﻿236 PICTORIAL MISCELLANY. 



very happily expressed. From this teacher you need not turn 

 away in doubt. It contains a key by which you may easily learn 

 the pronunciation of words. 



In addition to the usual matter contained in dictionaries, it has 

 extensive pronouncing vocabularies of Scripture, Geographical and 

 Classical nam.es. I have no hesitation in declaring it the best dic- 

 tionary of the English language which I have ever seen. And I 

 had almost said, that I have no desire for a better one. 



Doves. 



THE Dove or Pigeon tribe is divided into numerous families, and 

 is distinguished by a great variety of shades and gradations. Their 

 form is elegant, their plumage beautiful, and their manners are gen- 

 tle and fascinating. They are easily domesticated, and are great 

 favorites with man. They are very social beings, and have gen- 

 erally been held as emblematic of peace and innocence. It may be 

 that the olive branch is made the emblem of peace, because the dove 

 brought it to Noah in the ark. 



This is May day. The Httle folks have all gone after flowers, 

 and some very nice ones they have found too. I saw one of the 

 queens with her train pass my office, with a crown and sceptre, 

 beautifully decked with flowers. But Mistress Farmer is at home. 

 Just now she is looking after the feathered tribe. The biddies are 

 helping themselves, as fast as they can, while Mr. Chanticleer says, 

 " Give us some more." You see one little fellow at her feet, look- 

 ing up with dove's eyes, as much as to say, I thank you, ma'am. 

 And there is little pet upon her shoulder, illustrating some tale of 

 confidence and love. 



The pigeon is very swift upon the wing. They were frequently 

 trained to be carriers of news, before men became masters of steam 

 and electricity. They were trained in this way : A young one, 

 well fledged, would be taken in a basket half a mile or so from 

 home, and then let loose. It would go immediately home. Then 

 they would carry it a greater distance, till finally they could trust it 

 en a journey of one or two hundred miles. 



