746 
BIRD-LIFE. 
eats the seeds-of different grasses, and, like the Common 
Pigeon, destroys those of the various kinds of wild 
vetch, which are so injurious to the agriculturist. Thus 
the Wood Pigeon is decidedly a useful bird. In the autumn 
they feed on bilberries; * in the spring, on the buds of 
trees and male catkins; and abroad, the produce of the 
ever-green oak. 
If the sportsman wishes to stalk this bird with success, 
he must approach it when in the act of cooing. Though 
difficult to catch, it is, however, easily reared by hand 
when taken from the nest, or if placed under the care of 
tame Pigeons. Pietruvsky was the first person who 
succeeded in inducing Wood Pigeons, so reared, to breed 
in confinement. Since then, individuals that have been 
caught have been known to breed in several zoological 
gardens. 
* The Wood Pigeon also feeds largely on acorns.— W. J. 
