248 



THE DOVECOT PIGEON. 



sequence of this, the flues were no longer heated, 

 and they have continued in disuse since that time. 

 Though owls, and hawks, and crows, and magpies, 

 are allowed an unmolested range in the vicinity 

 of this dovecot, still it is acknowledged to be one 

 of the most productive in the county. 



There is a peculiarity in the habits of the dovecot 

 pigeon which ought not to pass unnoticed. Though 

 this bird will often perch on trees in the daytime, 

 it has never been known to roost on them during 

 the night. Neither will it pass the night in the 

 open air, except in cases of the greatest emergency. 

 I have an aged elm here, of gigantic size, to which 

 both the dovecot pigeon and t*he wild ring-pigeon 

 will frequently resort. It is amusing to watch the 

 peculiar habits of these two different species of 

 birds. They seem to come to the tree solely for 

 their own convenience, and not with any intention 

 to enjoy each other's company ; and they appear to 

 be as devoid of mutual signs of courtesy, as are 

 our own countrymen when seated in a foreign 

 diligence. I am positive that there will never be 

 a union betwixt the dovecot pigeon and the ring- 

 dove. A long series of observations, which I have 

 been enabled to make, tends to convince me more 

 and more of the impossibility. 



The dovecot pigeons, like the rest of the genus, 

 are remarkable for retiring to their roost at an 

 early hour, and for leaving it late in the morning ; 

 thus fulfilling only half of poor Richard's maxim of, 



Early to bed, and early to rise, 



Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." 



