16 



GROUND DOVE. 



These birds seem to be confined to the districts lying south of 

 Virginia. They are plenty on the upper parts of Cape Fear river, 

 and in the interior of Carolina and Georgia; but I have never met 

 with them either in Maryland, Delaware or Pennsylvania. They 

 never congregate in such multitudes as the common Wild Pigeon; 

 or even as the Carolina Pigeon or Turtle Dove; but, li':e the Par- 

 tridge or Quail, frequent the open fields in small coveys. They 

 are easily tamed, have a low tender cooing note accompanied with 

 the usual gesticulations of their tribe. 



The Ground Dove is a bird of passage, retiring to the islands 

 and to the more southerly parts of the continent on the approach 

 of winter, and returning to its former haunts early in April. It 

 is of a more slender and delicate form, and less able to bear the 

 rigors of cold, than either of the other two species common in the 

 United States, both of which are found in the northern regions of 

 Canada, as well as in the genial climate of Florida. 



The Dove, generally speaking, has long been considered as 

 the favorite emblem of peace and innocence, probably from the 

 respectful manner in which its name is mentioned in various parts 

 of Scripture; its being selected from among all the birds by Noah 

 to ascertain the state of the deluge, and returning to the ark, bearing 

 the olive leaf as a messenger of peace and good tidings ; the Holy 

 Ghost, it is also said, was seen to descend like a dove from heaven, 

 &c. &c. In addition to these, there is in the Dove an appearance 

 of meekness and innocency very interesting, and well calculated to 

 secure our partiality in its favor. These remarks are applicable 

 to the whole genus ; but are more particularly so to the species 

 now before us, as being among the least, the most delicate and in- 

 offensive of the whole. 



The Ground Dove is six inches and a quarter long; bill yel- 

 low, black at the point; nostril covered with a prominent mem- 

 brane, as is usual with the genus; iris of the eye orange red; front, 

 throat, breast and sides of the neck pale vinaceous purple ; the fea- 



