A PIGEON HUNT ON THE OHIO. 303 



I need not point out to the reader that in these condi- 

 tions existed powerful motives for exertion. The colonel's 

 guests were the elite of western society. Most of the 

 gentlemen were young men or bachelors ; and among the 

 ladies there were belles three or four of them rich and 

 beautiful. On my arrival I could perceive signs of in- 

 cipient flirtations. Attachments had already arisen ; and 

 by many it would have been esteemed any thing but 

 pleasant to be separated in the manner prescribed. A 

 strong esprit du corps was thus established ; and by the 

 time the pigeons arrived, both parties had determined to 

 do their utmost. In fact, I have never known so strong 

 a feeling of rivalry to exist between two parties of ama- 

 teur sportsmen. 



****** 



x , 

 Wilson, and, later still, the world-renowned naturalist, 



Audubon, have left but little to be told of the American 

 "passenger pigeon" (Oolumba migratoria.) A few facts, 

 however, from the observations of an amateur ornitholo- 

 gist, may not be 'without interest. They will, perhaps, 

 brighten up the reader's recollections of this singular 

 bird. 



The " passenger" is less in size than the house-pigeon. 

 In the air it looks not unlike the kite, wanting the forked 

 or " swallow" tail. That of the pigeon is cuneiform. It 8 

 color is best described by calling it a nearly uniform slate. 



