gion. A. R. Wallace (_Ibis_, 1865, pp. 365-400) considers
that they attain their maximum development in the Papuan Subregion,
where, though the land area is less than one-sixth that of Europe, more
than a quarter of all the species (some 300 in number) known to exist
are found--owing, he suggests, to the absence of forest-haunting and
fruit-eating mammals, which are in most cases destructive to eggs also.

To a small group of birds the name dove is, however, especially
applicable in common parlance. This is the group containing the
turtle-doves--the time-honoured emblem of tenderness and conjugal love.
The common turtle-dove of Europe (_Turtur auritus_) is one of those
species which are gradually extending their area. In England, in the
18th century, it seems to have been chiefly, if not solely, known in the
southern and western counties. Though in the character of a straggler
only, it now reaches the extreme north of Scotland, and is perhaps
nowhere more abundant than in many of the midland and eastern counties
of England. On the continent of Europe the same thing has been observed,
though indeed not so definitely; and this species has appeared as a
casual visitor within the Arctic Circle. Its graceful form and the
delicate harmony of its modest colouring are proverbial. The species is
migratory, reaching Europe late in April and retiring in September.
Another species, and one perhaps better known from being commonly kept
in confinement, is that called by many the collared or Barbary dove (_T.
risorius_)--the second English name probably indicating that it was by
way of the Barbary coast that it was brought to England. This is
distinguished by its cream-coloured plumage and black necklace.
(A. N.)

FOOTNOTE:

[1] _The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication_
(London, 1868), vol. i. pp. 131-224.

DOVER, GEORGE JAMES WELBORE AGAR-ELLIS, BARON (1797-1833), English man
of letters, born on the 14th of January 1797, was the only son of the
2nd Viscount Clifden. He was educated at Westminster school and at
Christ Church, Oxford. In 1818 he was returned to parliament as member
for Heytesbury. He afterwards represented Seaford (1820), Ludgershall
(1826) and Okehampton (1830). He seconded Canning's motion in 1822 for a
bill to relieve the disabilities of Roman Catholic peers, and
consistently supported liberal principles. In party politics, however,
he took little interest, but he zealously adv