THE ItlXGDOTE. 67 



The shape of the eggs, which are but two in number, is 

 a rounded oval ; and they are pure white in colour. They 

 are esteemed by some to be delicious eating. 



Two broods are usually produced in the year; but, 

 especially if mishap has befallen either of the previous 

 nests, they will sometimes have three. Both parents assist 

 in the duties of incubation. The young are partially 

 covered with yellow down, and do not obtain their full 

 sight for about nine days. Their plumage is not so bright 

 as that of the adult bird, having a brownish tinge ; and 

 the ring upon the neck is not obtained until after the 

 first moult. 



Although Wood-pigeons drink but seldom, they feed 

 to repletion, and retire to digest their meal in quiet. The 

 food consists of corn and grain, beechmast, peas, tares and 

 vetches, acorns, and in hard times even hazel-nuts; it is 

 therefore entirely of a vegetable nature ; in fact, this is one 

 of the few birds that totally abstain from insectivorous or 

 carnivorous food. They also feed upon the young shoots 

 of turnip-tops. Being of a gregarious nature, many of these 

 birds (sometimes even in company with the domesticated 

 pigeon) will assail a corn or other seed-sown field, and, with 

 stately step and nodding head, speedily demolish any seeds 

 or grain that rain or other adverse circumstances may have 

 left exposed. At these times, however, they do not allow 

 themselves to be taken at any disadvantage ; but, as with 

 the Rook and Starling, they place vedettes around, who 

 give due notice of any intrusion or danger. 



The minds of farmers and others are considerably 

 exercised as to whether the Wood-pigeon, or Ringdove, 

 repays for the corn, &c., devoured, even when the bird is in 

 turn eaten amid all the savoury surroundings of pigeon -pie. 



