similar to that built in a tree may be prepared, but commonly only a few sticks and straws are gath- 

 ered, and so arranged as to prevent the eggs rolling off. jN"o lining is added even to the most perfect 

 structure ; but the upper surface often consists of better selected materials than the base. The average 

 diameter of the nest is about four inches, not taking into the measurement the loose sticks which gen- 

 erally project on all sides. 



EGGS: 



The complement of eggs is always two. They are elliptic or oval in shape, have a pure white 

 shell, moderately glossy, and measure in long-diameter from 1.00 to 1.20; in short-diameter from .72 to 

 .90. The largest egg before me measures .89 x 1.15; the smallest .74 x 1.10. The average is .82 x 1.11. 

 As soon as the tirst egg is laid the Dove begins sitting, and as several days may elapse before the 

 second egg is deposited, it is not infrequent to find young birds of somewhat unequal sizes in the same 

 nest. Occasionally when the young are almost half-grown the mother lays again; the trouble of incuba- 

 tion is thus transferred to the nestlings. The same habit exists among tame Pigeons. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 



The nest and eggs can generally be distinguished from the Wild Pigeon's by their smaller size. 

 The nest alone resembles somewhat the Cuckoo's, except that it contains no catkins. 



REMARKS : 



The nest illustrated was selected on account of the simplicity of its surroundings. It is a compact and 

 elaborate structure, but no more so than is necessary for security. The position in which it is placed requires 

 more material and better workmanship than if it had been situated upon a large limb. It is composed of 

 twigs, roots, weed-stems, and straws ; the upper surface is made up of the same but finer material than the base. 



During the period of incubation the male Dove is very attentive to his partner; he often brings 

 her water and food, which he feeds to her after the manner of the family, that is by regurgitation. 

 When the young are hatched both parents supply food; as soon as they are large enough to fly, the 

 male takes them in charge and the female busies herself about the cares of another brood. In summer, 

 Doves are commonly seen in threes, flying here and there, or feeding in the field or road. The trio 

 usually consists of one parent and two young. By the time the fall months come the majority of young 

 are hatched and well able to take care of themselves; they now congregate in flocks with the old 

 birds, and resort to the stubble and corn-fields to feed. As night approaches they make long flights to 

 some orchard or weedy field to roost. During these flights, which occur just at dark, many^are'' killed 

 by the telegraph wires which interlace the State. I have picked up numbers of these birds with broken 

 heads, disjointed wings, and severed necks from under one Vire which stretches across a favorite route. 

 At this season their numbers are also thinned by the insatiable hunter, who, placing himself near a 

 roost, can, if a good shot, kill dozens in an evening. The small boy, aUio has not yet become a wing- 

 shot, also kills his share of the Doves. He shoots them in the trees upon which they alight, in tl^e 

 road when feeding, in the yard of a pork-packing house to which they resort for salt, or lon'ie such 

 place, where he can take advantage of their moments of quiet. So persistent and common has this raid 

 become that there is now comparatively few Doves in the State. When no other shooting can be had 

 wmg-shooting at Doves affords tolerable sport, as the birds in the proper season are strong flvers, and 

 require a good charge to penetrate their thick armor. Sometimes in the afternoon when fecdin'o- in 

 stubble they will lie well to a dog, and may then be shot over points like quail; but it is only occa- 

 sionally that they behave in this manner. When properly served, a Dove in good condition is quite 

 eatable; this is all the more reason however for their protection. They should not be killed before 

 October or after February, and never except while on the win^r. 



98 



