150 
NATURAL HISTORY, 
which covers the ground ; and after these come 
eagles, buzzards, crows, and other carrion birds. 
129. Were a computation to be made of the num- 
ber of Pigeons that pass over some parts of the West 
in a single day, supposing the flock to be a mile in 
breadth, which is often the case, that they move at 
the rate of a mile in a minute, and allowing two 
Pigeons to every square yard, it would amount to 
one billion one hundred and fifteen millions one hun- 
dred and thirty-six thousand. 
THE TURTLE DOVE. 
130. The Turtle Dove is smaller than the wild 
pigeon, and is easily distinguished from it by the 
yellow iris of the eye, and by a beautiful crimson 
circle that encompasses the eyelids. 
131. The note of this bird is very tender and 
plaintive. The fidelity of the Turtle Dove to its 
mate has furnished poets and sentimental writers 
with the most beautiful allusions ; and it is generally 
How is the Turtle Dove distinguished ? What is said of its 
fidelity ? 
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