THE ZEITAIDA DOVE. 121 



tempt at drawing had been from the preserved 

 specimen of a dove. Of this he had often been 

 reminded, too young at the time of his first essay 

 to remember it in after years himself 



The Zenaida dove, a visitor to East Florida 

 from the West India Islands, is remarkable for 

 the indescribably plaintive tenderness of its 

 cooing. So touching is its utterance, that eveii 

 to the heart, hardened by a life of crime, it is 

 irresistible. 



A notorious pirate, linked with a band of 

 desperadoes, who menaced the Florida coast, 

 chancing to hear its soft melancholy notes, 

 lingered till feelings to which he had long been 

 a stranger, subdued his spirit, and melted it to 

 repentance. It was effectual too, for, resolved to 

 lead a different career for the future, at the cost 

 of difficulty and danger, he effected his escape, 

 and returned like the prodigal to a rejoicing 

 home. 



The male bird which first appears in Florida, 

 may be heard cooing for his companion for about 

 a week before she arrives. They choose for 

 their resting place spots thickly covered with 

 grasses and low shrubs, in the heart of which 

 they form their nests, glad if protected in ad- 

 dition by a hedge of sturdy mangroves. This 

 meek, unambitious bird seldom soars high, and 

 when crossing the sea flies close over the surface 

 11 



