The Black-Capped Pigeon.
This most elegant of species is painted the size of life. It was found on the ground in the isle of Java, having dropped down dead in one of those hot days that are known only in the torrid zone, when the fowls of the air often perish, unable to respire; when lions, leopards, and wolves immerge themselves up to their nostrils in the water, to preserve themselves from the scorching sun; and, when even men themselves have been forced to ascend the highest trees, in order to draw in a more temperate air.
Such a day occasioned the discovery of this species. The fore part of the head, the cheeks, and beginning of the breast were white: the hind part of the head black: the chin yellow.