218 PIGEONS. 



in this state, is confident of being able to beat those 

 who are engaged in the match, although they may be 

 shooting infinitely better than he perhaps could do if 

 placed in their situation. In this, as in every thing 

 else, therefore, it is far, very far, easier to be a fault- 

 finder than a performer ; because most things fall so 

 decidedly short of perfection, that any simpleton may 

 set up for the one, while, on the contrary, a man must 

 have acquired some little knowledge, however super- 

 ficial, before he can attempt the other. 



Of wild pigeons, or (more properly speaking) doves, 

 there are three kinds : the 



STOCK, or WILD PIGEON. Columba cenas Le biset. 



RING, CUSHAT, or QUEEST. Columba palumbus Le pigeon 

 rainier. 



TURTLE. Columba turtur Le tourterelle. 



The second of these, the most common, is almost 

 universally known by the name of woodpigeon ; and, 

 if not too much fed on turnips, and kept till tender, 

 is deservedly esteemed an excellent bird. The turtle- 

 dove, however, is the best of the three ; but, being 

 only a summer visitor, it generally escapes the notice 

 of the shooter ; except in the early part of September, 

 when birds of this description are often sprung from 

 the pea fields. 



For shooting woodpigeons there are various con- 

 trivances, which, like those for all other wild birds, 

 consist chiefly in waiting for them, as this always 



