WOOD PIGEON. 
G3 
would require a series of generations to accustom 
them to domesticity ; the few instances where suc- 
cessful taming has been accomplished, having 
been attended with great trouble and attention. 
Mr. Y arrell mentions, that they have bred in the 
aviary at Kuowlsley, and that a pair in the 
Zoological G ardens constructed a nest, which was 
unfortunately destroyed. 
The prevailing colour of this beautiful bird is 
blueish-grey, being dark on the back and wing- 
coverts, and forming there, as it were, a mantle. 
The breast and under parts are brownish purple- 
red, shading to paler on vent, and being nearly pure 
white on the under tail-covers ; the breast and 
sides of the neck exhibit rich green and purple 
reflections, and the sides of the latter are marked 
with a conspicuous patch of dull white, having 
the webs of the feathers there unconnected. The 
quills are blackish -grey, margined with white. 
The shoulders white, and form a conspicuous mark 
on the wings during flight. The ample tail is 
blackish-grey, with a dark band at the extremity. 
The bill is orange, brownish-red above the nos- 
trils, and at the base covered with a white scaly 
substance. Feet and legs purplish-red. In the first 
plumage the feathers are edged with pale yellow- 
ish-brown, and even after this state has been 
changed, the breast does not receive the rich re- 
flected play of colours, nor the sides of the neck 
the white patch, and all the other markings are 
less distinct. 
