66 PIGEONS AND THE PIGEON FANCY; 



and then to see if she responds. Probably she soon flies 

 into the nest, coos softly in reply, and caresses his head 

 gently with her bill in the most affectionate and delicate 

 manner. Perhaps she has brought a stick or straw. But, 

 at any rate, he soon flies off to fetch building material to 

 her, which she arranges with great care, often taking it 

 directly from his beak. These meetings are always 

 accompanied by short, confiding coos. The nests vary 

 greatly. Some pairs work with great industry, and build 

 a toppling dangerous structure ; others are content with a 

 dozen sticks, and deposit the eggs upon the bare board or 

 earthen nest pan. Two eggs only are laid, the great 

 fecundity of pigeons depending altogether upon the num- 

 ber of the broods, which among good breeders may 

 amount to ten or eleven a year. For several days before 

 the eggs are laid, the cock follows the hen from place to 

 place, giving her little peace except when she is on the 

 nest. The first egg is laid in the late afternoon, and after 

 two nights and a day have passed, the second one is placed 

 by its side, probably in the forenoon. Then begins incu- 

 bation in earnest, more and more assiduous as the days 

 go on. In all these matters, the cock takes an affectionate 

 and unaffected interest, perching near by, communicating 

 frequently, and assuming an important share in the labor 

 of incubation. He goes on to the nest in the middle of 

 the forenoon, is cordially welcomed by the hen, who care- 

 fully gets off the nest and seeks for food, recreation, and 

 exercise, while he as carefully adjusts himself with an air 

 of great comfort to await his mate's return, which will be 

 in four or five hours. This time may vary slightly, but 

 at night the nest is always occupied by the female. In 

 about eigh'teen days after the second egg, the " golden 

 couplets are disclosed," thinly covered with a yellow down, 

 blind, and as helpless as young mice or sparrows. Now 



