238 HISTORY OF 



domestic habits. Two males are often seen quar- 

 relling for the same mistress ; and when the fe- 

 male admits the addresses of a new gallant, her 

 old companion seems to bear the contempt with 

 some marks of displeasure, abstaining from her 

 company, or, if he approaches, it is only to chas- 

 tise her. There have been instances when two 

 males, being displeased with their respective 

 mates, have thought proper to make an ex- 

 change, and have lived in great harmony with 

 their new companions. 



So great is the produce of this bird in its do- 

 mestic state, that near fifteen thousand may, in 

 the space of four years, be produced from a 

 single pair. But the stock-dove seldom breeds 

 above twice a-year ; for, when the winter months 

 come, the whole employment of the fond couple 

 is rather for self-preservation than transmitting 

 a posterity. They seem, however, to have a 

 stronger attachment to their young than those 

 who are found to breed so often ; whether it be 

 that instinct acts more powerfully upon them 

 in their state of nature, or that their affections 

 are less divided by the multiplicity of claims, is 

 doubtful. 



It is from a species of these, therefore, that 

 those pigeons which are called Carriers, and are 

 used to convey letters, are produced. These are 

 easily distinguished from all others by their eyes, 

 which are compassed about with a broad circle 

 of naked white skin, and by being of a dark blue 

 or blackish colour. It is from their attachment 

 to their na*tive place, and particularly where they 



