The pigeon
The pigeons a common bird found all over the world. Some kinds of pigeons are found in almost all countries. There are three wild kinds in England; the wood pigeon, the rock dove and the stock dove which is also found in India.
But men by breeding pigeons from the wild kinds have made many fancy breeds like the tumbler pigeon which turns in the air when flying; the fan tail pigeon spreads out its tail in the shape of a fan. The pouter pigeon has a very large, round chest. The homing pigeon is used for carrying messages and there are many other kinds also.
Pigeons are bred and kept for food, like fowls. They make good eating and wild pigeons are hunted and shot for the same reason. Pigeon pie Is a favourite dish in England.
The pretty pigeons of the fancy kind are also kepi and brought up as pets. They are very tame and will feet out of their masters’ hand and sit on his head and shoulders.
They are found in great numbers in certain towns and holy places where they are the favorites of the people. They are not hunted or killed.
Above the dome of the St. Paul’s Cathedral and other churches in England and the big towers of the famous temples in South India, it is a pretty sight to see the flocks of pigeons flying about. In India, in many of the mosques also, we find such flocks of Pigeons harbored and protected.
They come down on the ground often to be fed by visitors and passers-by.
The homing pigeon is called so because, however far you take it from its home or the place where it was bred, it will always find its way back there when you let it go.
Even if it is taken in a train, in a closed train, in a closed basket, so that it cannot see where it is going and when it is let go, it somehow always finds the way back. These pigeons are very strong and fast fliers as indeed most pigeons are. So these home coming pigeons are used to carry messages which are written on small bits of paper and tied under their legs or wings. They are therefore like post men.
The dove is a bird of meekness and love. It is very pleasant to hear doves cooing or crowing on a warm sleepy afternoon-a sweet, gentle and soothing sound.
