The Compleat ^Angler 



Tottenham Hi 11 



not to be doubted that swallows have been taught to carry letters 

 betwixt two armies. But 'tis certain, that when the Turks besieged 

 Malta or Rhodes (I now remember not which 'twas), pigeons are 

 then related to carry and recarry letters. And Mr. G. Sandys, 

 in his Travels (fol. 269) relates it to be done betwixt Aleppo and 

 Babylon. But if that be disbelieved, 'tis not to be doubted that the 

 dove was sent out of the ark by Noah, to give him notice of land, 

 when to him all appeared to be sea ; and the dove proved a faithful 

 and comfortable messenger. And for the sacrifices of the law, a pair 

 of turtle-doves or young pigeons were as well accepted as costly 

 bulls and rams. And when God would feed the prophet Elijah 

 (i Kings, xvii.) after a kind of miraculous manner, he did it by 

 ravens, who brought him meat morning and evening. Lastly, the 

 Holy Ghost, when He descended visibly upon our Saviour, did it 

 by assuming the shape of a dove. And to conclude this part of my 

 discourse, pray remember these wonders were done by birds of the 

 air, the element in which they and I take so much pleasure. 



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