210 Hi3roiiv OK 



make an exuliange, and have lived in great harmony with their 

 new companions.* 



So great is the produce of this bird in its domestic 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 em- 

 ployment 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. 



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 native place, and particularly 

 where they have brought up then- young, that these birds are 

 employed in several countries as thfa most expeditious carriers. 

 They are first brought from the place where they were bred, 

 and whither it is intended to send them back with information. 

 The letter is tied under the bird's wing, and it is then let loose 

 to return. The little animal no sooner finds itself at liberty, 

 than its passion for its native spot directs all its motions. It is 



* This is a favourite bird with all those who love to wander among the 

 woods in spring, and listen to their varied harmony. They will there hear 

 many a singular and sprightly performer ; but none so mournful as tliis. 

 The hopeless wo of settled sorrow, swelling the lieart of female innocence 

 itself, could not assume tones more sad, more tender and affecting. Its notes 

 are four ; the first is somewhat the highest, and preparatory, seeming to be 

 uttered with an inspiration of the breath, as if the afflicted creature were 

 just recovering its voice from the last convulsive sobs of distress; this is 

 followed by three long, deep, and mournful moanings, that no person of 

 sensibility can listen to without sympathy. A pause of a few minutes 

 ensues, and again the solemn voice of sorrow is renewed as before. This is 

 generally heard in the deepest shaded parts of the woods, frequently about 

 noon and towards the evening. There is, however, notliing of real distress 

 in all tills ; quite the reverse. The bird who utters it wantons by the side 

 of his beloved partner, or invites her by his call to some favourite retired 

 and shady retreat It is the voice of lo^e, of faithful connubial affection, for 

 which the whole family of doves are so celebrated ; and, among them all, 

 nouc more deier>ingly bo Uuui the species now before us. 



