XCIV.] 
OF SELBORNE. 
253 
had been observed to make sad havoc for some days among the 
new-flown swallows and martins, which, being but lately out of 
their nests, had not acquired those powers and command of wing 
that enal)le them when more mature to set such enemies at 
defiance. 
Every incident that occasions a renewal of our correspondence 
will ever be pleasing and agreeable to me. 
As to the wild wood-pigeon, the cenas, or vinago, of Eay, I 
am much of your mind ; and see no reason for making it the 
origin of the common house-dove : but suppose those that have 
advanced that opinion may have been misled by another appel- 
lation, often given to the mnas, which is that of stock-dove. 
Unless the stock-dove in the winter varies greatly in manners 
from itself in summer, no species seems more unlikely to be 
domesticated, and to make a house-dove. We very rarely see 
the latter settle on trees at all, nor does it ever haunt the woods; 
but the former, as long as it stays with us — from November 
perhaps to February — lives the same wild life with the ring-dove, 
Fahmibus torquatus ; frequents coppices and groves, supports 
itself chiefly by mast, and delights to roost in the tallest beeches. 
sparrow-hawk's egg. 
LETTEE XCIV. 
TO THOMAS PENNANT, ESQ. 
