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THE DOVECOTE,

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

Pigeons differently constituted to other domestic birds.-Interest attached to them.-Pets of childhood.-Paradoxical increase.-Effect of captivity on the productiveness of some birds.-Beauty of the Columbida.-Earliest history.The olive branch.-Arab legend.-Ancient domestication.-Feral pigeons.Domestic pigeons long established in America.-Not found among the Egyptian monuments.-Ancient pigeon-fanciers.-Messenger birds.-Agents of superstition. Misrepresentation.-Use during sieges.-Ancient pigeon-houses and fatting-places. Cato a pigeon-fatter.-The Mosaic doves of the Capitol.Friendship of the kestrel.-Charms for dovecotes.-Effectual attractions.Patronized by commercial people.

WHAT a wide gulph separates the Pigeons from all our other captive or domestic birds! How completely discrepant are all their modes of increase and action, their whole system of life, their very mind and affections! Compare them with the gallinaceous tribes, and they scarcely seem to belong to the same class of beings. These walk the ground, those glide on air; these lazily gorge and fatten at home, those traverse whole districts and cross wide seas to obtain an independent supply of nutriment. The Gallinacea are sensual and tyrannical; though gallant and chivalrous, yet they are faithless; they are pugnacious, even murderous; and life-destroyers for the gratification of their appetite merely. The Columbida are amorous, beseeching, full of affectionate attachment, quarrelling solely in defence of their mates or their young, content to subsist on fruits

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