The Ring-dove. 



433 



wheat or barley meal. The food should be placed between 

 two pieces of stick, hollowed out and shaped to resemble the 

 bill of the bird, though much larger, as the young feed by 

 inserting their bills into those of their parents, and must be 

 trained to do so between the pieces of wood, as they will 

 not open their mouths to be fed, but will help themselves 

 to food in this way. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The hen is 

 slightly paler in colour than the cock, and this is most 

 noticeable about the head, neck, and breast. The green and 

 purple reflections about the neck are scarcely so extensive or 

 brilliant as those on the male bird ; but the difference 

 between the sexes is very trivial. 



Song. — The Eing-dove's soft, plaintive " Coo-coo, Oo-co- 

 Cooo-roo-roo-o-o-o," is familiar to most people. It has a 

 thrilling, although sometimes a saddening effect, when heard 

 on a calm summer eve, in a lonely, sequestered wood. The 

 tone of voice, however, is not always the same ; it is mostly 

 of the wooing, amorous kind, and when so has a soothing 

 influence ; at other times it is mournful, and painfully pathetic, 

 almost dejecting, but always soft and gentle, and never offen- 

 sive to the ear. The voice of the Eing-dove is only heard, 

 as a rule, at the pairing season, and during fine weather. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — A male bird should 

 be selected for exhibition purposes, as the points to be observed 

 are size, contour, plumage, and carriage. The body must be 

 well formed and massive ; the chest deep and broad ; legs 

 rather short ; head sleek and fine, and the eyes clear and 

 bright. The body feathers must be close-fitting, and firm in 

 texture. The colour should be pure, of a nice greyish blue 

 on the head, back, &c., the breast being reddish purple, and 

 decided. The white neck markings should be well formed 

 and distinct, and the tail bar broad, and intense in hue. 

 The sheen on the neck and breast should be brilliant in 

 iridescent reflections; the legs and feet should be red. Good 

 condition and cleanliness are indispensable. 



General Eemarks. — Eing-doves may be kept in an out- 

 door aviary with Turtle or other varieties of Doves. They 

 do not attempt to breed in confinement. If kept with pigeons, 

 and permitted their liberty at spring time, they will in all 

 probability fly away to the woods to pursue their amours, ac- 



2 F 



