PIGEON. O 



and their return in spring, but later observations do not confirm the 

 continuance of this habit, at least it is not now noticed. Be it as it 

 may, many are found among the rocks, ruined edifices, and mountains, 

 in the more northern parts, the whole year, though others prefer the 

 woody tracts, building in the holes of decayed trees ; hence the 

 different name of Rock Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon. 



The first remove of Pigeons from their wild state is that to the 

 Dove-house, where finding every convenience for building the nest 

 at hand, added to the procuring food on much easier terms than 

 when absolutely wild, they are for the most part contented with 

 their situation ; yet these may be called, but half domesticated, as 

 they vary but little in colour, and are very apt to return to such 

 haunts as they originally possessed : not so in respect to the tame 

 Pigeons ; for they, looking only to their keeper for food, search no 

 further; nay, were they deprived of that, would be in hazard of 

 perishing for want, not being accustomed to provide for themselves; 

 we mean such as are kept by Pigeon fanciers, who teach them to 

 bear the confinement of the house; finding plenty of food, they do not 

 regret the want of liberty ; indeed, there are many Pigeons kept by 

 various people, which are called tame, but are not attended to with 

 such strictness as the fancy Pigeons, and though they may find some 

 food at home, are obliged to seek the greater part abroad. 



In the wild state, Pigeons have two broods in a year, and in the 

 first period of confinement, sometimes three, increasing in propor- 

 tion as they are more or less domesticated ; and when in complete 

 confinement, with a full supply of food, are said to lay ten or more 

 times in a year. This, however, will not appear so wonderful as at 

 first may be thought, as it is more or less the case with all kinds of 

 poultry, the origin of which is well known not to vary in the wild 

 state. It is on this ground that we are indebted, for all the varieties of 

 the finest fruits, luxuriant vegetables for the table, and endless variety 

 of the flowering part of the creation, wholly owing to culture; 



