COLUMBID.E. 139 



and roosting in the numerous caverns with which the pre- 

 cipices are pierced. The eggs are white, and two in num- 

 ber. We have previously remarked that this species is be- 

 lieved to be the stock from whence our domestic Pigeons 

 have been obtained, " but it may be/' Sir W. Jardine says, 

 "that the more remarkable varieties have some additional 

 cross." 



The Carrier Pigeon, one of the fancy breeds of dovecot 

 birds, now become numerous, exceeds in rapidity of wing 

 and power of endurance all our domestic Pigeons ; its ordi- 

 nary flight is about a mile a minute, but it has been known 

 to fly nearly one hundred and fifty miles in an hour. It is 

 to its home, from which it has been purposely taken, and to 

 which it is strongly attached, that the Pigeon makes its 

 way; and it is the desire and longing for home which im- 

 pels it, carried to a distant spot and turned loose, to attempt 

 to regain the favourite spot ; and regain it the bird does, at 

 least in general ; but when we consider the distances which 

 it will sometimes traverse, and usually with certainty, to 

 regain its accustomed habitation and associates, the skill by 

 which it directs its course is most remarkable, and the me- 

 thod inexplicable. 



The "Tumblers/' "Fantails," and "Broad-tailed Shakers," 



