142 SUPPLEMENTAL PARTICULARS. [CHAP. iv. 



closing the chapter. " The eggs of the Columbidae are 

 all, as has been stated, much alike, and always pure 

 white. Those of the Ring Dove are, however, more 

 blunt and rounding in shape than the eggs of the do- 

 mestic birds, and do not taper so much. The young 

 also of the different species vary very little at first, 

 The old birds frequently, from some cause, seem to neg- 

 lect one of their offspring, not giving it an equal quan- 

 tity of food with the other one ; nor does this neglected 

 chick reach the size of its companion (which far out- 

 strips it in growth) until it can feed itself. [Sometimes 

 one of the two squabs is actually starved to death by the 

 undue favouritism of the parents towards the other.] I 

 have never known the eggs produce two hens, though I 

 have frequently had instances of the young birds prov- 

 ing both to be cocks ; and this may be discovered by the 

 incessant bickerings they keep up, at the time when 

 they ought to be forming a quiet matrimonial attach- 

 ment. Some of the larger Pigeons, as the Runts and 

 Powters, often have fierce engagements, dealing each 

 other severe Swan-like blows with the wing, for an hour 

 together. Hamlet used a metaphor which was only par- 

 tially correct when he said, 



' But I am Pigeon-livered, and lack gall 

 To make oppression bitter.' 



Shakspeare elsewhere acknowledges that even Pigeons 

 may occasionally be choleric. 



' The smallest worm will turn being trodden on ; 

 And Doves will peck in safeguard of their brood.' 



Henry IV., Act 2, Scene 2nd (3rd Part). 



" He also, in ' As you like it' (Act 4, Scene 1), remem- 

 bers the harshness with which the male bird drives the 



