mottled Barbs are esteemed
the most common of all pigeons. It is not unlike the Carrier
pigeon, and, at a small distance, might easily be mistaken for
the latter. It has a short beak and a small wattle. A spongy,
pinky skin round the eyes is its chief characteristic, however,
and this increases in size till the bird is three or four years
old. This peculiarity is hardly distinguishable in very young
birds.

[Illustration: BLUE ROCK-PIGEON.]

THE ROCK PIGEON.--This variety, in its wild state, is found upon
the rocky parts of the west of Scotland, and the bold shores of
the Western Isles, more abundant than in any other parts of the
British islands. As the shores of the mainland are exposed to
the muds of the Atlantic, and the comparatively small islands
are surrounded by that ocean, the low grounds exposed to the
west are seldom covered with snow for any length of time, and
thus the birds easily find a supply of food. The numbers which
there congregate are often very great, and the din of their
united cry is sometimes very loud and even alarming. The love of
home and the certainty of returning to it is very conspicuous in
the rock-pigeon or _biset_, as it is called by the French.
Flocks from different parts of the coasts often meet on the
feeding-grounds; but when the time of returning to rest comes
round, each one keeps to its own party.

[Illustration: OWL PIGEONS.]

THE OWL PIGEON.--This pigeon does not seem to be so well known
as it formerly was, if we may judge from the fact that few
modern writers mention it. Like the Turbit pigeon, the Owl has a
remarkable tuft of feathers on the breast, it having been
compared by some to the frill of a shirt, and by others to a
full-blown white rose. In size, it is not quite so large a
pigeon as the Jacobin. It is said to be preferred in France,
above other varieties, as a bird to rear and kill for the table.
In England it is very far from being common; indeed, we have
applied to several keepers of pigeons, who have fancied
themselves acquainted with all the varieties of this bird, and
they have been able to tell us nothing of it. Mr. Harrison Weir,
our artist, however, has made his portrait from the life.

BOILED RABBIT.

[Illustration: BOILED RABBIT.]

977. INGREDIENTS.--Rabbit; water.

_Mode_.--For boiling, choose rabbits