CONTENTS. 



THE DOVECOTE. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



PAGK 



Pigeons differently constituted to other domestic birds. Interest 

 attached to them. Pets of childhood. Paradoxical increase. 

 Effect of captivity on the productiveness of some birds. Beauty 

 of the Columbidae. Earliest history. The olive branch. Arab 

 legend. Ancient domestication. Feral Pigeons. Domestic 

 Pigeons long established in America. Not found among the 

 Egyptian monuments. Ancient pigeon-fanciers. Messenger 

 birds. Agents of superstition. Misrepresentation. Use during 

 sieges. Ancient pigeon-houses and fatting-places. Cato a pigeon- 

 fatter. The Mosaic Doves of the Capitol. Friendship of the 

 kestrel. Charms for dovecotes. Effectual attractions. Patron- 

 ized by commercial people 1 



CHAPTER II. 



MANAGEMENT OF PIGEONS. 



Feed their own young. New-hatched squabs. The pigeon-loft. 

 The trap. Nesting-places. Food and luxuries. Water-sup- 

 ply. Out-door pigeon-houses. Pole-house. Dovecotes. 

 Pigeon law. Varro's dovecote. Stocking the loft. Commence- 

 ment of breeding. Laying. Incubation. Merits of the cock. 

 Nutrition and growth of the squabs. Pairing of Pigeons. 

 Two hens will pair together. Widowed Pigeons. Young birds. 

 Differences among the eggs and the very young. Providential 

 adaptations .... ...... 34 



