SQUABS AND SQUEAKERS. 177 



house, unless great pains are taken with them. 

 The best method is to commence with one 

 or two pairs, and keep them shut up until 

 they have produced offspring ; you are then 

 sure of their attachment to the place. 



The pigeon lays two eggs, and sits fifteen 

 days, relieved at intervals by the male. 

 The young are fed about fifteen days longer, 

 when they are turned out to shift for them- 

 selves. While fed by their parents, the young 

 are called squabs, and under six months, 

 squeakers. The pigeon, in a suitable cli- 

 mate, and plentifully supplied with food, is 

 said to hatch a brood every month in the 

 year. In this climate they produce from 

 eight to nine broods amiually : it will be per- 

 ceived, from this, that they may be made to 

 contribute no inconsiderable item of food 

 to the farmer's table. 



Cobbet, in speaking of pigeons, very prop- 

 erly observes, " It is not supposed that there 

 can be much profit attached to them, but 

 they are of this use : they are very pretty 

 creatures ; very interesting in their man- 

 ners ; they are an object to delight children, 

 O 



