Ring-dove,
Palurnbus torquatus:
Lays the beginning of April.
All birds that continue in full song till after Midsummer appear to
me to breed more than once.
Most kinds of birds seem to me to be wild and shy somewhat in
proportion to their bulk; I mean in this island, where they are much
pursued and annoyed: but in Ascension-island, and many other
desolate places, mariners have found fowls so unacquainted with
an human figure, that they would stand still to be taken; as is the
case with boobies, etc. As an example of what is advanced, I
remark that the golden-crested wren (the smallest British bird) will
stand unconcerned till you come within three or four yards of it,
while the bustard (otis), the largest British land fowl, does not care
to admit a person within so many furlongs.
I am, etc.
Letter III
To The Honourable Daines Barrington
Selborne, Jan. 15, 1770.
Dear Sir,
It was no small matter of satisfaction to me to find that you were
not displeased with my little methodus of birds.
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