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 the 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." 
