PIGEONS. 



241 



that at a distance it might be mistaken for distant thunder. This species was sup- 

 posed to be rapidly becoming extinct, as its terrestrial habits made it an easy prey to 

 predatory animals, such as cats and rats introduced into the islands from European 

 vessels ; but late accounts state that it has changed its habits, feeding and roosting 

 exclusively upon high trees, and is increasing in numbers. It is in this way, through 

 the struggle for existence, that habits which have been transmitted from parent to 

 offspring through unknown series of generations, are suddenly abandoned, and entirely 



FIG. 115. Goura victorite, crowned pigeon. 



opposite ones adopted, that give the needed protection to life and continued prosperity, 

 which the inherited methods no longer are able to secure. 



The peculiar bill of this species, having almost the characters of a rapacious bird, is 

 composed of a powerful curved maxilla ; and a mandible provided near the tip with 

 two or three deep indentations, causing the parts between to appear like teeth. 

 Although generally stated by most writers to be a gentle, timid creature, hiding 

 whenever possible in the darkest portion of its cage, yet one in the possession of the 

 VOL. iv. 16 



