406 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



but merely state that I personally have observed a marked dis- 

 tinction between the Pigeon and Dove that appears to apply to 

 the wild varieties of America, Australia, and India, &c, as well 

 as to the British species. For example, observe their gestures 

 during the process of mating. A Dove bows the head, inflates 

 the breast, and expands the tail in air. The Pigeon moves 

 the body in circles, and sweeps the ground with his expanded 

 tail. If I were asked to distinguish between a Dove and a Pigeon 

 unscientifically, I should say, " A Dove bows to his lady-love, but 

 a Pigeon turns his back upon her"; or, "A Dove jumps with 

 delight when he is rewarded with reciprocated affection, whilst a 

 Pigeon merely sweeps his mate along the path of love, ignoring 

 her preferences in the matter." Therefore the British Columbidce 

 would consist of Eing-Dove, Stock-Dove, Turtle-Dove, and 

 Rock-Pigeon. My present knowledge of comparative structural 

 anatomy restrains me from drawing scientific distinctions, but 

 possibly mere observations may in course of time become con- 

 firmed by facts. 



