cause they are apt to corrode the oil of the painting, and thus expose the colours to material injury from the slightest friction. Alkaline solutions, or spirituous liquors, therefore, should be used only for particular spots, that have resisted the action of simple water, the oil of olives, or fresh butter. If these substances were timely resorted to, they would, in general, restore the picture to its pristine beauty, without affecting the delicacy of its shades.
Pig. See Hog.
Pig-Nut. See Earth-Nut.
PIGEON, or Columba, L. a genus of birds, consisting of 70 species, of which the œnas, or Domestic Pigeon, is a native of Britain. It is in general of a blueish ash-colour, and weighs from twelve to sixteen ounces.
This bird, vith all its numerous varieties of tumblers, carriers, powts, &c. is derived from one species, denominated the stock-dove. In a wild state, it breeds in the holes of rocks, and in hollow-trees; but is easily reclaimed, and induced to build in artificial cavities, assigned for its habitation, where it becomes completely domesticated.
Pigeons are uncommonly prolific: and, though the hens, or Doves, lay only two eggs for each brood, yet those reared about the house, and suffered to fly abroad in quest of food, breed eight times in the year; nay, the species termed monthly pigeons, produce young ones almost every month: hence, it has been computed, that from one pair of these birds, if properly managed, the astonishing number of 14,760 may be obtained in the course of four years. It is farther remarkable, that the eggs laid in the afternoon are generally addled; that the dove sits on her eggs from three o'clock in the afternoon till eight in the morning; that the male performs this office during the rest of the time; and that the term of incubation is from 17 to 20 days.—They attain an age of 12 years; though, after the fourth year, their fecundity begins to diminish. An open situation, and a free exposure to the sun's rays, equally contribute to their prosperity: while common salt and nitre ought to be frequently given them, in order to preserve their health.
Pigeons are esteemed as a delicacy at the table, especially when young, and properly fed:—their dung is an excellent manure for particular soils (see vol. ii. p. 198); beside which, these birds are of great service in farms where wheat is chiefly cultivated: because they devour the seeds of weeds, that would otherwise impede the growth of the corn.
PIGEON-HOUSE, or Dove-cote, a structure usually erected of wood, for the accommodation and rearing of pigeons.
Dove-cotes ought to be built of a moderate height, and spacious, so that the birds may find sufficient room to fly about them with ease; and, in case any external object should alarm them, that they may readily escape. In constructing the nests, it will be advisable to interweave wickers, in imitation of those formed by wild pigeons; as they will thus be more easily domesticated, and have no inducement to forsake their habitations.
Should any repairs become necessary in the cote, or in the nests, it will be proper to complete them before the middle of the day; because, if the pigeons be disturbed
