

 specimens having been brought from Djedda in Arabia 

 as well as from Namaqualand and all intermediate 

 parts to Table Bay. 



In size it about equals an English Skylark, though 

 its long tail and slim body make it look larger. It is 

 one of the prettiest and most attractive of the smaller 

 Doves; that is to say, the female is, for the male is 

 decidedly disfigured by the black mask that covers his 

 head and face. The little hen's dress, however, is 

 simply perfection, combining as it does in small com- 

 pass so many delicate shades of grey, and at the same 

 time she is quite free from the black face-marks that 

 distinguish the cock and utterly spoil his appearance; 

 which is a pity, for he is a very charming little fellow, 

 and is devotedly attached to his spouse. 



How these miniature Doves conduct themselves in 



