PIGEONS. 



147 



SECTION XIV. 



Pigeons. 



THE PIGEON is recorded as one of the most ancient 

 inhabitants of all climates, those excepted in the 

 vicinity of the poles ; it prospers abundantly in tem- 

 perate regions, but in a still higher degree under the 

 burning sun of the tropics, no heat being too ardent 

 for its natural constitution. The wild pigeons of cold 

 countries are said to emigrate towards the south on 

 the approach of the winter. Pigeons exhibit a satis- 

 factory proof of the superiority of the civilized over 

 the savage or mere natural state, in their multitudi- 

 nous increase and endless varieties in a state of do- 

 mestication, under the fostering care and all- subduing 



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