n, which he derives from one root,--viz.
the stockdove, or common wild pigeon. All the varieties of
colour and form which we witness, he attributes to human
contrivance and fancy. Nevertheless, there exist essentially
specific differences in these birds, which would appear to be
attributable rather to the nature of the region, soil, and
climate to which they are indigenous, than to the art and
ingenuity of man. The stockdove, in its wild state, is still
found in some parts of Britain, forming its nest in the holes of
rocks, old towers, and in the hollows of trees; it never,
however, like the ringdove, nestles in the branches. Multitudes
of wild pigeons still visit our shores in the winter, coming
from their more northerly retreats, making their appearance
about November, and retiring again in the spring. When forests
of beechwood covered large tracts of the ground of this country,
these birds used to haunt them in myriads, frequently covering a
mile of ground in extent when they went out in the morning to
feed.

STEWED PIGEONS.

976. INGREDIENTS.--6 pigeons, a few slices of bacon, 3 oz. of butter, 2
tablespoonfuls of minced parsley, sufficient stock No. 104 to cover the
pigeons, thickening of butter and flour, 1 tablespoonful of mushroom
ketchup, 1 tablespoonful of port wine.

_Mode_.--Empty and clean the pigeons thoroughly, mince the livers, add
to these the parsley and butter, and put it into the insides of the
birds. Truss them with the legs inward, and put them into a stewpan,
with a few slices of bacon placed under and over them; add the stock,
and stew gently for rather more than 1/2 hour. Dish the pigeons, strain
the gravy, thicken it with butter and flour, add the ketchup and port
wine, give one boil, pour over the pigeons, and serve.

_Time_.--Rather more than 1/2 hour. _Average cost_, 6d. to 9d. each.

_Sufficient_ for 4 or 5 persons.

_Seasonable_ from April to September.

[Illustration: FANTAIL PIGEONS.]

THE FANTAIL PIGEON.--This curious variety is inferior in point
of size to most of the other varieties, and is characterized by
having a short, slender bill, pendent wings, and naked legs and
feet. It has the power of erecting its tail in the manner of a
turkey-cock; during which action, especially when paying court
to it's mate, it trembles or shakes, like the peacock when
moving about with his train e