PASSENGER PIGEON 127 



ing-place of these birds in Michigan so recently as 

 1866, says: "The birds arrived in two separate bodies, 

 the largest of which formed a compact mass of 

 Pigeons at least five miles long by one mile wide. The 

 nesting area extended for a distance of eight miles 

 through hardwood timber, then crossed a river, . . . 

 and thence stretched through pinewoods about twenty 

 miles." 



These birds were subjected to merciless persecu- 

 tion, being shot by thousands and the flesh of the 

 young used for food. They became enormously fat 

 and were sometimes killed merely for the oil that was 

 extracted from the fat. It is not easy to understand, 

 however, why the Passenger Pigeon should have be- 

 come completely exterminated in so short a time, as it 

 would seem that a few straggling flocks or individuals 

 might still be in existence. But although the entire 

 country has been searched again and again by expert 

 naturalists in search of these birds, none have been dis- 

 covered in recent years, those purporting to be of this 

 species usually proving to be specimens of the Mourn- 

 ing Dove or Zenaida. 



There are many species of Turtle Doves, all inhabi- 

 tants of the Old World. The one figured is frequently 

 seen in collections. It is quite abundant in certain 

 parts of the British Islands during the summer 

 months. Another species commonly seen in captivity 

 is cream-coloured* These birds are popularly sup- 

 posed to have a strong affection for each other, prob- 

 ably from their habit of nestling close together when 

 perching. As a matter of fact. Pigeons in general are 

 rather quarrelsome and disagreeable toward each 



