282 CLASS AVES. 



tions seem capable of being excited by proportionate causes. 

 There are limits, however, which cannot be passed, resulting 

 from the organization of these birds, and from the rank which 

 nature has assigned them in animal existence. In them the 

 sentiment of self-preservation predominates over every other ; 

 it is manifested by various phenomena, according to the ideas 

 with which it is accompanied when excited. Sometimes the 

 pigeon will run the chance of combat with his enemy, of what- 

 ever species ; he will then exhibit an obstinate courage, a 

 lively resentment, which sometimes even prove fatal to him- 

 self. Sometimes these are directed with an evident intelligence. 

 If he conquer, he celebrates his victory, not unlike the cock, 

 by repeated cries. 



At other times, the same sentiment, directed by different 

 ideas, inspires the bird to preserve himself from his enemy by 

 flight. Fear then takes possession of him, sometimes so 

 strongly as to deprive him of the use of all his faculties. 

 When this is not the case, he saves himself by a rapid and well 

 directed flight, by plunging among the thick branches of the 

 trees, or by some other stratagem. If he be engaged in com- 

 bat, it is curious and interesting to observe how obviously the 

 female sympathizes with her companion. 



The various wants and desires of the individuals occupying 

 the dove-house, prove constant occasions of quarrel amongst 

 the pigeons themselves. During the seasons of reproduction, 

 of incubation, of bringing up the young, these generally rise 

 to the highest pitch, and the females take as much share in 

 them as the males. 



Those for whom the aviary is the most suitable dwelling, 

 seem to feel a want of the society of their con similars, and 

 even of that of man. A single pigeon, an isolated couple, feel 

 ennui, eat little, and seldom let their voices be heard. If a 

 man comes to visit them, their animation is immediately ex- 

 cited ; they will sport around him, attack him, and do every 



