THE PIGEON. 75 



a year, but the tame ones, when well fed, produce their 

 young every month. 



Both male and female assist in hatching and feeding 

 their young. While sitting, they associate in pairs, 

 are very fond of each other; and do not at this time 

 associate with others. They take turns in sitting on 

 the eggs, "and when the female stays away too long, 

 the male goes out in search of her, and drives her 

 home. 



The first food of the young Pigeon is a soft white 

 substance which is formed in the crops of the parents, 

 and which is thrown up and put into their mouths. 

 During the first few days, this white substance is un- 

 mixed with any thing else ; but after a few days, a 

 little of the food of thq parent bird is given with it. 

 Gradually and from day to day, as the young birds 

 can bear more hearty food, the old ones give them 

 less^ of the white substance, and more of their own 

 food, so that after about nine days, no more of the 

 white substance is given. 



This is a singular and wonderful provision of the 

 Creator, and seems to be designed to answer the 

 same purpose to the young birds, that milk does to 

 young quadrupeds. In both cases, nature provides 

 suitable nourishment for the young until they are able 

 to take more solid and common food. 



Why the Pigeon should require such an especial 

 provision more than any other bird, is unknown, but 

 this peculiarity is common to all this tribe. 



