288 CLASS AVES. 



ciliating his good will. No doubt the advantages which he 

 offers them, of habitation, of food, and of protection, consti- 

 tute a powerful motive of attraction to these birds ; but it 

 cannot be the sole cause which decides their conduct. Let 

 not man be too presumptuously confident as to the degree of 

 influence which, of himself, he exercises over the various 

 classes of animals. A more powerful and a more skilful 

 hand has prepared the way for his success, if indeed it has 

 not produced it altogether. Were it otherwise, why should 

 this success be comparatively so limited .'' — and if the human 

 species be indebted for such conquests solely to their own 

 sagacity and intelligence, why do they not extend them much 

 more considerably over the animated tribes of the earth? 

 To speak merely of those birds on which we are now writing, 

 why has man been enabled to avail himself of those races only 

 which are not above mediocrity in size and beauty ? Why 

 has he not subjugated the larger and finer species, Avhich 

 inhabit, in a state of independence, so closely to him, in the 

 environs of his rural habitation ? The attempt has been 

 repeatedly made, and repeatedly in vain. 



The animals in general, and most particularly the pigeons, 

 which have become domestic, have passed to this state, first, 

 in virtue of a special predisposition, and next, through the 

 cares of man. What a change has servitude produced in the 

 social character of the pigeons ! Here again we discover the 

 narrow limits beyond which the influence of man over these 

 birds cannot pass. He affords them a lodging, which shelters 

 them against the inclemency of the seasons and the attacks of 

 their enemies. They can have no motive to fear in this 

 respect. Nourishment in sufficient quantity is placed within 

 their reach. It then becomes no longer necessary for them 

 to proceed in flocks, and with a world of precaution, in search 

 of food. Finally, man drives away from his habitation all 

 their enemies. The pigeon learns this by experience, and 



