THE PIGEON. 99 



them. The bird lived for a considerable time, and gave 

 many proofs of its sagacity ; but the wife of the gardener 

 considering that it became troublesome, one day, during 

 the absence of her husband, and much to his dissatis- 

 faction, had it killed. 



In former times the pigeon was employed in the Eng- 

 lish factory, to convey intelligence from Scanderoon to 

 Aleppo, of the arrival of the company's ships at that 

 port. The name of the vessel, the time of her com- 

 ing, and whatever else could be comprised in a small 

 space, was written on a slip of paper, and secured under 

 the pigeon's wing, so as not to impede her flight : her 

 feet were bathed in vinegar to keep them cool, and 

 prevent her from being tempted by the sight of water to 

 alight, whereby delay might be occasioned, and the billet 

 lost. 



The messenger-bird had a young brood at Ale'ppo, 

 and was sent in an uncovered cage to Scanderoon, from 

 whence, as soon as set at liberty, she proceeded with all 

 speed towards her nest. It was then usual at the sea- 

 son of the arrival of the ships to send pigeons to be 

 ready at the port ; but if the bird remained more than a 

 fortnight, she would forget her young, and could not 

 safely be trusted. The pigeons, when let fly from Scan- 

 deroon, instead of bending their course towards the high 



