STOCK-DOVE. 211 



is a pretty large receptacle for taking in an ample store 

 of provisions. The males commonly supply the young 

 females, and the females perform the same office for the 

 young males. At first the young are furnished with food 

 considerably macerated; but as they grow older the 

 parents gradually diminish the trouble of the preparation, 

 and at length send them forth to shift for themselves. 

 However, when provisions are plentiful, they do not wait 

 for the total dismission of their young; for it is not un- 

 common to see a brood almost fit for flight, mixed with a 

 set of young ones in the same nest. 



Among domestic pigeons, connubial constancy is seldom 

 long maintained; the males sometimes contend for the 

 same mate, and sometimes a kind of amicable exchange 

 takes place between them. 



The fecundity of this bird is so prodigious, that from a 

 single pair nearly Jijleen thousand may be produced in the 

 space of four years. Hence they will repay the charge of 

 providing them with appropriate dwellings, and occasional 

 distributions of food. 



Pigeons are extremely perspicacious, and their powers 

 of hearing are very clear. They are also reckoned swift 

 in flight, and gregarious by nature: they join their bills in 

 their courtship, and utter a mournful or plaintive note. 



THE STOCK-DOVE. 



This species, as already observed, is the parent of a very 

 numerous and beautiful family: but is too well known to 

 require a particular description. It breeds either in the 

 holes of rocks, or in hollow trees in the forest. All other 

 birds of the pigeon kind build their nests in the highest 

 branches, but this species generally resides in artificial 

 cavities ; and, from the united allurements of ready sus- 

 tenance and agreeable society, easily submits to the pro- 

 tection of man. Still, however, it preserves its native hue 

 for several generations; and becomes more variegated only 

 in proportion as it deviates from the original simplicity of 

 its sylvan tints. 



