442 



British Cage Birds. 



Song. — The Stock Dove lias a peculiar voice ; it does not 

 ''coo/' but utters a harsh, disagreeable note, which Mudie likens 

 to a '' hollow grunt " ; the sound is a sort of hollow rumbling, 

 which it repeats at intervals. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Size, form, brilliancy 

 and purit}^ of colour ; close, compact feathering ; erect carriage 

 and graceful bearing, with an abundance of sheen radiating the 

 neck and breast. Good condition, and freedom from dirt, are 

 the chief points for consideration. 



General Eemarks. — Stock Doves reared by pigeons and 

 kept in an outdoor aviary will breed with common House 

 Doves ; but if granted their liberty, they will depart in the 

 autumn, when the period of migration arrives. The young, 

 the produce of this cross, generally show the distinctive 

 features of one or other of their parents. Stock Doves are 

 very timid birds, and if unduly interfered with during incuba- 

 tion will forsake their eggs. 



Diseases and their Treatment, — See remarks on the Eing- 

 dove (Chapter LXXVIII., p. 430) under this heading ; Stock 

 Doves, being subject to the same diseases, require the same 

 treatment. 



