CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 
2S 
[It has been denied that eggs incubated several days, and then allowed to cool, 
will be hatched on again receiving the warmth of the parent’s breast. But we 
can fully support Mr. Bensted’s experience on this point. If the chicks are 
vigorous, there is no need for any external assistance in extricating them from 
the shell. 
We are well aw'are of the class of subscribers we lose by advocating the cause 
of truth; but in fact the predicted u decrease” from this cause has proved an 
increase. We write wholly apart from all mercenary considerations; but are 
naturally pleased to find that the path selected has given almost universal 
satisfaction. 
Trees frost-bitten or otherwise weakened, generally receive furious attacks from 
the insect tribes early in spring.—E d.] 
CHAPTER OF CRITICISM. 
The Ring Pigeon Eats the Bulbs of Turnips. 
. To the Editor of The Naturalist. 
Dear Sir, —In The Naturalist , Vol. III., p. 290, I stated that during-last 
winter the Ring Pigeon (Columbapalumbus) not only eat the leaves but also 
scooped holes in the sides of the bulbs; and in a note you ask, if I am sure of 
this, and state that the fact is new to you. Having repeatedly observed them 
thus employed, I had no doubt of it when I wrote to you, and I have since had 
it confirmed. In an entomological excursion which I lately took to the west o^ 
Fife, I happened to pass through the town of Auchtermuchty, on the day on 
which the great annual fair was held. I there met with five or six farmers, 
some of them extensive Turnip-growers, and thought this an admirable oppor¬ 
tunity of ascertaining if it was known to them that the Ring Pigeon eats the 
bulbs of the Turnips. On the question being proposed, they all agreed that it 
does so; and the following facts were ascertained :—That the Ring Pigeon eats 
the leaves of the Turnip first; that it also eats the bulbs; that it eats the bulbs 
even although the winter is not very severe; that it prefers the bulb of the 
Swedish Turnip to any other; next the Yellow Turnip, and when neither of 
these can be procured, it takes the white; that when these holes are made, the 
frost causes the Turnip to rot, and thus great quantities of them are destroyed. 
I have since inquired of several other farmers on the same subject. They are 
