OF BIRDS. 
143 
STOCK DOVE, ou WOOD-PIGEON. 
The Pigeon, and all its beautiful varieties 
derive their origin from one species, namely! 
die block Dove, a name which implies it 
being the stock or stem whence the other 
domestic kinds have been propagated. This 
bn-d, in its natural state, is of a deep bluish 
ash-colour ; the breast is dashed with a fine 
changeable green and purple; its wings are 
mal ted with two black bars ; and its tail is 
marked near the end with black. These 
Me the colours of the pigeon in a state of 
nature; and by these sunple tints man has 
oy art propagated a variety that words cannot 
desenbe nor even fancy suggest. However, 
natu e still perseveres m her great outline 
and though the form, colour, and even the 
fecundity of these birds may be altered by 
;‘ u ' y et “sir natural manners and inclina- 
“ens continue still the same. 
