159 SHOOTING. 



is well known never to produce any sexual intercourse with our 

 domestic pigeon, though every effort has been tried which ingenuity 

 could suggest. Besides, as it has been often remarked the deter- 

 minate size of the wood-pigeon, from which he never seems to 

 vary, is quite u'reconcilable with the notion that he is of the same 

 species as the common bird. 



The stock-dove is very generally diffused throughout all the 

 countries iu Europe. It is said to be migratory ; but this is not 

 well ascertained. The nest of the female bird is very loosely and 

 rudely put together; so much so, that the eggs can be distinctly 

 seen from the under part of the nest. She lays two white eggs. 

 These birds live on )vild fruits, herbs, and on all kinds of grains. 

 They are very partial to peas. They are delicate eating, except 

 wheii they have been for some time feediug on tuiiiips ; they then 

 acquire a strong and rancid flavour. 



They are a shy bird to approach, but are somewhat more easily 

 killed with shot than the common wood-pigeon. When they 

 assemble in large flocks, they set scouts to Avatch ; but by a little 

 •care, and keeping perfectly still, if possible, the sportsman may 

 succeed in getting a fair shot at them. Some writers say they are 

 more common in the southern counties of England than in the 

 northern. They are likewise numerous in some oistripts of Wales. 

 In some of the continental states, particularly in Hungary, 

 Bohemia, and Servia, they appear in great flocks, at certain 

 seasons of the year, and are shot in large numbers by the sports- 

 men and peasants of these countries. 



Turtle Dove {Columha Tutur, Linn.) — The length of this bird is 

 nearly twelve inches. The bill is broAvn; the eyes yellow, and 

 surroimded -with a crimson circle ; and the top of the head is ash 

 colour, mixed with olive. On efich side of the neck there is a spot 

 of black feathers, ti]3ped with white. The back is an ash colour, 

 with each feather fringed with a reddish bro^vn, and the wing 

 coverts and scapulars are like^Aise of a reddish hue, shghtly spotted 

 with black. The quiU-feathers are dusky, with pale edges. The 

 forepart of the neck and breast is of a light, pui;plish red ; and the 

 belly, thighs, and vent, are white. The two middle feathers of the 

 tail are brown, the others dusky, and tipped with white. The two 

 outermost are also edged with the same, and the legs are of a 

 reddish hue. 



The note of the turtle dove is singularly tender and plaintive, 

 and lias been famed for tliis from the earliest times by poets 

 and sentunentalizers of all grades. In addressing his note, the 

 male Im-d make use of a variety of wimiing attitudes, cooing at 

 the same time in the most gentle and soothing strains. This has 

 given rise toi ts_ emblematical representation of connubial attach- 

 ment and happiness. These bnds arrive late in the spring, and 

 depart about the latter end of August. They frequent the thickest 

 and best sheltered localities of woods and plantations, where they 

 build their nests on the highest parts of tne loftiest trees. The 



